The K-State marching band will have a new and very visible stage as the final touches to the remodeling of Bill Snyder Family Stadium were announced Tuesday afternoon by the KSU athletic department.
The announcement is part of “Phase III-B” of the stadium’s Master Plan.
The 400-plus member group will occupy a specially designed area below the concourse walkway similar in positioning to the new Wabash Landing in the northwest corner.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for The Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band to have our very own showcase stage in Bill Snyder Family Stadium,” K-State band director Frank Tracz said in the university’s press release. “Not only will we be seen and heard by areas of the stadium that previously could not enjoy our music, this new area will also increase much-needed storage space for our game day equipment and improve the overall safety of our band members and instruments with a dedicated stairway to the field.
“Most importantly, the new section maintains our important connection to the students, continuing to create an intimidating environment for the visiting team.”
Currie also announced that more than $10 million of the estimated $15 million cost has been pledged to the project. When finished, Phase III-B will complete the northeast corner of the stadium as envisioned in the 2010 Master Plan and provide K-State fans with a fully enclosed stadium bowl as well as other spectator and operational enhancements.
Currie added that the department will again depend on individual donors to help reach the $15 million goal and enable construction to begin in December after the conclusion of the 2015 football season with desired completion in time for the 2016 season.
Currie said the entire project will be funded without incurring any long-term debt and without any state tax or university funds.
