TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW)_ K-State and KU fans will gather in Manhattan and Lawrence Thursday marking the start of college football season. Pep rallies with the head coaches from both programs will get fans pumped for the weekend's games.

In downtown Manhattan K-State fans will take to the street with the Purple Power Play on Poyntz. Activities for fans get going at 5 p.m. Thursday, including an inflatable carnival for kids. Head Football Coach Bill Snyder and student athletes will take center stage around 8 p.m.

A full schedule of events can be found here.

In downtown Lawrence KU fans will take to Mass Street Thursday for a block party and pep rally. According to KUSports.com a kids zone opens at 5.

KU Head Football Coach Turner Gill will broadcast his first "Hawk Talk" radio show of the season from Buffalo Wild Wings at 6 p.m. Afterwards he'llt alk to fans outside.

The KU Pep Band and Cheerleaders will lead the crowd in chants and song all evening.