Wichita State Athletics announced today the comprehensive plans for the upcoming renovations at Wilkins Stadium, which will be completed in multiple phases. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $7.3 million, with the first phase focusing on the construction of a state-of-the-art facility for the softball team and an indoor practice area to enhance the training and development of student-athletes.
The renovation project will be funded by generous donations from the Linda Parke estate and Jeanie and Ricky Brotherton. The Parke estate has made a significant contribution of $1.1 million to the university, with $500,000 of that amount earmarked for scholarships for math students and men’s basketball players. The remaining funds will be used to support the university’s “area of greatest capital need”, which includes the Wilkins Stadium renovation project.
Furthermore, Jeanie and Ricky Brotherton have donated an additional $100,000 towards the project, showing their support for the university and its athletics program. These donations will help to ensure that the Wilkins Stadium renovations will be completed to the highest standard, providing an exceptional environment for student-athletes to train and compete in.
The proposed team complex at Wilkins Stadium is set to be a state-of-the-art facility that will provide players, coaches, and umpires with everything they need to succeed on and off the field. The complex will cover an area of 12,500 square feet and will be located on the southwest corner of the stadium. It will feature separate locker rooms for players, coaches, and umpires, as well as training facilities, offices, and a team room.
In addition to the team complex, an indoor practice facility will be built north of the complex. This 14,400 square foot facility will include a full infield and batting cage, allowing the team to practice year-round in any weather conditions. This will give the team a significant competitive advantage by providing them with the ability to practice and hone their skills when outdoor conditions are not ideal.
The renovation project will also include updates to the outdoor areas of the stadium. The outfield, warning track, foul territory, and apron areas will all have turf installed at the end of the 2023 season. This will improve the playing surface and provide a more consistent playing field for the team.
The renovation project is expected to cost at least $17.5 million, and will be completed in multiple phases. The second phase is budgeted at $1.9 million, the third at $3.5 million, and the fourth at $700,000. These phases include revamping the entrance, press box, ticket office, seating area, and existing fan experience areas, as well as remodeling the outfield and event pavilion, and paving. With these improvements, the team complex will be one of the best in the league and will provide the team with a significant advantage as they compete for championships.