Kansas State

Wildcats

Win the Weekend

Heading to Manhattan, KS for a gameday? Dive into our 3-day Playbook on how to win the weekend.
Manhattan, Kansas is in the heart of the beautiful Flint Hills. It is endearingly referred to as the Little Apple and has been home to Kansas State University since 1863. The main bar district, Aggieville, is just off the front steps of campus. To put it mildly, K-State struggled with football during the 1980s capping it off with a Sports Illustrated cover story titled “Futility U” until their football savior, Bill Snyder arrived in 1989. Others can compare, but no other university can be more genuine than how Kansas State defines the university and town as a Family.

Gameday

Driving down Bill Snyder Highway to Bill Snyder Family Stadium tells you everything you need to know about Kansas State football. The man simply performed miracles in Manhattan during the ’90s, turning the Wildcats from perennial underdogs to consistent winners. While K-State fans agonize over missed opportunities in 1998 and 2012 to compete for the National Title, Coach brought them to national relevance. Along the way, great K-State Teams have won Big XII Championships in 2003, 2012, and 2022. The school’s only Heisman Finalist was Colin Klein in 2012. K-State has earned the name Special Teams U with all-world returners over the past three decades. I dare you to find a place that reflects the heartland of America more than a tailgate at K-State. The people are welcoming, with a genuine spirit of passion and inclusion. While Bill Snyder Family stadium only holds 50,000 fans, it consistently is considered one of the loudest stadiums in the Big XII.

Ticketing

Every time you use our Ticketmaster, StubHub or TickPick direct links, it’s like tossing a high-five our way with no additional charge for you. You get in the game, and we keep the lights on. It’s a win-win!

Ticketmaster
StubHub
TickPick

Ticketing 101

Like all sporting events, we encourage you to research your seats on a view from my seat.

If you’re a K-State or neutral attendee, tickets on the West Side (Sections 1-9) are best. The students will be opposite of you in Sections 24-27. If you’re looking to splurge or if the weather looks questionable, the newly finished Shamrock Center is a great spot. The last few rows of the East Side and South Side are covered by the overhang. The stadium doesn’t give you any scenic views from any angles.

Visitors

The Visitor Section fluctuates between Sections 16-19. We recommend sitting in Rows 10-20. These are bench seats.

Our Ticketing Partners

Finding the right seats at the right price can feel like a game all its own, but we’ve got you covered. We proudly recommend Tick Pick for quick pricing transparency and StubHub for their large inventory.

Parking

Parking 101

Tailgating – Walking from Aggieville or campus is not recommended but doable on a great weather day. Ride share can be difficult, so we recommend a designated driver and a parking spot for a proper tailgate.

West Stadium Parking Lot

West Side (recommended) Passes can be hard to come by but this is the best spot to park. If not, there is cash parking located behind Manhattan Surgical Hospital.

East Stadium Parking Lot

East Side You’ll find the students and young alumni here. Like every university, you should walk through the lot and field to get a proper vibe.

Manhattan Surgical Parking Lot

It can be difficult to find East or West Side Passes. If that's the case, this is a great lot. Enter on the North Side, off Kimball. Please note this lot is cash only!

Tailgate Traditions

Tailgating 101

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The Stadium

Stadium History

Bill Snyder Family Stadium, Wildcats’ battlefield since 1968, is a testament to K-State’s football renaissance. Named after the legendary coach, the stadium has an electric atmosphere, especially when the crowd roars for the ‘EMAW’ (Every Man a Wildcat) chant. Its 2013 West Stadium Center renovation added a touch of luxury to the hardcore football spirit. Some of the stadium’s unforgettable moments include the 1998 victory over Nebraska, ending their decades-long losing streak against the Cornhuskers. There’s nothing like a game day at the Bill: it’s intense, it’s loud, and it’s a heck of a lot of fun!

