The Bill Snyder Stadium Master Plan represents a historic step towards the future of Kansas State University and K-State Athletics, Inc. The Stadium and its associated activities are an integral part of the campus athletic experience as well as a major recruiting tool for all K-State sports and the University in general. This facility should also express the success, pride and tradition of K-State Football. It must contribute to the attitude where every student athlete aspires to play a major role in continuing the tradition of KSU athletics.
Top Master Plan Priorities
|
||||
|
|
|
||
Phase I: Fan Amenities & Student-Athlete Safety --- New Restrooms on the East Side Upper Concourse |
Phase II: West Side Stadium Expansion--- A new Northwest Gateway to Campus:
|
Phase III: Student Athlete and Hospitality Amenities--- Strength and Conditioning Center |
||
|
|
|
||
Phase IV: Miscellaneous Enhancement Opportunities--- Potential TBD Space (condo, office, retail, etc.) |
Phase V: Connections / Seating Adjustments / Additions --- Potential Seating Additions |
Phase VI: Football Training Facility Upgrades--- Update of Vanier Complex / Existing Training Facility |
||
The vision set forth in the Master Plan is intended to serve as a planning tool to guide the future development of the west side of the Athletic Campus. The plan is a composite of many individual plans but each requiring separate design efforts. Implementation of this phased plan will require an active and continuing process that relies on robust strategies to respond to unforeseen circumstances. The plan has the potential to change or evolve, but will retain its ultimate goal of providing the best opportunity for Kansas State Athletics to flourish and succeed in supporting President Schulz’s K-State 2025 Visionary Plan.
The magnitude of the Master Plan and variability of funding indicates that work will be phased over the course of the next 15 years. Phase I work was completed in 2011 and Phase II is projected to start in the Spring of 2012.
New Restrooms on the East Side Upper Concourse
New men’s, women’s and “family” restrooms on the Upper Concourse of the East Side of the football stadium have dramatically improved the experience of the fans in Bill Snyder Family Stadium’s 6,000 seat upper deck. No restrooms previously existed on this level, requiring fans to instead navigate four flights of stairs to access the ground level restrooms. The additional Upper Concourse restrooms also reduced the demand on the existing ground level restrooms thus improving the experience of all East Side fans.
Concession Area Updates
In partnership with athletics concessionaire Sodexo, refurbishments and graphic updates were completed primarily in the East and South stadium areas.
New Turf for Dave Wagner Field
K-State’s field turf had reached the end of its service life and was replaced prior to the 2011 season. To enhance player safety and the appearance of the field, the new turf extends all the way from the end zone to the base of the spectator wall.
A New Northwest Gateway to Campus
For the thousands who arrive daily at K-State from the north and west, as well as those traveling to the NBAF site via Manhattan Regional Airport and Kimball Avenue, the existing exterior west approach of Bill Snyder Family Stadium simply is not representational of the beauty and tradition of the historic Kansas State University Campus. With large scale traditional limestone and architecture reminiscent of the heart of campus, the new west side structure will make a strong first impression to all who see it as to the commitment of Kansas State University to a world class environment for both academics and athletics.
Student-Athlete Dining Hall
The addition of a long desired Student-Athlete Dining Hall on the stadium grounds will dramatically improve the experience of Wildcat student-athletes in all sports. Currently only five of 16 K-State varsity teams regularly access the Derby training table line. The design and operation of the proposed facility will give all 444 K-State student-athletes the option of utilizing the training table. The location in proximity to team locker rooms and practice and study areas will result in a more efficient use of student-athlete time, most significantly during the competition season.
The potential inclusion of the training table meal program into KSA’s existing food service contract and the dual use of the space on game days as a general or premium stadium dining area will provide cost and operational efficiencies to the department while improving the fan experience.
Additional benefits would include a growth in the unity of K-State student-athletes across team lines and the ability to manage the specialized and diverse nutritional needs of K-State’s world-class student-athletes population.
The space itself will be designed with an ESPN Zone type theme and incorporate both a dining facility and buffet style serving area. Models providing the operation of the facility as an extension of or in conjunction with University Dining Services will be explored as well.
Adjacent spaces may allow for the development of branded light retail operations such as coffee or sandwich shops, intended to also serve the high general student population residing to the immediate west and south of the sports complex.
Commissary
A comprehensive kitchen commissary will service the football stadium, Bramlage Coliseum and the training table, providing all fans better game day options and quality.
Hall of Fame
A completely redesigned Main West side Ground Level Concourse will provide a canvas for a dynamic K-State Athletics Hall of Fame. Rather than a static, stand alone space, environmental graphics and memorabilia will be displayed across the Main Concourse, telling the story of the K-State Athletics’ tradition and successes. In addition, images and graphics could be utilized to radiate the energy of a dynamic program and winning tradition. Highlighting the history of all Wildcat varsity sports, the Big 12, alumni who played professionally, jerseys, images and memorabilia will emphasize the connection between past and future.
Ticket Office
The customer service capacity of K-State Athletics will be enhanced with the addition of a ticket office from Bramlage to a parking lot level location adjacent to the Main West Side Stadium entrance. Exterior and interior windows shall be provided along with office spaces, storage and a vault.
New Concessions
The West Side Concessions stands are badly outdated and totally inadequate. Brand new concession stands will increase the efficiency and food product options for fans while increasing revenue. Concessions will be branded and themed in concert with the architecture.
