Bilbrey Family Event Center opens on K-State campus 

A showcase of events christened the new arena at the Bilbrey Family Event Center on Oct. 10 on the Kansas State University campus.  

An exhibition of example events—barrel racing, team roping, reining and jumping events, and livestock show classes—were showcased in the new arena during the ribbon cutting celebration in the new facility. K-State students, staff and faculty, along with donors, alumni and friends of the College of Agriculture, were able to see the features of the new center. 

Officials are calling the event center a hub for animal sciences, and they are “creating a destination for current and future students, Kansas stakeholders and the regional and national livestock industry.” 

The multi-species event center and competition arena will support teaching and youth and Extension efforts in livestock and equine sciences. The new center will enhance animal science academic programs by preparing students to work in the livestock industry. Youth activities—4-H, FFA, horse and livestock shows—being held at the new center will help improve campus-wide recruitment of future students. Plus, the center will provide a safe and efficient environment for the K-State Rodeo Club to practice and host the annual collegiate rodeo. 

The Bilbrey center features: 

• 130 feet by 250 feet arena (Tee Jay Quarter Horses Walker Family Arena) with bleacher seating for 3,000 people; 

• Stock pens with bucking chutes and roping boxes; 

• Enclosed 80 feet by 80 feet staging area; 

• Covered wash area for horses and cattle, as well as 10 small livestock wash pens; 

• Manager’s office, meeting room, restrooms with showers, and a security/first-aid room; 

• An open lobby that features concessions and beverage sales; 

• Second-floor VIP area with windows overlooking the arena and staging area. 

According to Kansas State University Research and Extension, the Bilbrey is the first facility to be completed in K-State’s $210 million Agriculture Innovation Initiative. 

Interim Department Head of Animal Sciences and Industry Teresa Douthit reiterated how important it is for the center to extend learning past the classroom. 

“We will use this facility to support and demonstrate concepts introduced in our courses,” Douthit said in a news story. “The Bilbrey Family Event Center will facilitate live animal demonstrations and observations and allow learners to practice skills through clinics and hands-on activities that can’t be accomplished in a lecture hall.” 

K-State already has plans to hold some university classes at the center beginning in the spring 2025 semester, and another approximately 40 events will be held annually at the center. Those are events already set are the K-State Rodeo, the Little American Royal, Cattlemen’s Day, Junior Beef Producer Day, and Swine Day. Other new youth activities and industry events are already being planned.  

K-State President Richard Linton said this center represents the university’s commitment to not only serving the students, but the communities across Kansas and the entire region.  

“This facility will welcome thousands of young people each year through 4-H competitions, FFA events and livestock shows—many of whom will experience our campus for the first time and discover the opportunities that await them in agriculture,” he said. 

Dan Moser, interim Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture, also said the new facility will attract many future students to the Manhattan campus and community. 

“We greatly appreciate the support of our donors to grow awareness of our academic programs and the many career opportunities in agriculture and natural resources,” Moser said. 

The Bilbrey Family Event Center is possible through the support of individuals and corporate partners, including JP and Teresa Bilbrey of the Doubling Gap Ranch in Newville, Pennsylvania, for whom the facility is named. 

“By creating a venue where industry leaders, K-State Extension educators and families can come together, we’re strengthening the vital connection between the university and the agricultural communities we’re proud to serve,” Linton said. “This is exactly the kind of investment that fulfills our land-grant mission and creates lasting value for all Kansans.” 

The rodeo facilities are an important part of the center’s function and Madeline Meyer, president of the K-State Rodeo team, said in a news story the competition arena is “absolutely amazing.” 

“Every detail has been thoughtfully designed, from the beautiful roping and bucking chutes to the seating, concessions and even the footing within the arena,” said Meyer, a senior from Ellensburg, Washington, who competes in breakaway roping. 

“One of the biggest advantages we have now with the opening of this facility is the opportunity to practice year-round,” she said. “With Kansas weather, we often face extreme cold, heat or rainfall, which can make training very difficult. Having a climate-controlled, dry practice space all year long is incredibly valuable for the growth and development of our athletes.” 

Alli Nippert, a junior from Copan, Oklahoma, who also competes in breakaway roping, called the Bilbrey Family Event Center “the nicest rodeo facility in the region.” 

“That is huge for recruiting and for our current team,” Nippert said. “It gives us consistent, high-quality practices no matter the weather, and it really elevates what it means to be part of the K-State Rodeo team.” 

For more information about the Bilbrey Family Event Center visit www.k-state.edu/ag-innovation/facilities/bilbrey-family-event-center/. 

Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].