Fans of K-State sports attended Wednesday’s Noon Kiwanis meeting in Great Bend to hear the latest news on plans for a new Vanier Football Complex and North Stadium at Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
The project was unveiled last April as Phase Three of the Bill Snyder Family Stadium Master Plan, at an estimated cost of $65 million. Former Kansas State University head baseball coach Mike Clark, now the athletic department’s senior director of development, presented Wednesday’s program, showing slides of current and proposed facilities, as well as photos of what other universities have to offer. He acknowledged  that keeping up with the Joneses is an important part of maintaining a competitive sports program.
“It’s not all about the money; that’s one of the first things I’ll tell you,” Clark said. “It’s all about relationships.”
No tax or tuition dollars are being used for this project, for which $56 million has already been raised.
The Vanier Complex has been added onto eight times since its original construction in 1968. Clark noted that more than $125 million in improvements have been completed in the last 24 months. With 13 consecutive football sellouts, administrators felt they should keep the momentum going and complete a facility worthy of a one of the top programs in the nation.
The Varnier Complex and North Stadium project includes: Academic Learning Center, coaches office complex, grassroots fan amenities, locker rooms, multi-purpose and recruiting lounge, north end seating bowl, strength and conditioning, team theater and meeting rooms, training and recovery and a varsity club room.