Board of Trustees approves first phases for Cessna Stadium renovation

In September, the Wichita State University Board of Trustees approved funding for phases 1A and 1B for the capital improvement plan to remake Cessna Stadium into a state-of-the-art home for Wichita State athletics, university and community events and the Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship.

“We are planning to host the KSHSAA Track and Field Championships in Wichita both during, and long after, this renovation project is complete,” Wichita State director of athletics Kevin Saal said.

Timing of all demolition and renovations will be scheduled to avoid interruption of the Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship in future years.
Demolition of the east stands of Cessna Stadium will begin immediately after the state track meet this year. Phase 1A begins in the fall with work scheduled to begin on improvements on the east side of the existing track (underground utility work, seating area for approximately 3,600 with a combination of bleacher seats and terraces designed for tents, free-standing field lights, fencing, ticket pavilion, restroom/storage buildings, and plaza). Work is scheduled to be completed before the 2024 Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship.
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. Demolition of the west side of the stadium can begin as early as June 2025.
Capacity of the stadium, when completed, is planned for approximately 13,500.
Phase 1B begins after the 2024 Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship and includes widening the field and a 9-lane track. Bleacher seating on the north and south sides of the stadium is included.
Future phases include a new west stadium structure with seating for more than 6,000. The new west stadium would include a single level of press boxes and viewing decks, offices/locker rooms/team room areas for a future soccer team, as well as restrooms, concessions and storage rooms.
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 stadium opened in 1946 as Veterans Field and was expanded and renamed Cessna Stadium in 1969.
Wichita State has served as the host for all classes of the Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship since 1970, except for 1978 when track renovation split the classes into three locations (Salina, Augusta, Wichita).