Best Stadium Spots

Enter the stadium from the West Side to pay homage to Bill. After all, this is the house that he built! At halftime, K-State let’s you leave for the parking lot if needed (Pass Out Pass), but we recommend grabbing a beer in the SE corner Powercat Porch. Beer garden on the Goss Family South Tailgate Terrace Ring of Honor

Best Stadium Food & Drink

We aren’t aware of any signature eats or drinks in the stadium, so fill up in the at the tailgates. If we’re missing something, let us know!

What to Watch For

  • After each first down, fans will twinkle their fingers and follow the PA Announcer in a “Good for a Wildcat First Down”
  • Wabash Cannonball – Fans go crazy for this one, bobbing and weaving in orchestrated chaos. Be careful standing on your seat if you’ve been guzzling the beers. As the story goes, all the sheet music in Nichols Hall burned in a fire in 1968…except for the famous Wabash Cannonball.
  • After each score and before pivotal moments, Willie the Wildcat will lead the crowd in a solid K-S-U chat. Typically, this will be in the NE corner of the stadium.
  • The Powercat logo is a story within itself.
  • Wildcat Hand Signal – ubiquitous hand symbol, which looks like the OK hand gesture, but with an open “O.”

Eat, Drink, Stay

Lodging

We keep this show on the road via affiliate partnerships.  We’re grateful when you use our links during booking, and there’s no additional cost to you.  It’s kinda like buying us a free round of beers.  Cheers!

Freshman Budget

When your bank account screams ramen noodles, but your squad’s ready to party. Crash in these wallet-friendly hotels that are sure to create memories while being close to the action.
Lodging

Holiday Inn Manhattan at the Campus

A decent hotel across from the Student Union, within walking distance of Aggieville.
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Young Alumni Budget

When you’ve upgraded to that alumni polo, but aren’t quite swimming in cash. Hotels that balance budget and luxury, perfect for sharing a room with a buddy without sharing a bed.
Lodging

Courtyard by Marriott

The Courtyard by Marriott is the perfect Marriott property in the perfect location.
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Big Donor Budget​

For those who’ve climbed the ladder of success or those who choose to YOLO. Either way, we respect you endlessly.Spoil yourself with luxury and location with these hotels.

Lodging

Bluemont Hotel

Recognized as the premium hotel in Manhattan. Located at the intersection of campus and Aggieville.
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Bars & Restaurants​

Bars & Restaurants

Manhattan Brewing Company

As you roll into town, you’ll drive down Poyntz Ave through Downtown MHK. This place is worth a stop before you hit Aggieville.
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Bars & Restaurants

So Long Saloon

There’s normally a wait and it’s well worth it. Grab a Resist Temptation and Nancy for us…
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Bars & Restaurants

Tanner’s

The Friendly Purveyors of cold beer and Chicken Lips. A perfect spot for your Final Final to wrap every Aggieville evening.
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Bars & Restaurants

Rock A Belly Deli

Incredible steamed sandwiches and Summer Beers. The perfect college bar with an enclosed back patio to accompany it.
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Game Day Apparel​

We fuel this road trip with affiliate partnerships.  If you’re going to buy merch, we appreciate you visiting these sites below via our affiliate links.

Shopping

Rally House – KSU

Great, K-State Merch from the OG Kansas Sampler.
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Shopping

Fanatics – Kansas State

Great merch from the likes of Nike, ’47 Brands, Peter Millar & More.
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Shopping

Charlie Hustle – KSU

Amazing quality and great selection of University and NIL swag for the Cats. Click here for $10 off your purchase.
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Elevate the weekend. What are we missing?

We need your fan-sourced insights to level up this road trip.

You know your school and town better than we do.  Brag about what sets your town, team, and stadium apart.  Share your favorite insights and images with us.  From hole-in-the-wall bars to tailgate traditions, we want to hear from you.  This is a site for the fans by the fans, we need your championship tips.

We'd love to feature your best pics of gameday, bars, restaurants - anything you deem worthy.

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