New Restrooms
Existing West Side Restrooms are insufficient in numbers and amenities. Multiple new restroom facilities will be appropriately located throughout the facility, each with water closets and / or urinals, lavatories, mirrors, and paper towel / trash receptacles.
New Team Store
A new retail store will be integrated into the main entrance of the addition. The Team Store will be centrally located, highly visible and designed in a fashion to allow for non-game day retail sales. Storage for merchandise will be located in close proximity.
Potential Office Space
The program may allow for the allocation of future office space. This scope of work may or may not be built-out in the first phase. The space shall include offices, meeting rooms, break rooms, storage and other program elements. These spaces will utilize existing amenities such as Press, Suites, and President’s Lounge during non-game functions.
Media / Broadcast / Operations Level
The design of this level will include state-of-the-art network television broadcast and camera positions on the 50-yard line along with additional booths for additional TV, internet, radio, instant replay, coaches, home and visiting Athletics Director and special guests. The writing press will shift to the south section of the level and support work space and media dining capacity will be improved. Another important feature of the new facility will be a unified command post featuring updated weather and surveillance electronics.
University Entertainment and Event Spaces
Kansas State University is a comprehensive, national land grant university with world renowned programs. Football game Saturdays represent the largest regular gatherings of the extended university community. The existing west side structure provides zero large gathering spaces and the existing President’s suite is completely inadequate to host prospective donors, institutional friends and business leaders. The proposed space would be designed to seat a minimum of 100 patrons with interior lounge space for 300 to accommodate the growing demands of the University to entertain leaders in the education, research and business world. On non-game days the area would provide a dynamic space for multiple events and gatherings and potential rental revenue source.
Upscale Revenue Seating
K-State currently has a suite waiting list which existing inventory cannot service as well as a perceptible demand for state of the art flexible amenity options such as loge suites, high end club seating and terrace lounges. The additional luxury and amenity spaces will create viable new long term revenue streams to service existing and future growth of the athletic department.
West Side Landscaping and Approach Plaza
Landscaping features and a grand plaza improve entry aesthetics while enhancing K-State’s renowned tailgating tradition.
Field Lighting
Modern efficient and stylish field lighting mounted on top of the structure will enable the removal of the four unsightly west light towers.
Strength and Conditioning Area
The speed, agility and strength of all K-State student-athletes will benefit from a convenient and state of the art multi-level 20,000 square foot facility.
Varsity Club
A permanent Varsity Club area will prove a comfortable and consistent space for former K-State student-athletes to gather with their teammates and families, thus reinforcing the unity and traditions of Wildcat Athletics.
Recruiting Lounge
All 16 K-State sports host recruits on football game Saturdays. The construction of a recruiting hospitality area will enable Wildcat Coaches to host official and unofficial prospects and their parents in a relaxed atmosphere. The room could also provide much needed meeting space during non-game days. The level of finishes and material will be of contemporary style with flexible seating and electronics. A catering kitchen sufficient to support light meals, beverages and snacks should be included.
Video and Ribbon Board Additions
We must plan for the accommodation of evolving technology and continuously increasing fan expectations as well as existing equipment reaching the end of its lifespan.
Distributed Sound System
In conjunction with new video technology, a high definition distributed sound system will have a major impact on the fan experience and add to our renowned home-stadium advantage.
South Stadium Fan Amenities
Additional Restroom Facilities and Concessions to the ground level of Bramlage Coliseum in the South Endzone will enhance the grass-roots fan experience in the south stadium as well.
Limestone Field Wall and Field Perimeter Surface Upgrades
The existing concrete field level seating wall and surface pavement has deteriorated. The installation of a hewn limestone wall at the lower bowl of the football stadium will surround the field with the heritage of the K-State campus to the stadium and tie into the façade of the north end zone Vanier Complex.
Potential TBD Space (Condos, Office, Retail, etc.)
Space exists for the potential development of a large facility in the southwest corner of the stadium and the west of Bramlage Coliseum. Multiple options will be studied and considered to determine what will best serve Kansas State University and the greater community. A large addition will add to the grandeur of the overall stadium and provide an exciting location for many potential services considering the fast growing northwest Manhattan area as well as Mercy Hospital just across the street, and the new NBAF project is two blocks to the east.
Kid Zone / Family Playground
The creation of a K-State themed Kid Zone will enhance the family friendliness of the stadium giving parents a location to let their young children relax and play before, during and after the game.
Pavilion Entertainment Area
An open air pavilion, entertainment and spectator area will help attract younger alumni and fans providing an additional revenue generation opportunity.
Concourse Additions and Connections
An elevated walkway connecting the East and West sides of the stadium could create a 360-degree concourse that allows fans to access the entire stadium complex and free up congestion. This improvement would facilitate potential expansion of the Legends Room at Bramlage and south end zone Loge Boxes.
Potential Seating Additions
Dependent on several factors, such as the growth in population projected with the NBAF project, it may prove prudent to increase the total capacity of the stadium to accommodate demands. Opportunities for expansion include the north and south ends, as well as reconfiguring the corner seating areas for growth and improved sightlines.
Update of Vanier Complex / Existing Football Training Facility
Housing day-to-day operations of the football program, the Vanier Complex must always be an efficient and impressive facility which is reflective of K-State’s position in the intercollegiate athletics world. A major renovation and expansion was completed in 2006 and updating refurbishments were conducted in the summer of 2010.
