The Wichita State University Board of Trustees approved funding in 2022 to help fund phases 1A and 1B for the capital improvement plan to replace Cessna Stadium. When completed, the new stadium, called Crossland Stadium for longtime university construction partner Crossland Construction Co. Inc., will accommodate more than 12,000 spectators and include a 9-lane track and space for a regulation-sized soccer field.
In 2023, the university established a total estimated project budget of $78 million with multi-phased construction. Phasing has been developed around maintaining the spectator seating and other infrastructure required to host the annual Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship and the Wichita State track and field teams.
Demolition of the east stands of Cessna Stadium was completed in August 2023. The west side of the stadium, capacity around 12,000, remains standing to allow for continued operation of the Kansas State High School Track and Field Championship. Tessere was selected by the university to lead the design of the stadium. It is supported by Populus, which is nationally renowned for their work on sport facilities. Crossland Construction was selected in April 2024 as construction manager at risk for Phase 1A and 1B of the project.
Phase 1A/1B
- Phase 1A included improvements on the east side of the existing track — underground utility work, a seating area with seating for 5,800, new free-standing field lights, a pavilion building with restrooms, ticket booth, concessions, a multi-purpose room, parking improvements, lighting and landscaping. Construction for Phase 1A began in late summer of 2024 and concluded before the state track meet in May 2025. The total cost of Phase 1A was estimated at $11.8 million.
- Phase 1B widened the field to accommodate a regulation-sized soccer field and a 9-lane track. This phase also included tiered grass seating at the north and south side of the track to accommodate team camps for state track or spectators for other events. The total cost of Phase 1B was estimated at $8.42 million. Work was completed in 2026.
Phase II
- Phase 2A, the demolition of the existing west Cessna Stadium structure, is slated to begin in June 2026. A new west stadium structure with seating for 6,200, as well as additional space on upper deck, will be built as Phase 2B. The new west stadium would include a single level of press boxes and suites, offices, locker rooms, locker rooms areas for a future soccer team, as well as restrooms, concessions and storage rooms.
- Phase 2B also incorporates a pedestrian plaza between Charles Koch Arena and the new stadium to allow for food trucks, merchandise tents and public space adjacent to the stadium.
- The total project cost of Phase 2A/2B is anticipated to be approximately $53.9 million. Funding for Phase 2A/2B will come from a pending bond issue. Legislative authorization of up to $60 million has been proposed for the project to allow for maximum flexibility.
The information on this page is accurate as of May 26, 2026. Comment on this topic.