KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- With construction of the new Vanier Football Complex presenting logistical and safety issues for both the K-State football team and fans to hold the annual spring football game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Athletics Director John Currie announced today that the 2015 Purple/White Spring Game and surrounding activities will be held Saturday, April 25, in Kansas City's Sporting Park, the award-winning facility and home of Sporting Kansas City.
Currie said Sporting Park was the most reasonable and creative solution for K-State to play its spring game while construction continues at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and will allow the Wildcats, fans and the entire University community a unique opportunity to enjoy one of the most state-of-the-art sporting facilities in the country in addition to a day full of festive entertainment and activities.
"Kansas City is a crucial part to President Schulz's K-State 2025 vision of advancing the university into the ranks of the nation's Top 50 public research universities, and when we first discussed the potential of moving our spring game away from Bill Snyder Family Stadium due to safety concerns, the first place that came to mind was Kansas City and Sporting Park," Currie said. "It will present a great opportunity for us to bring Kansas State University to the KC area, and we look forward to having a packed house on April 25 and have our fans Paint Kansas City Purple."
In order to move the contest to an outside venue and be permitted to host prospective student-athletes, the department received a one-time waiver from the NCAA due to the ongoing construction at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and safety concerns.
The game will kick off at 3 p.m. on April 25.
"We are excited about the opportunity to host a spring reunion of the Wildcat family in the greater Kansas City metro region," said K-State President Kirk Schulz. "We'll be rolling out the purple welcome mat for our many alumni, fans and friends. This is a great chance to showcase the university in one of the most dynamic and exciting districts in the region."
Tickets for the game, which go on sale to Ahearn Fund members February 23 and to the general public on March 2, range from $5-$175 with multiple seating locations and options available. Seats in the South Stand and Member's Stand can be purchased for $10 ($5 for K-State students or groups of 20 or more), while East and West Stand options are available for $15 and $25 each, as well as a 4-pack ticket option for just $50. Shield Club tickets are $50 each and provide access to the connecting lounge with a la carte premium food and beverage options, while Field Club seats range from $150-$175 and provide pre-game club access including complimentary food and beverage service throughout the game. Details regarding pre-game hospitality options for Ahearn Fund members will be emailed in the coming weeks.
Other suite availability and access to the Boulevard Club is available for Ahearn Fund Members, who are asked to contact the Ahearn Fund at 888.232.9074 by February 23 to receive more details and be placed on the suite waiting list.
Approximately 6,000 complimentary parking spaces are available and are located at several lots in The KC Legends area, including Kansas Speedway and CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
Lots will open at 12 p.m., and tailgating is permitted with the exception of the Nebraska Furniture Mart and Cabela's (Lot D) lots.
"It will be a great experience for our team to go play in a first-class venue like Sporting Park," said offensive lineman Cody Whitehair. "We have the best fans in the country, and I know I speak for the entire team when I say we are looking forward to a stadium packed full of purple on April 25."
K-State Athletics and the Ahearn Fund also announced that the 31st Annual Powercat Auction will be held on the traditional night before the spring game, Friday, April 24, with the location remaining inside Bramlage Coliseum on the K-State campus.
Invitations will be sent to Ahearn Fund members in the coming weeks and will include an option to purchase round-trip tickets on charter buses to Sporting Park for the spring football game and surrounding events the following day.
For complete ticket information on the spring game, visit www.k-statesports.com or call 800.221.CATS.
The festival atmosphere in Kansas City surrounding the spring game will include numerous department and university-wide activities for families and fans of all ages. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
