‘This is a world class place’: K-State opens new $20 million event center

MANHATTAN (KSNT) – Kansas State University marked the opening of a new facility in Manhattan that adds a new livestock performance arena to the local area.

K-State celebrated the opening of the more than $20 million facility on Friday, Oct. 10. Dubbed the Bilbrey Family Event Center, the university believes it will be a major benefit to the local and state economies.

“This is a world class place for doing hands on teaching,” said Dan Moser, dean for the K-State College of Agriculture. “Behind us is a classroom, we’ve got all kinds of spaces here so we can connect students with animals.”

The completion of the building marks the first project K-State has completed so far for its $210 million Agriculture Innovation Initiative. In addition to shows, the university expects to use the event center for educational purposes.

“Whatever state of the art is right now, it’s in this facility,” said Marshal Stewart, vice president of external engagement for K-State. “Everything from the way it’s designed, everything about the experience, the way the fans can interact.”

The Bilbrey Family Event Center will host 40 events each year such as for K-State Rodeo, American Royal and Cattlemen’s Day. It has a 130 feet x 250 feet arena, seating for 3,000 people, livestock wash pens, a lobby area for concessions and more.

“The Bilbrey Family Event Center represents Kansas State University’s commitment to serving not just our students, but communities across Kansas and the entire region,” said K-State President Richard Linton. “This facility will welcome thousands of young people each year through 4-H competitions, FFA events and livestock shows — many of whom will experience our campus for the first time and discover the opportunities that await them in agriculture.”

K-State is working to add other new educational facilities for the agriculture program as well. You can learn more about the Bilbrey Family Event Center and what it has to offer by clicking here.

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