The Wichita State University Board of Trustees approved funding for $11.8 million to help fund phases 1A and 1B for the capital improvement plan to replace Cessna Stadium.
When completed, the new university stadium will accommodate more than 12,000 spectators and include a 9-lane track and space for a soccer field.
Phasing has been developed around maintaining the spectator seating and other infrastructure required for the annual Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship and the Wichita State track and field teams.
- Demolition of the east stands of Cessna Stadium was completed in August 2023. The west side of the stadium, capacity around 12,000, will remain standing to allow for continued operation of the Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship. Tessere was selected by the university to lead the design of the stadium. It is supported by Populus, which is nationally renowned for their work on sport facilities. Crossland construction was selected in April 2024 as construction manager at risk for Phase 1A and 1B of the project.
- Phase 1A programming started in August 2023 and will includes improvements on the east side of the existing track (underground utility work, a seating area seating for 5,500, new free-standing field lights, ticket pavilion, restroom/concession building, and plaza). Physical work on Phase 1A is scheduled to start late summer of 2024 and conclude before the state track meet in May 2025.
- Phase 1B will widen the existing grass field to accommodate a regulation-sized soccer field and reconfigures the 8-lane track to a 9-lane track around the widened field. This phase also includes tiered grass seating at the north and south side of the track to accommodate team camps for state track or spectators for other events. Phase 1B is scheduled to begin June 2025 and be complete by February 2026.
- Phase 2A, the demolition of the existing west Cessna Stadium structure, can begin as early as June 2026. A new west stadium structure with seating for 6,500 will be built as Phase 2B. The new west stadium would include a single level of press boxes and suites, offices/locker rooms/team room areas for a future soccer team, as well as restrooms, concessions and storage rooms.
- Phase 2B also incorporates a pedestrian plaza between Charles Koch Arena and the new stadium to allow for food trucks, merchandise tents and public space adjacent to the stadium.
The total project cost of Phase 2A/2B is anticipated to be approximately $39.5 million. Funding for Phase 2A/2B will be a combination of university funds, private gifts and other local funding sources.
The information on this page is accurate as of May 2, 2024. Comment on this topic.