| Bill Snyder Family Stadium Guide | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team | Kansas State Wildcats (NCAA – Big 12) |
| Opened | September 21, 1968 (as KSU Stadium) |
| Capacity | 50,000 (8th‑largest in Big 12) |
| Best Value Seats | Upper-level corners & sidelines (Sections 100–200) |
| Premium Seating | West Side Stadium Center suites/club seats; Shamrock Zone (318 club, 10 loge, 10 suites) |
| Top Stadium Foods | Classic concessions; Tailgate Terrace & Powercat Porch beer gardens |
| Nearby Bars | Aggieville and downtown area pubs & tailgate-friendly spots. Kite’s. Tallgrass Taphouse. |
| Closest Hotels | Courtyard Marriott, Bluemont Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn |
| Transit Access | Campus parking, gameday shuttles, walkable around campus |
| Tradition Highlight | Harley Day motorcycle parade, Student Section, Wabash Cannonball |
🔍 Need a custom plan for your Wildcats gameday? Use our Gameday Guides planning tool for tailored tips on seats, food, transit, and local hotspots.
Best Seats At Bill Snyder Family Stadium
Bill Snyder Family Stadium holds 50,000 fans in one of college football’s loudest bowls. This place is pure Kansas State tradition—named after the coach who turned a program around and built it into a Big 12 contender. The stadium’s been through major renovations in the past decade, with limestone-clad towers and club spaces that actually feel modern, but the atmosphere is still old-school college football. Here’s the reality: if you’re going to a noon kickoff in September, you’re going to bake in direct sun the entire game unless you’re in a suite.
Seating Guide
The stadium holds 50,000 and runs north-south, so you’re dealing with sun exposure all game long depending on which side you pick. There are about 50 rows in the main sideline sections, which means “lower bowl” can still put you pretty far from the field if you’re not careful. The place is built like a bowl, so noise stays trapped in—great for the Wildcats, brutal if you want a quiet afternoon.
Best Non-Premium Seats
Sections 4-6 and 21=23 (Lower Sideline, Near Midfield): These are the money seats if you’re not buying into a club. You’re positioned at midfield with clean sightlines to both end zones, and you’re close enough to actually see players’ faces if you’re in the first 15-20 rows. Past row 20, you start losing that intimate feel and you’re basically getting an elevated view—which isn’t bad for seeing plays develop, but you’re not in the action anymore. Sun is a coin flip depending on kickoff time. For noon games, both sides roast. For late afternoon or evening games, the west side (sections 4-6) gets shade first, while the east side stares into the sun until it sets. Rows 10-18 are the sweet spot—low enough to feel the game, high enough to see over standing fans. Sections 21 to 23 are next to the student section on the east here, they give the students really good lower level seats here with a great view.
Upper Deck Corners (Sections in the 400 Level): The true budget play. You’re way up there, but the sightlines at Bill Snyder are surprisingly decent because of how the bowl is designed—you’re not blocked by overhangs. You’ll save $30-50 per seat compared to lower sideline, and honestly, if you care more about the atmosphere than being close, this works. Trade-off is obvious: you’re far from the field, concession lines get nasty at halftime, and if you leave in the third quarter, you’re walking down a lot of stairs. Not ideal for older fans or anyone with mobility issues, but great for students, families on a budget, or anyone who just wants to be in the building for a big game.
Weather & Shade Reality
Bill Snyder runs north-south, which means sun is a factor all day. For noon games when it’s 80+ degrees, you’re in direct sunlight the entire game no matter where you sit unless you’re inside a suite or club lounge. The west side (visitor side, sections 1-10ish) catches shade first during late afternoon games—probably around the third quarter. The east side (home side, sections 20-30ish) stares into the sun until it fully sets, so bring sunglasses if you’re over there for a 3pm or 6pm kickoff. September games are the worst for heat. October and November, you’re dealing with wind and cold instead. Dress in layers and bring sunscreen—Kansas weather swings 30 degrees in a day sometimes.
What to Avoid
East Side Lower Bowl for Late Kickoffs: If it’s a 3pm or later game and you’re sitting sections 20-30, you’re staring into the sun for most of the game. The glare is miserable, and even sunglasses don’t fully solve it. Your neck will hurt from squinting. West side gets shade first—learn from my mistake and pick accordingly.
