By the end of the year, the east-side seating for Welch Stadium will be brought down to the ground.
Emporia State University Athletics Director Steve Rodecap had an update on KVOE’s Morning Show on Friday after the university said the seating would off-limits, effective immediately, earlier in the week.
Rodecap says discussions about structural items have been underway for around 2 years, with 2 different evaluations by structural engineers before back-to-school activities last month.
Welch Stadium was opened to the public in 1937. Rodecap says the east side is beyond renovations.
Rodecap anticipates demolition by December. Plans for permanent replacement seating will be determined later.
In the meantime, Rodecap says there are a lot of changes ready to go for the ESU football home opener September 12 against Michigan Tech, including temporary bleachers for ESU students on the north side of the stadium, allowing about 700 fans to sit in that area.
The regular ticket window on the west side will be used and there will be a special ticket window set up near the temporary visitor entrance. Portable restroom trailers will also be brought to the stadium.
Recommended visitor parking lots will be along Merchant Street, just west of Cremer Hall and Science Hall, in addition to the large lots between Market and Highland on the east side of campus.
ESU fans can still use the paid game-day parking on Morse Drive on the west side of Welch Stadium. Live at the Hive will remain at its regular space near Kossover Tennis Center and Visser Hall.
For designated entrances, the general public can use the west-side gates. Students can enter in the northeast corner near the Police & Safety Building. Visitors can use the double gates in the southwest corner of the stadium.
When it comes to future events, Rodecap says the stadium should have no issues hosting the 2027 Kansas Shrine Bowl. However, the Kansas State High School Activities Association has moved the 2026 4A, 5A and 6A football championships to El Dorado.
