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Tag: Pittsburg State Campus

Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall inside McCray Hall

by Chris Wilson

East Lindburg St
Pittsburg, KS 66762

The Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall is inside McCray Hall on the campus of Pittsburg State University. The Recital Hall features a newly rebuilt Steinway concert grand piano, and a 3-manual, mechanical action Fisk Opus 106 organ, constructed in 1995. Built in 1929 and originally called “Music Hall”, the building was rededicated in 1961 in honor of the department’s second chairman, Walter McCray.

Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall inside McCray Hall

by Chris Wilson

East Lindburg St
Pittsburg, KS 66762

The Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall inside McCray Hall on the campus of Pittsburg State University has a 407 seating capacity. The Recital Hall features a newly rebuilt Steinway concert grand piano, and a 3-manual, mechanical action Fisk Opus 106 organ, constructed in 1995. Built in 1929 and originally called “Music Hall”, the building was rededicated in 1961 in honor of the department’s second chairman, Walter McCray.

Robert W Plaster Center

by Chris Wilson

1701 S Homer
Pittsburg, KS 66752
(620) 231-7000
pittstate.edu/plastercenter

A state-of-the-art facility that hosts a variety of university and community events, both sports and non-sports including 1,000 person banquets, as well as regional and national competitions.

The site has already hosted, and is in the rotation to continue to host, the NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field National Championship, the NJCAA Indoor Track & Field National Championship, and the NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championship.

The $13 million, 154,000-square-foot facility, completed in Spring 2015, includes a 100-yard turf field, an 11,000-square-foot modern strength facility, a 300-meter track and seating for up to 1,500. It will also include locker rooms for men’s and women’s track & field and football, offices and meeting rooms.

PSU Veterans Memorial Amphitheater

by Chris Wilson

1909 S Rouse Ave
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 235-4762
psuvetmemorial.org

Plaza includes 3,400 engraved pavers, reflecting pool, and a retired Moving Wall – a replica of Vietnam War Memorial Wall that traveled the country.

The permanent location of one of three Moving Wall structures, the Pittsburg State University Veterans Memorial Amphitheater is located on the east end of the university’s campus. Since it was dedicated on Memorial Day in 2004, more than 100,000 visitors have walked through this tribute to all veterans.

The memorial was designed as a park setting to accommodate individual contemplation and provide a setting for educational programs, memorials, and other special events.

The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Three structures were created. Due to wear, one was retired and put on permanent display at the PSU Veterans Memorial Amphitheater.

The memorial also includes a reflecting pool with an eternal flame, patriotic bronze sculptures, and more than 1,000 engraved granite pavers paying tribute to veterans and veterans’ organizations.

Kelce Planetarium

by Chris Wilson

1702 S Joplin St
Pittsburg, KS 66762

For information on scheduling a private program, contact Sally Nixon at (620) 235-4391.

The planning of Yates Hall, a Math and Physics building occurred from 1962-1963. The President of the university, Dr. Leonard H. Axe, insisted that the building include a planetarium. There were, however, no funds available to pay for a star projector for the planetarium. In the fall of 1963, Mrs. Gladys Kelce provided funds to pay for the planetarium as a memorial to her husband, L. Russell Kelce. The planetarium opened in July of 1964, and saw 10,000 visitors the first year. Most of these visitors were from schools.

Today, the planetarium still provides programs for schools (elementary, secondary, and university), churches, and other groups, as well as public programs. Schools, churches, groups, etc. can schedule private programs to fit their needs. Each program features a tour of the current night sky and a topical program.

The planetarium has a seating capacity of around 50 individuals and is wheelchair accessible. The projector, a Digitarium Zeta, is capable of projecting stars, constellations, planets, the sun, the moon (and phases), daily motion of the sky, yearly motion of the sky, and motion to view the sky from any latitude on Earth. The planetarium also uses slides and music during shows.

John Lance Arena/Whetzel Court

by Chris Wilson

1701 S Homer
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7000
pittstategorillas.com

Pittsburg State University plays its home basketball and volleyball games at John Lance Arena. John Lance Arena is a 3,500 seat multi-purpose arena built in 1971. In 2012, John Lance Arena received a $1.3 million renovation with the installation of a new, 31,000 square foot, maple floor. The renovation also included new lower-level seating. John Lance Arena features three full-size basketball courts and can be converted into up to seven volleyball courts. John Lance Arena is also an ideal venue for wrestling, dance and cheerleading competitions.

Jack H Overman Student Center

by Chris Wilson

1902 S Locust St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
620) 235-4791
pittstate.edu/office/overman-student-center/

Several meeting & multipurpose rooms available. Largest is the Ballroom, with a maximum capacity of 800, and is divisible into 3 separate soundproof sections.

A unique setting for banquets, conferences, conventions, lectures, meetings, receptions, and workshops. Ideal for large groups who also need breakout rooms.

The latest audio and visual technology, on-site catering by Sodexo Campus Services, and numerous other services are available.

Multipurpose Rooms
Crimson & Gold Ballroom: Divisible into three separate soundproof sections. Maximum capacity for combined Ballroom is 800.
Sunflower Room: Lectures up to 144, banquets for approximately 80.
Governors Room: Ideal for lectures of up to 120, and banquets or other functions of approximately 80.