South End Zone (Shamrock Zone) if You’re Not in the Club: The Shamrock Zone looks incredible from the outside, but if you’re sitting in the general seating down there, you’re far from midfield and the angle is rough for watching plays develop. These are the cheapest seats in the house for a reason. If Only worth it if you’re there for the party atmosphere and don’t care about seeing the game clearly or if you like watching the plays develop.
Premium Seating & Clubs
Bill Snyder has three main club options: the Shamrock Zone (south end), the East Stadium Club, and the West Stadium Center. The West Stadium Center is the crown jewel with the best sightlines in the building. The Shamrock Zone is the newest and flashiest. The East Club is solid but less fancy. Here’s what actually matters when you’re deciding where to spend.
The Best Club: West Stadium Center
Location: West side, midfield, club level. Price range: Season tickets here require significant Ahearn Fund donations (likely $2,500-$5,000+ per seat annually based on comparable sections).
What’s included: Premium padded seating with the best sightlines in college football according to K-State. Climate-controlled club lounge with high-end finishes, full bar, upscale food options (not stadium nachos—actual good stuff), private bathrooms, and in-seat service. You’re not waiting in concession lines or fighting for a urinal at halftime.
The lounge itself: This is the most polished club space in the stadium. High ceilings, premium finishes, multiple TVs so you can watch other games, and a bar that feels like an actual bar, not a concession stand. The vibe is upscale but still connected to the game—you can step out to your seat in seconds. Crowd is mostly corporate clients, big donors, and alumni celebrating something special. It’s quiet and comfortable, but you’re missing the rowdy student section energy. If you want peace and premium amenities, this is where you go.
Who this is for: Corporate entertaining, major donors, alumni milestone celebrations (50th reunion, retirement, etc.). One-time splurge for a huge rivalry game if you can get single-game access. Not for families on a budget or fans who live for the rowdy crowd atmosphere. You’re paying for comfort and convenience, not college football chaos.
Reality check: You’re paying 4-5x regular ticket prices when you factor in the donation, season tickets, and access fees. You get exceptional sightlines, climate control, and premium food. You lose the raw energy of sitting in the student section or lower bowl with diehards. Worth it if you’re working (clients, recruiting, schmoozing) or if heat and cold are dealbreakers for you. Not worth it if you want to feel the game.
Best Value Club: Shamrock Zone
Location: South end zone, club level. Price range: Lower than West Stadium Center but still requires donations and season ticket purchases—likely $1,500-$3,000 per seat range based on being newer but end zone location.
What’s included: Access to the 13,500-square-foot Shamrock Zone club with 318 club seats. Full-service kitchen, expansive bar and buffet area, massive 33′ x 13.5′ video screens, multiple flat-screen TVs, and climate control. Complimentary food and beverages (beer, soft drinks, buffet options), private bathrooms, high vaulted ceilings. No in-seat wait service like the West Club, but you’re steps away from the lounge.
The vibe: This is the newest club (opened 2021) and it’s legitimately impressive. The video screens are enormous, the bar is spacious, and the space doubles as a basketball club for Bramlage Coliseum, so it’s designed to feel versatile. Less corporate than West Stadium Center—more alumni and season ticket holders who want something nice without the top-tier price tag. You’re still around people who care about the game. The lounge gets crowded before kickoff and at halftime, but it’s big enough to handle it. Food quality is solid—not quite fine dining, but way better than concourse hot dogs.
Who this is for: Season ticket holders who want club amenities without maxing out their budget. Alumni groups. Fans who go to 4+ games a year and want a home base. Families who want climate control and don’t mind the end zone angle. This is the best value club in the stadium if you can access it.
The math: You’re paying $20-40 more per game than regular lower bowl, but you’re getting free food and drinks, climate control, and private bathrooms. If you’re staying for the whole game and eating/drinking, you break even fast. For season ticket holders, this is a no-brainer. For single-game buyers, it’s harder to access but worth asking about.
