Demolition of Kansas Wesleyan’s historic Glenn Martin Stadium will begin on Thursday, January 9, as the university celebrates the beginning of a new era on campus and commemorates the stadium, which was completed in 1940, but has not been utilized for KWU games since 2007.

The public is invited to attend a short program beginning at noon in the Hauptli Student Activities Center, presented by KWU President and CEO Matt Thompson, and Director of Athletics, Mike Hermann. Guests can take university vans to the field to witness the start of the demolition at 12:15. A $5 chili lunch will be served from 12:15-1 p.m. Sandstone from the stadium will be preserved for a memorial in the new Sports Complex, and for souvenirs, which will be available through the university bookstore in the coming months.

“We welcome the community of Salina to join us for this historic day,” said Hermann. “This is a significant event in our campus history and we would love for our neighbors to share in the excitement.”

Winter weather has delayed the start of demolition a few weeks; however, it will not impact the construction dates. The first phase of the Sports Complex project involves completing the football and soccer fields, eight-lane track, perimeter fencing, lights and resurfacing of the tennis courts. Kansas Wesleyan’s soccer and football teams will kick off their 2014 fall seasons in the new venue. Sacred Heart Junior/Senior High and the Salvation Army football teams will also utilize the fields this fall. Phase II includes the grandstand-construction could begin as early as November 2014. Phase III will be the completion of the field house with locker rooms for soccer and visiting teams.