Kansas State University officials broke ground Friday on a new events center for the Animal Sciences Program.
The project is part of the university’s larger multimillion dollar Agriculture Innovation Initiative, which includes a host of facilities updates within the College of Agriculture. It was the second such groundbreaking for the College of Agriculture this year, following a ceremony in May for the Agronomy Research and Innovation Center. Both coincidentally took place on rainy days. Friday’s ceremony was held inside the Stanley Stout Center, on the northern edge of the campus.
Dean Ernie Minton says the new facility will improves upon capabilities previously in Weber Arena, and will be key in the university’s overall recruitment efforts.
The new center will include a competition arena to support teaching and youth and extension efforts in equine and livestock sciences. University officials also unveiled the name of the new facility, the Bilbrey Family Event Center.
The Bilbrey family partnered with another generous donor, Director of the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center Marty Vanier, who spoke at Friday’s ceremony.
The new facility will replace Weber Arena, which will be razed, with the space repurposed in a remodeled Weber and Call Halls. K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry head Mike Day says it’s an exciting time for the university.
Day estimates the cost of the arena to be around $23 to $26 million. The new facility is expected to be completed in mid to late 2025.