Other Notable Clubs
The East Stadium Club (sections 220-234) is solid but less flashy than the Shamrock Zone or West Center. It’s a traditional club with lounge access, padded seats, and better bathrooms, but the finishes aren’t as modern. Good option if you want club perks on the home side without paying West Stadium prices. Gets you close to midfield with a slightly elevated view.
Suites & Group Options
Suites at Bill Snyder hold 15-20 guests and run anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000+ per game depending on opponent and location. They include five-star catering options (you order and pay separately), comfortable seating, private bathrooms, TVs, climate control, and a private entrance. Corporate groups, big family reunions, and milestone celebrations book these
Bill Snyder Family Stadium Seating Chart
The capacity of Bill Snyder Family Stadium is 50,000. The stadium, originally known as KSU Stadium, was opened in 1968 with a seating capacity of 35,000, and it has since been expanded to its current capacity. Here is an updated Seating Chart for Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Kansas State Football Tickets
As Kansas State football games are the main event in this part of the state, it’s advisable to buy tickets well in advance, especially for high-profile matchups or rivalry games. Keep an eye on ticket release dates and act quickly to secure your spot in the stands to cheer on the Wildcats! Here are some options:
Get your Kansas State Tickets Here! With our partnership with Vivid Seats you can get tickets to K-State games or just about any event on the planet.
Official Website: Visit the official website of Kansas State Athletics or the Kansas State football team to purchase tickets online. Look for the “Tickets” or “Buy Tickets” section on their website, where you can select the game you want to attend and choose your seats.
Bill Snyder Family Bag Policy
Clear bag policy is strict: Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″, or a one-gallon Ziploc bag. Small clutch bags (5.5″ x 7.5″) are allowed, but that’s it. No backpacks, no fanny packs, no tinted bags. If you show up with a regular purse or backpack, you’re walking it back to your car.
Other Key Policies
Re-entry is allowed: You can leave and come back during the game by scanning your ticket out and back in. After the third quarter, re-entry is only available at Gates D (west) and E (east). Great for hitting your tailgate at halftime or grabbing food outside the stadium. This is controversial at K-State because if the game isn’t close, the tailgating party is usually so good a sizable number of people don’t go back.
Alcohol rules: You can’t bring alcohol into the stadium, but you can buy it inside at designated areas like the Powercat Porch (southeast corner) and the Goss Family Tailgate Terrace (west side). Beer, wine, and margaritas are available starting two hours before kickoff through the end of the third quarter. You’re limited to two alcoholic drinks per ID per purchase. You can’t take drinks from these areas into the general seating bowl.
Kansas State is smoke-free: No smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, or any tobacco products anywhere on university property except inside your personal vehicle. This includes the stadium, parking lots, and tailgating areas.
For all policies, here is the full guide from the K-State Website.
Bill Snyder Family Stadium Parking
Parking lots open five hours before kickoff. Most lots surrounding the stadium are reserved for Ahearn Fund donors, but general parking is available in nearby lots for $10-20 per car depending on the opponent. Payment is cashless only (credit/debit card).
If you’re tailgating, arrive early—4+ hours before kickoff if you want a good spot and time to set up. Lots fill up fast for big games (Kansas, Iowa State, any ranked opponent). For smaller games, showing up 2-3 hours early works fine.
After the game, expect to wait 30-60 minutes to get out of the parking lots depending on where you parked. Traffic control doesn’t let anyone move until the main roads clear. If you’re in a rush, leave at the end of the third quarter—but you’ll miss the Wabash Cannonball and the finish, so choose wisely.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Dropoff: College Avenue (near Tointon Family Stadium on the west side) or Kimball Avenue (near the Vanier Football Complex on the north side). The Kimball Avenue spot gives you access to both the east and west gates.
Pickup: Same locations—College Ave and Kimball Ave. Here’s the catch: rideshare drivers aren’t allowed into the stadium area until exiting traffic clears, which takes 45-60 minutes after the game ends. Drivers can stage starting at the end of the third quarter, but once traffic control kicks in, they’re blocked until the main lots empty out.
Cost is typically $8-15 from downtown Manhattan to the stadium, but expect 2-3x surge pricing after the game. If you’re going this route, either leave early or hang around the stadium for 30-45 minutes after the final whistle to let traffic die down and avoid the surge.
