Ahearn Gets A New Purple Paint Job

K-STATE SPORTS INFORMATION

June 25, 2012

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Fans attending K-State volleyball matches at Ahearn Field House in 2012 will be greeted with more purple than ever before as the entire upper level seating area has been painted with a fresh coat of K-State Purple.
The new purple upper level seating area at Ahearn replaces the traditional brown bleachers, while the cream railing has been upgraded as well, making Ahearn Field House truly a place where Wildcats can take glory into combat for the Purple and the White.

“It’s amazing the difference a new paint job has done to improve the aesthetics of Ahearn,” said K-State Head Coach Suzie Fritz. “It is a remarkable improvement and really makes the field house burst with purple Wildcat pride.”

Purple paint is not the only improvement being made to Ahearn this year. New, re-designed banners honoring the winning tradition of the K-State volleyball team will be hung later this summer in time for the season. Ahearn has undergone a number of improvements over the last two years with new bleachers installed and giant Powercat banner hanging above the student section welcoming opponents to the Purple Pit.

Excitement is building for the 2012 season that will see every starter from last year’s Sweet 16 run return to the court. The Wildcats lose only one player from last season’s historic run that saw the Wildcats defeat No. 2 Nebraska on its home floor in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and post the 18th 20-win season in program history. K-State finished the season ranked No. 22 in the final AVCA Coaches Poll after being picked to finish eighth in the Big 12.

“I believe that with the continuing support of our community and our students, as well as a growing interest in our team’s success, that this could be a year that we have the opportunity to break into the top 10 nationwide in attendance,” Fritz said. “Personally, I would love to see that happen for our team and for the university. If those who haven’t come to Ahearn in a while come back to join us, we won’t let them down. It’s a wonderful electric and exciting environment in Ahearn Field House, and we’re looking forward to getting on the court surrounded by purple.”

Season tickets renewals are going on now with a deadline of July 1. On July 2, season tickets will be available to the general public. Last season, Wildcat fans ranked 24th in the nation in attendance for volleyball, averaging more than 1,500 fans per contest. This year’s home schedule includes 15 home matches, including two tournaments and four against NCAA Tournament teams.

A number of ticket options are available for the 2012 season including Reserved Chairbacks at $85 each, available exclusively to Ahearn Fund members, Cat Cushion balcony seating at $65 each for adults and just $50 each for youth, senior citizens, faculty/staff and military, and discounted General Admission balcony seating starting at just $30 each with the purchase of four or more season tickets.

Season tickets are available by calling the ticket office at 800-221-CATS, online at kstatesports.com or in person at the Bramlage Coliseum Ticket Office between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

K-State ranked 24th in the nation in attendance in 2011 thanks to the Wildcat faithful packing Ahearn with more than 1,500 fans per contest. The atmosphere at Ahearn traditionally ranks among the Top 25 in attendance each year, making it one of the toughest places to play in the Big 12 Conference. K-State has a home record of 115-45 in Fritz’s 11 years as head coach.

The Wildcats open their 2012 season with a two-day home tournament on August 24-25 when they welcome Oregon State, Oakland and UC Irvine to the improved Ahearn Field House.