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Funding approved for renovation of WSU’s Cessna Stadium

Funding approved for renovation of WSU’s Cessna Stadium

Funding approved for renovation of WSU’s Cessna Stadium

cessna-rendering

The Wichita State University Board of Trustees has approved funding for the first phases of a plan to renovate Cessna Stadium.

The $11.8 million project will create a new stadium for more than 10,000 spectators, and it will also have an 8-lane track and space for a soccer field.

The plan will maintain the seating and other infrastructure that will be needed for WSU to continue to host the annual Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship.  It will also provide facilities for the Wichita State track and field teams.

Demolition of the east stands of Cessna Stadium will be handled as a separate project.   The west side of the stadium, with a capacity around 12,000, will remain standing.

Phase 1A is expected to begin in August, 2023, and it will include improvements for the east side of the existing track, utility work, a grass seating area for 2,390 spectators, new free-standing field lights and a ticket pavilion,.

Phase 1B will start in June, 2024 and it will widen the existing grass field to provide for a regulation-sized soccer field.  It will reconfigure the 8-lane track around the widened field and new aluminum bleacher seating will be provided at the north and south side of the track for 3,460 spectators.

Phase 2A will be the demolition of the existing west Cessna Stadium structure, and that will begin as soon as June, 2025.   The new west stadium structure will be constructed in Phase 2B with seating for 4,190.   Phase 2B will also have a pedestrian plaza between Charles Koch Arena and the new stadium to allow for food trucks, merchandise tents and public space.  The total cost for Phases 2A and 2B is estimated at $39.5 million, and it will be covered by university funds, private gifts and other local funding sources.

 

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