Walking
If you’re staying near campus or in Aggieville (the bar district just north of campus), Bill Snyder Family Stadium is a 15-20 minute walk. The neighborhood is safe, well-lit on game days, and you’ll pass dozens of tailgates on the way. Walking beats parking drama and gets you into the game day atmosphere early. Just wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be on your feet most of the day anyway
Shuttles To Bill Snyder Family Stadium
Use the ATA Bus and skip parking drama entirely: Manhattan’s ATA bus runs a game day route for $1 per adult that stops at Jardine (Tunstall), with stops in Aggieville (the bar district) and the K-State Union. You can park downtown for free or cheap, grab food and drinks in Aggieville before the game, and ride the bus straight to the stadium without dealing with $20 parking or sitting in post-game traffic. After the game, the bus gets you back to Aggieville where you can celebrate (or commiserate) at one of the dozen bars.
K-State Football Gameday Tips
Bill Snyder Family Stadium is loud, proud, and packed with traditions that’ll make sense once you’re in the middle of 50,000 fans swaying to the Wabash Cannonball.
First Look: Best Tips From Fans Who’ve Been There
The “Catfan” Text Service: If you need help, lose a kid, or see something sketchy, text the word “catfan” followed by your message and seat location to 83200. Stadium staff will respond directly. This is faster than trying to flag down security in a packed concourse, and it’s one of the most useful features K-State offers that nobody talks about.
Re-Entry Is Allowed: You can leave and come back as many times as you want during the game. Just scan your ticket out at any gate, and scan back in at Gates D (west side) or E (east side) after the third quarter. Perfect if you want to hit your tailgate at halftime or grab food from a nearby spot. Most fans don’t realize this is an option.
Bring Your Own Water (Sort Of): You can bring one sealed, clear plastic water bottle up to 1 liter into the stadium. Frozen bottles aren’t allowed, but if it’s a hot September game, bring an unopened Aquafina or Dasani and you’re good to go. Saves you $5-6 per bottle inside.
Access & Gate Strategy
Gates open two hours before kickoff, but the parking lots open five hours early. If you’re tailgating, get there early and enjoy it—that’s half the experience. If you’re just there for the game, showing up 90 minutes before kickoff gets you through security without the rush and gives you time to grab food before the lines build.
Enter through Gates D or E if you want the shortest lines—these are the designated re-entry gates and tend to be less congested than the main entrances at kickoff. Gates A and B (West Stadium Center area) get packed because that’s where the Bill Snyder statue is and where people congregate.
Metal detectors are at every gate, so empty your pockets and have your clear bag ready for inspection before you get to the front of the line. It’ll save you and everyone behind you a few minutes.
Food & Drink Strategy
Tailgate Culture: The stadium has parking lots on both sides and just an amazing tailgate culture. If you walk through the tailgates during the game you’re bound to strike up friendly conversations and be invited for a beer. Also alot of people will just stay at their tailgate parties after halftime if the game is out of hand.
West Side Terraces: These are great places to meet up before the game, you can’t drink in the stadium, but after you enter you can go up the stairs to these terraces on the west side and have a great overview of the full tailgating scene while enjoying a beverage. Just remember, you can’t take the beverage back to your seat. It stays in this area.
The BBQ stand in the south end zone (Shamrock Zone area) is legitimately good—$8 for a sandwich with your choice of three meats (pulled pork, brisket, sausage). It’s the best value in the stadium and way better than a $7 hot dog. Get there during the first quarter or right before halftime if you want to avoid the line.
Turkey legs are also available in the south end zone if you’re feeling adventurous. They’re massive and cost around $10, but they’re a game day experience.
Skip the concessions on the main concourses during halftime—everyone floods them between the second and third quarters. Either eat early (first quarter) or wait until the third quarter when the crowds thin out. The concession stands open when gates open two hours before kickoff, so if you’re there early, you can eat before the game starts and avoid the chaos entirely.
The stadium is completely cashless—bring a credit or debit card. No cash, no checks, nothing. This applies to concessions, parking, and merchandise.
