Wilkins Stadium Expansion Project Phase 1

Crossland Keeps WSU Softball Swinging Year-Round

Wichita, KS

The softball program at Wichita State University needed a solution for year-round training when Kansas weather wouldn’t cooperate. Working within an incredibly constrained site that offered just 15 feet of working space around the existing Wilkins Stadium, Crossland delivered a purpose-built 14,000 SF indoor training expansion that transforms how student-athletes prepare for competition.

This $3.8 million project presented unique logistical challenges that required creative problem-solving from day one. The tight quarters meant every movement of equipment, materials, and trades had to be choreographed with precision. Boom lifts, cranes, and multiple specialty contractors all needed to share the narrow perimeter space while maintaining safety and productivity standards.

The heart of the facility lies in its sophisticated batting cage system, featuring specialized netting designed to withstand repeated high-velocity impacts while maintaining clear sightlines for coaching and analysis. The installation required careful coordination between the netting suppliers, electrical contractors placing lighting systems, and the crew installing specialized turf flooring that can handle cleated footwear and equipment carts.

Crossland’s approach proved essential for this project’s success. The pre-construction phase allowed the team to work closely with Tessere architects to refine both the base design and an additional northern expansion that maximized the facility’s training capacity. This collaborative planning helped identify potential conflicts before construction began and established the precise sequencing needed to work within the site’s constraints.

The specialized turf installation required particular attention to scheduling. All overhead work – including the complex netting system, lighting fixtures, and electrical receptacles – needed completion before the turf went down. This eliminated the need for protective coverings that would have complicated the installation process and potentially compromised the finished surface quality.

Completed in just over six months, the facility now provides WSU’s softball program with a climate-controlled environment where student-athletes can maintain their training regimen regardless of weather conditions. The indoor batting cages allow for focused skill development and team practice sessions that were previously impossible during Kansas’s harsh winter months.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Educational
Size: 14,000 SF
Delivery Method: Construction Management, CM at Risk
Owner: Wichita State University
Architect: Tessere, Inc
Engineer: IMEG