WSU University Stadium – Phase 1A/1B

Building Championship Infrastructure

Wichita, KS

When Wichita State University needed to modernize their athletic facilities for championship-level events, the challenge extended far beyond simply adding seats. The project required delivering 5,800 new seats, over 100 restroom stalls, a new concession pavilion, a 9-lane track, and a soccer pitch – all while maintaining the stadium’s operational schedule and preparing for the Kansas State High School Athletics Association’s State Track & Field Championships.

This $15.6 million transformation tackled the east side of the stadium with innovative approaches that prioritized both functionality and cost efficiency. The 170,000 SF project demanded creative problem-solving from day one, beginning with a significant design adjustment that delayed the start from June to October 2024, yet still required completion in time for the 2025 State Track Meet.

Our team collaborated with Prestressed Concrete Construction to shift from traditional block construction to precast building methods during design – a critical decision that helped maintain the aggressive timeline. This approach leveraged our in-house capabilities to streamline coordination and ensure schedule control throughout the compressed timeframe.

The project’s standout feature emerged from necessity: sculpted soil nail walls that replaced expensive cast-in-place concrete and shoring systems. Working with our deep foundation expertise, we developed a solution that served dual purposes – the soil nail walls functioned as both the temporary shoring system and the permanent finished wall. These walls, crafted to resemble natural rock formations, saved over $1 million in traditional shoring costs while creating a distinctive architectural element that photographs beautifully.

Weather proved to be the project’s greatest challenge, with 57 inches of rainfall during spring and summer 2025 – far above normal levels. This unprecedented weather pushed track surfacing installation to spring 2026, but our team’s strategic phasing allowed the seating and restroom facilities to open on schedule for the State Track Meet.

The eight-month sprint from October 2024 to the State Track deadline showcased hands-on problem-solving and responsive coordination. Our self-performance work included bathroom partitions and related installations, maintaining direct control over quality and scheduling for these essential facilities.

Today, WSU’s University Stadium hosts state-level track and field events with modern amenities that serve thousands of athletes and spectators. The new east-side pavilion provides critical infrastructure for major competitions, while the innovative soil nail walls demonstrate how construction challenges can become signature design features.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Educational
Cost: $15,281,553
Size: 170,000 SF
Delivery Method: Construction Management, CM at Risk
Self-Perform: Steel Erection, Concrete, Specialties
Owner: Wichita State University
Architect: Tessere, Inc