Kansas State University Vanier Football Complex
Redesigning the future of college athletics
Project Facts
| Location | Manhattan, Kansas |
| Owner | Kansas State University |
| Size | 165,000 SF |
| Cost | $60 million |
| Status | Completed 2015 |
| Capacity | 50,000 seats |
Overview
A milestone in architectural innovation and athletic functionality, this renovation and expansion project redefines support for Kansas State University’s 450 student-athletes. The complex’s hallmark achievement is the expansion of the Academic Learning Center, doubling usable space within the existing structure. Walter P Moore provided structural engineering services for the project, ushering in upgrades in technology, training, and wellness systems for athletes, as well as stadium and seating bowl upgrades. This development propels the Wildcats into the 21st century, both on the field and in the stands.
Services
About the project
Extending into the North End Zone of the Bill Snyder Family Stadium, additions to the complex include a reception area, computer room, study spaces, tutoring centers, and a strength and conditioning center. Designed to elevate the game-day experience, upgrades to the stadium include an enclosed seating bowl, the addition of bench seating for 2,000 spectators, a 30-foot by 50-foot video board, and a ribbon video board. These upgrades emphasize crowd engagement and stadium ambiance, intensifying the home-field game-day atmosphere for the Wildcats. The design also prioritizes circulation and accessibility with the concourse connection to the West Side.
Other features of the complex include coaches’ offices and locker rooms, conference rooms, staff kitchen, large team meeting room with operable walls, team theater with fixed tiered seating for 140, Wildcat locker room and visiting locker room, players’ lounge; strength training with high-ceiling weight room, and a cardio/plyometric ramp. The athletic training section includes areas for taping, rehabilitation, 4 hydrotherapy pools, a recovery plunge pool, and treatment rooms, as well as the team doctor’s office and X-ray room. Academic areas include reception, computer room, study room, tutoring spaces, and offices. The state-of-the-art facility also includes audio-visual areas with editing suites, a coach’s studio, a sensory theater, offices, and storage. This transformative project breathes new life into an aging edifice and brings state-of-the-art technology to support both academic and athletic excellence.