Arrival & Gate Timing
Parking lots: Open five hours before kickoff. Most lots are reserved for Ahearn Fund members (donors), but general parking is available for $10-20 per car depending on the game. Pay with card—it’s cashless.
Stadium gates: Open two hours before kickoff. Show up 90-120 minutes early if you want to browse the Rally House stores (they’re accessible from inside and outside the stadium), grab food, and settle into your seat without stress.
Giveaways: On promotional nights, items run out fast. If you want the bobblehead or rally towel, be there when gates open.
Ticket office: The west ticket office (Gate B) opens three hours before kickoff; the east booth opens two hours before kickoff. If you’re buying tickets day-of, hit the west side early.
Stadium Traditions & Culture
The Wabash Cannonball is the tradition here. When the marching band plays it, the entire stadium sways back and forth in unison—50,000 people moving like a wave. It started in 1968 after a fire in Nichols Hall destroyed most of the band’s sheet music, and somehow the Wabash Cannonball survived. Now it’s the soundtrack to every K-State game. If you’re new, just follow the person next to you—locals will teach you the rhythm.
Willie the Wildcat does pushups after every Kansas State score—one pushup for every point K-State has on the board. So if K-State scores a touchdown to go up 21-7, Willie’s cranking out 21 pushups while the crowd counts along. In high-scoring games, this gets ridiculous and hilarious.
Fans also do a first-down chant every time K-State picks up a first down. It’s loud, it’s repetitive, and it’s part of the chaos that makes this place one of the toughest venues in the Big 12.
Instagrammable Spots & Photo Ops
The Bill Snyder statue outside the West Stadium Center (near Gate B) is the must-see photo spot. It’s an 11.5-foot bronze statue of Coach Snyder in his signature purple jacket, turtleneck, and Nike Cortez shoes, holding his notepad and felt-tip pen. The base includes handprints from the Snyder family. This is where everyone takes their “we were here” photo before and after the game.
Inside the stadium, shoot from the upper deck corners for a full bowl view—you’ll get the limestone towers, the packed crowd, and the field all in one frame. Best time is right before kickoff when the place is full and the energy is building.
The Vanier Football Complex on the north side of the stadium has a massive video board on top—good backdrop for a wide shot if you’re outside tailgating.
Getting to Manhattan
If you are planning to fly into Manhattan, KS, you have direct flight options available. American Airlines offers convenient direct flights from two major cities: Chicago (ORD) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) with a combined 4-5 direct flights in and out every day. These direct routes make it easier to reach Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK), which has recently undergone a renovation to enhance the travel experience for visitors. You can also fly into the new Kansas City terminal and its about a 2 hour drive over to the Little Apple on Interstate 70.
Bars and Restaurants in the Little Apple
Manhattan, Kansas, is a small college town with two main zones: Downtown (about 2 miles from the stadium) and Aggieville (right next to campus). Downtown is where you go for nicer sit-down meals and craft cocktails—think date night or family dinners. Aggieville is pure college town energy—packed bars, quick bites, and where everyone ends up after games to celebrate or drink away losses. Most fans do this: eat downtown before kickoff, hit the game, then walk to Aggieville afterward to decompress with other fans while traffic clears.
Downtown Manhattan: Before the Game
Bourbon & Baker: My go-to when I’m in Manhattan. Modern American food with a Southern twist, great cocktails, and a menu split between small plates for sharing and full entrees. The atmosphere feels way more sophisticated than you’d expect in a town this size. If you want an actual good meal before the game instead of bar food, this is the move.
They’re usually busy on gamedays but not impossible to get into if you arrive early. Located downtown, about a 10-minute drive from the stadium. Have dinner here Friday and head to Ville.
Aggieville Brewing CO: Craft brewery and restaurant at 612 Pillsbury Dr (just on other side of bridge when you head into town) with house-brewed beers and a BBQ-focused menu. They rotate their tap selection regularly, so you’ll always find something new—wide range from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. The beer garden out back is fantastic, especially on nice days—lots of space, multiple seating areas, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Wine Dive: Upscale wine bar with an extensive list and small plates. Good if you’re bringing someone who doesn’t care about football but agreed to come for the weekend. Sommelier-selected wines, contemporary vibe, shareable dishes. Not where you go to get hyped for kickoff, but it’s a solid pre-game option for a more relaxed meal.
