Project Detail

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Vanier Family Football Complex

& North Stadium Enhancements

Phase 3B Photos

Capturing the Momentum

Kansas State University's Bill Snyder Family Stadium is in the midst of a transformation.

As evidenced by the completion of $195 Million in Athletic Facility upgrades benefiting all 16 sports in recent months, including multiple seasons of consecutive home sellouts at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, K-Staters from across the nation have spoken again.

With the new Vanier Family Football Complex, the Wildcats more than doubled the amount of space for student-athletes and coaches, providing access to world-class resources, equipment and facilities and creating a more cohesive and efficient experience to train, study and compete.

The new training complex, attached to the stadium, includes expansive spaces, bold graphics and state-of-the-art equipment. A grand 4-story atrium leaves a memorable first impression and is accessible from all levels, including the main concourse.

Perhaps most importantly, a new Student Athlete Enhancement Center facilitates the very best in academic and other support services for K-State student-athletes from all 16 sports.

A massive new Strength & Conditioning Center more than doubled the current footprint with multi-level height ceilings, natural lighting and a built-in plyometric ramp. An all-new sports medicine center includes hydrotherapy equipment and the latest in student-athlete training and recovery resources.

A new team theater was added, along with a customized and centrally located locker room, multiple student-athlete lounge spaces and expansive meeting rooms. The entire top floor is dedicated to the football program, including offices and meeting rooms, with a private balcony outside of the coaches' offices displaying incredible views of the field and stadium.

The north stadium expansion provides a much-improved game day experience for the grass-roots fan base and a more intimidating atmosphere within the fully-enclosed seating bowl. Enhanced sightlines, deep seating treads and direct stadium access are among many welcomed improvements to K-State fans.

The completion of Phase 3B of the Bill Snyder Family Stadium Master Plan will further solidify the university's place as a prominent force in the Big 12, and aid in attracting, retaining & training high quality recruits from across the nation.

Players' First Look

Quick Facts

Groundbreaking: November 29, 2014
Substantial Completion: 2015 Season
Full Completion: 2016 Season
Designer: Populous
Contractor: Mortenson & GE Johnson Construction
Estimated Square Feet: 132,000
Estimated Cost: $68,000,000

What They're Saying

Excitement generated for the Vanier Family Football Complex.

  • We are all so very grateful to Jack and Donna Vanier and their children for their monumental gift to our program and to so many others who have helped with very generous donations to this important project. These again are people who so readily represent the fact that Kansas State is about people who genuinely care about people. 

    K-State Head Coach Bill Snyder

  • K-State and Wildcat Football have always been a very important part of our lives, and our family has the utmost respect for Coach Snyder...This important project is the next step in maintaining the level of excellence that Coach Snyder and our football program have built and achieved over the years. We are thrilled that our family has been able to be a part of such a transformation and we're hopeful that others will be inspired to do what they can to help as well. 

    K-State Benefactor John Vanier

  • This project is a big step in the development of not only Wildcat Football but all of K-State Athletics. Coach Snyder is the best coach in the history of college football and a project such as this will help our program continue to build upon the success we have achieved under his leadership. 

    Former K-State Running Back Darren Sproles

  • As a former player, it is great to see the improvements being made not only with the football program but all across the athletics department, and that is a testament to the support and passion of the entire K-State Nation. This project will be completed in a first-class manner and provide a state-of-the art facility that will benefit all Wildcat sports both operationally and in recruiting. 

    Former K-State Wide Receiver Jordy Nelson

  • I will have only been here five years, but to be here during these years with the transformation of the stadium between the West Stadium Center and the new Vanier Football Complex is a rare and unique opportunity. We all recognize what a great opportunity it is, and we are gracious for the Vanier family and everyone else who has contributed to this project. It is great to be able to have all the sports utilize this building, and with this addition, it will put K-State near the top of the country in terms of facilities. 

    K-State Junior PK Jack Cantele

Phase 3B Questions and Answers

How much will this phase cost and how will it be funded?

The projected budget for Phase IIIB of the Bill Snyder Family Stadium master plan is approximately $15 Million. Consistent with all previous phases, funding will be provided entirely by the generosity of K-Staters world-wide and no state or tuition dollars will be utilized.

When will construction start and when will it be completed?

Groundbreaking took place on Saturday, December 5, with primary demolition and construction beginning on Monday, December 7. Phase 3B is expected to be completed and operational prior to the 2016 football season.

How will this project impact our student-athletes?

Completing the permanent Visiting Team Locker Room will free up space in the current Vanier Family Football Complex to include more usable square footage for our student-athletes within the Strength and Conditioning Center.

How will this impact fans currently sitting in the north end zone?

Seating in the north end zone will not be impacted, but with the creation of a true 360 degree concourse fans will now have access to this section by entering through any gate in the stadium, including those on the east side.

When will the south end video, sound and stat board upgrades take place?

K-State Athletics previously hired a professional consultant team from WJHW to develop a video and sound technology master plan for both BSFS and Bramlage Coliseum. Through that process, it was determined that we will be best served to upgrade these elements following the completion of Phases III and IIIB and in conjunction with Phase VI of the Bill Snyder Family Stadium Master Plan in the south end. Consistent with our commitment to fiscal responsibility, future phases will be completed when substantial funding has been identified.

How will this project impact total stadium capacity?

Following the completion of all improvements to the north seating bowl, the total seating capacity will have increased slightly but remain approximately 50,000. From the beginning, as opposed to increasing capacity, our goal has been to improve the Fan Experience in these sections and create a more intimidating atmosphere for opposing teams. These goals have been achieved with dramatically improved sightlines in the new north seating section and sections 1 and 28, the addition of the Wabash Landing and the Pride of Wildcat Land stage.

Why is the band moving to the new northeast corner section?

After developing the concept with Director of Bands Frank Tracz and the Student Governing Association, and providing both the option to move the band or provide space for general student seating, both the Band and the Students were excited about building this section out as a new home “amphitheater” for the Pride of Wildcat Land. This unique section has been designed specifically for the Band, including wider stairways, deeper seating row, a storage area and other accommodations. In addition to providing a better experience for Band members, this move will help us achieve our Goal of Providing the Best Fan Experience in the Big 12 by making the Band both more visible and audible for K-State Fans throughout the stadium.

When will we add the limestone field level wall?

The new north stadium includes our first step towards the planned limestone field level wall that will eventually encircle the entire field. We intend to continue this finish in a future phase of the Bill Snyder Family Stadium Master Plan when substantial funding has been identified.