More Progress On KWU Stadium Project

Progress is being made on the new $7.5 million Sports Complex at Kansas Wesleyan University. The field has been cleared in preparation for installation of two, lighted turf fields and an eight-lane track.

The university has also launched a 100-Day Dash campaign to raise the final $1.75 million needed to receive a challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation. The foundation will provide $750,0000—the final 10 percent of the project—if the university reaches $6.75 million by October 8.

The final funding will enable the construction of a 1,600-seat grandstand, concession stands, restroom facilities and a field house for visiting teams.

According to the school, so far $5 million has been raised, enough to move forward on Phase I of the project: the turf fields, lights, track and resurfaced tennis fields. To make use of the new track, the school plans to begin a track program. It will be also available to host regional and state-wide events

Once completed, the stadium facility will be utilized by multiple KWU programs, including the football team, men’s and women’s soccer team, the baseball team, and the softball team.

KWU and Sacred Heart High School will both use the new complex. The schools will share parking during events.

In front of the new stadium there will be a monument to Glenn Martin, for whom the current stadium is named, using stones from the existing facility. A coyote mascot monument is also planned. The field will still be called “Gene Bissel Field”.

A cast iron fence will surround the complex, as will a sidewalk.

The new stadium is replacing Glenn Martin Stadium. Because of its condition, the 73-year-old stadium had not been utilized for KWU games since 2007. The stadium, which opened back in 1940, was demolished to make way for a new sports complex.

100 Day Dash Fund Raising Campaign