AJ’s NY Pizzeria: Best pizza in Manhattan. Authentic New York-style slices, calzones, pasta. Good for groups, easy to share, and you can grab a couple slices and get out quickly if you’re running late. Downtown location makes it convenient before heading to the stadium.
Aggieville: After the Game (Where Everyone Goes)
Aggieville is the historic bar district right next to campus. On game weekends, the streets are packed with purple-clad fans, the band is doing their pub crawls on Friday night before the game and after the game, this is where you’ll find everyone. The energy is loud, messy, and fun—think classic college town atmosphere. If you want to avoid traffic and soak in the post-game chaos, Aggieville is your spot.
So Long Saloon (Aggieville): This is the Aggieville institution. Tiny space, always packed, historic vibes. Same great burgers and fried tacos as the downtown location, but here you’re elbow-to-elbow with students and alumni reliving the game. Getting in is tough because it’s small, but if you snag a spot, you’re in for a good time. Craft beer selection, loud crowd, zero pretension. This is where locals go.
Kite’s Bar & Grill: The place to be before or after the game in Aggieville. Laid-back pub atmosphere, burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and a bar full of K-State fans either getting hyped or drowning their sorrows depending on the score. If you only hit one spot in Aggieville, make it Kite’s—it’s the heartbeat of gameday for generations. One of my favorite classic college bars anywhere.
Auntie Mae’s Parlor: Local favorite for live music and drinks. Wide beer and cocktail selection, laid-back vibe. Good if you want to hear a band while you drink instead of just screaming about football with strangers. Love this place. If you just do this, So Long and Kite’s you’ll get the full Aggieville experience.
Taco Lucha: Directly behind So Long. Creative Mexican food with unique taco combinations—they blend traditional Mexican ingredients with bold, modern flavors. Energetic atmosphere, great on a Friday night before the game if you want something different from the usual burger-and-beer routine.
Bootsies: Brand new it took over the old Coco Bolo location. Good cocktails, solid food, and their Po’Zos Italian sandwiches and pizzas are worth trying. Still finding its footing as a new spot, but early reports are positive. If Kite’s and So Long are too packed, try here.
The Gameday Strategy
Locals do this: eat downtown at Bourbon & Baker or So Long (better parking, nicer atmosphere), drive to the game, then walk or Uber to Aggieville after. Grab a drink at Kite’s or So Long, wait 60-90 minutes for traffic to die down, then head home. You avoid the parking nightmare and you’re drinking with other fans instead of sitting in your car staring at brake lights.
If you’re staying overnight, hit Aggieville Friday night to get the full college town experience, then do a nicer downtown dinner Saturday before the game.
Hotels Near Bill Snyder Family Stadium
You really have two options in the Little Apple. Stay downtown (near the Hilton Garden Inn and conference center) and Aggieville/campus area (Bluemont, Courtyard Marriott). Downtown puts you closer to nicer restaurants like Bourbon & Baker and makes parking easier, but you’re a 5-10 minute drive from the stadium. Aggieville/campus hotels put you walking distance from bars, the stadium, and all the gameday energy, but you’ll deal with more noise and foot traffic. Most people pick based on vibe—if you want a quieter, more polished stay, go downtown. If you want to stumble back to your hotel after celebrating at So Long Saloon, stay in Aggieville.
Book early for football and basketball games—hotels fill up months in advance for big matchups, especially Homecoming and rivalry games.
Recommended Hotels
Bluemont Hotel – 1212 Bluemont Ave: Ranked #1 hotel in Manhattan on TripAdvisor. Boutique-style hotel directly across from Kansas State and Aggieville. You can literally see the stadium and Aggieville from your room. Rooftop terrace, onsite lounge with daily drink and appetizer specials, free breakfast.
This is the best location if you want to be in the heart of everything. Walk to the stadium, walk to bars, walk to campus. Rooms run $129-$399 depending on the weekend. Built in 2014, so everything feels modern.
Who this is for: Anyone who wants convenience and doesn’t mind paying a bit more for it. Alumni coming back for a game. Couples or groups who want walkability without relying on cars.
Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan – 410 S 3rd St (Downtown): Connected to Manhattan Conference Center, downtown location about one mile from campus. Modern, reliable, and you’re walking distance to Bourbon & Baker and other downtown restaurants.
Free airport shuttle (yes Manhattan has an airport) if you book 24 hours in advance (pickup between 8am-10pm). You’re about 2 miles from the stadium, so you’ll need to drive or Uber to the game, but parking downtown is way easier than near campus.
Who this is for: Families, older fans who don’t want to deal with Aggieville chaos, anyone who values a quieter hotel with easy parking over being steps from bars.
Courtyard by Marriott Manhattan Aggieville: Right in the Aggieville entertainment district, literally steps from Kansas State. You’re a 2-3 minute walk from So Long Saloon, Tanner’s, and Taco Lucha. Onsite restaurant (Bistro) serves breakfast and dinner, bar, garden, 24-hour gym.
Who this is for: Fans who want to be in the middle of the action. You can walk to the game, walk to bars, and stumble back without worrying about Ubers. Expect noise on gameday weekends—you’re in the party district.
Other Options
Manhattan Campus Holiday Inn: Near campus, caters to university visitors, convenient for gameday access.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Manhattan: Central location, complimentary breakfast, reliable chain hotel experience.
Budget Options
Fairfield Inn Manhattan: Solid value, modern amenities, good for fans on a budget who still want comfort.
Candlewood Suites Manhattan: Extended-stay setup, good for families or groups staying multiple nights.
Quality Inn & Suites: Basic but comfortable, gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Super 8 by Wyndham Manhattan KS: Bare-bones budget option, fine if you’re just sleeping there and spending all day tailgating.
Most of these budget options are 2-4 miles from campus, so you’ll need a car to get around. They fill up slower than the Bluemont or Courtyard, so you have more flexibility booking closer to game day.
Best Things To Do in Manhattan, KS
Tailgating: Bill Snyder Family Stadium is one of the great college venues in the country for tailgating. Parking lots on both sides of the stadium and terraces on the West Side overlooking the pregame atmosphere where you can grab a drink as well. Experience the camaraderie, delicious food, and festive spirit that surrounds this K-State game-day tradition.
Museum Of Art and Light: This museum will have both a traditional art museum and a digital one that will show classic paintings from the renaissance era and beyond. We visited this last year, this is a must see in the Little Apple for art fans. Great immersive exhibit!
Beach Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in the world of art and culture at the Beach Museum of Art, located on the campus of Kansas State University. This museum showcases a remarkable collection of American art, featuring paintings, sculptures, and other artistic expressions. Wander through the well-curated galleries and discover works by both renowned and emerging artists.
Visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center: Take a break from the game-day weekend hustle and bustle to explore the beauty and history of the Flint Hills. The Flint Hills Discovery Center offers interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the region’s unique natural features and cultural heritage.
Visit Konza Prairie Biological Station: If you’re a nature enthusiast, consider taking a hike at the Konza Prairie Biological Station. This protected area features scenic trails and an opportunity to explore the beautiful tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, KS, offers a diverse collection of wildlife from around the world. Explore beautifully landscaped exhibits, encounter fascinating animals like tigers and giraffes, and enjoy an educational and family-friendly experience during your Kansas State game weekend.
Take a Campus Tour: If you’re a K-State alumni or simply want to immerse yourself in the university spirit, consider taking a campus tour. Stroll through the beautiful campus grounds, learn about the university’s history, and visit iconic spots like the K-State Gardens and Hale Library.
Why You Should Go
Bill Snyder Family Stadium punches above its weight, and when the cats are rolling, the atmosphere is real—50,000 fans swaying to the Wabash Cannonball is something you need to experience in person. The stadium’s been upgraded with modern clubs and premium spaces, but it still feels like authentic college football without the corporate polish you get at bigger programs. EMAW!
If you’re looking for other guides in the midwest and around the country, here are some places to start:
Dallas (Big 12 Championship Game) and all of our College Football Guides
Arrowhead Stadium and Kauffman Stadium
T-Mobile Center in KC (Big 12 Basketball Tournament)
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.