More than 3,000 Wichita State fans toured the lower concourse of Charles Koch Arena and got autographs from Shocker men's basketball players and Head Coach Gregg Marshall Sunday, Feb. 10, at "The Next Level" open house.

The event, hosted by Koch Industries Inc. and Wichita State University, gave fans a chance to preview improvements to the lower level concourse and meet the Shocker men’s basketball coaches and team.

"We have the greatest fans," said Marshall. "I am extremely impressed with the number of Shocker fans who turned out for this important event. I especially want to thank Koch Industries for their support of 'The Next Level Project.' The project has turned the lower level of Charles Koch Arena into a place that makes our student-athletes, coaches and staff proud to be Shockers. Wichita State fans, and the support of donors like Koch Industries, are second to none. It’s not like that everywhere.”

“The Next Level Project,” made possible by a $137,000 donation from Koch Industries, includes a new full-length all-sports mural, tunnel graphics, team image light boxes, ceiling banners and colorful photo displays outside each locker room.

Image Resources of Wichita, the same company that designed and produced the interior murals and banners throughout the main concourse of Charles Koch Arena, also designed and produced the lower concourse improvements.

The event, co-sponsored by KWCH-TV, was free and open to the public. Guided tours of the concourse, including locker rooms, weight room and media areas, provided an opportunity to see a part of the facility typically off limits to the public. The open house featured refreshments and prizes.

Head Coach Gregg Marshall and players signed autographs on the basketball court for close to four hours, while Channel 12 sports director Bruce Haertl was on hand for photographs with fans.

Funding for the lower concourse project marks continuing support from Koch Industries, which donated $6 million for major renovation of the arena.

The lower concourse is used daily by coaches, staff and WSU’s 270 student athletes.