Kansas State confirms it will play spring football game at Sporting Park

Kansas State on Thursday confirmed that it will play its spring football game at Sporting Park.

The 2015 Purple/White Spring Game and surrounding activities will be held April 25 at Sporting Park, home of Sporting Kansas City.

Athletic director John Currie told The Star last month that K-State had been talking with Sporting Kansas City about moving the game because of construction of the new Vanier Football Complex in Manhattan, Kan.

“It will be a great experience for our team to go play in a first-class venue like Sporting Park,” Wildcats offensive lineman Cody Whitehair said in a news release. “We have the best fans in the country, and I know I speak for the entire team when I say we are looking forward to a stadium packed full of purple on April 25.”

Sporting Park was host to last year’s NCAA Division II football championship game.

Kansas State said that moving the contest to an outside venue and being permitted to host prospective student-athletes required a one-time waiver from the NCAA. It was granted due to the ongoing construction at Bill Snyder Family Stadium and safety concerns.

Tickets for the game, which kicks off at 3 p.m., go on sale to Ahearn Fund members Feb. 23 and to the general public on March 2. Prices range from $5 to $175.

“We’ll be rolling out the purple welcome mat for our many alumni, fans and friends,” K-State president Kirk Schulz said in the release. “This is a great chance to showcase the university in one of the most dynamic and exciting districts in the region.”

Approximately 6,000 complimentary parking spaces are available and are located at several lots in The Legends area, including Kansas Speedway and CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

This story was originally published February 5, 2015 at 10:49 AM with the headline "Kansas State confirms it will play spring football game at Sporting Park."