Meeting Rooms
Heritage: An upscale area designed to host receptions only, includes lounge furniture and baby-grand piano.
Meadowlark: Fixed block, seats 24
Prairie: Fixed block, seats 24
Kansas 3 & 4 rooms: Each are flexible seating – either block of 16, or audience for 24, etc)
Kansas 1 & 2 rooms: Each are fixed blocks, that seat 20
Balkans: Conference table seats 14
Cottonwood: Conference table seats 12
Heartland: Conference table seats 10
Sunset A: Conference table seats 8
Sunset B: Conference table seats 8

Harry Krug Gallery

by Chris Wilson

202 E Cleveland Ave
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 235-4305
pittstate.edu/art/galleries-and-exhibitions.html

Juried artists are selected from portfolios representing all mediums in the University Gallery. Displayed contemporary art comes from the University Art Department faculty as well as contributors from all over the United States, local artists and from graduate students.

Gene Bicknell Sports Complex

by Chris Wilson

2198 S Rouse Ave
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7000
pittstategorillas.com

Includes: Al Ortolani Field (home of PSU Baseball), the PSU Softball Complex, and intramural fields.

Al Ortolani Field

Located on the southeast corner of the Pittsburg State University campus, Al Ortolani Field is the home of the Gorilla Baseball program. Al Ortolani Field is part of PSU’s Gene Bicknell Sports Complex, which includes the PSU Softball Complex as well as a pair of intramural fields. Al Ortolani Field continues to draw reviews as one of the top playing facilities in the Midwest. The natural surface features dimensions of 330 down the left field line, 400 to center, 330 down the right field line. The complex also features an indoor hitting facility complete with two 70-foot tunnels in an L shape for live hitting and a 65 x 55-foot netted area.

Convenient location

Beyond being located on campus, Al Ortolani Field is also just a few blocks from Pittsburg South Retail District. This shopping and entertainment district features great local restaurants, such as the Mall Deli, Café Del Rio and Gusano’s Pizzeria. The Meadowbrook Mall anchors the district which also offers an 8-screen movie theatre, retail shops and the 72-room LaQuinta Inn.

In 2017, AstroTurf brand synthetic turf was installed on all playing surfaces, batting cages, and bullpen areas.

Galloping Horse of Gansu Sculpture

by Chris Wilson

500 E Ford Ave (southeast edge of University Lake)
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7000
PittState.edu

This larger-than-life bronze piece is along the southeast edge of University Lake. It’s a reproduction of an ancient Chinese sculpture made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC to 220 AD) and was a 100th birthday gift to the University from a dignitary in China.

Father Emil Kapaun Memorial Mural

by Chris Wilson

301A E Cleveland Ave St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 235-1138

Memorial to a Catholic priest from Kansas who served as a U.S. Army Chaplain during Korean War and was awarded the Medal of Honor; captured while choosing to remain with wounded men rather than escape; spent seven months in prison camp ensuring others survival as he himself fell sick and died as a POW denied medical assistance. A memorial for Father Kapaun is also located at the PSU Veterans Memorial.

Learn more at https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/father-kapaun/

Carnie Smith Stadium, Brandenburg Field & Prentice Gudgen Track

by Chris Wilson

1705 S Joplin
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7000
pittstategorillas.com

The home of the Pittsburg State University Gorillas, Carnie Smith Stadium opened in 1924 and is recognized as one of the premiere venues in NCAA Division II. Built in a Classical Revival style, a Classical arcade dominates the west side of the stadium. A decorated 6 foot tall ironstone wall encircles the stadium.

Full name: Carnie Smith Stadium, Brandenburg Football Field, Prentice Gudgen Track

Nicknames: “The Jungle”, “The Pitt”

Seating: 8,343
Executive suites: 24
Record attendance: 11,910 (October 20, 2012)
Surface: MondoTurf (installed July 2012)
Scoreboard: 40’x70′ video board dubbed the “JungleTron”

Built: 1923
Opened: 1924
Renovated: 1989
Expanded: 2001, 2006

In addition to numerous NCAA Division II regular season and playoff games, Carnie Smith Stadium has been the home to Kansas High School state championships, the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star game, and two National Junior College Athletic Association championship games.

Carnie Smith Stadium also features the Prentice Gudgen Track. This historic track and field facility has hosted many events at the youth, high school and collegiate levels, including the MIAA Track and Field Championship.

Timeline

1923
Construction begins with volunteer labor during the summer of 1923. $100,000 was donated by students, alumni, faculty and citizens of Pittsburg to build the stadium. To insure its completion by the start of the 1924 season, faculty members were eventually required to help work up to eight hours per week.

1924, October 11
Originally named Brandenburg Stadium, in honor of William Aaron Brandenburg, the first president of the University, the first varsity football game was held between PSU (known as Kansas State Teachers College) and Baker University, in front of approximately 4,000 fans.

1987
The University announced the field would continue to bear the name of PSU’s first president, but the stadium would be called Carnie Smith Stadium, in honor of the legendary PSU football coach who led the Gorillas to two NAIA national championships (1957 and 1961) and six conferences titles during his tenure from 1949-66.

1989
Renovations.

2001
A $5.7 million expansion provided by private funding added 2,700 seats, including new club seating on both the East and West stands, and 16 luxury sky boxes added to East stands. Stadium capacity grew from 5,611 permanent seats to 8,343. New restroom, concession stand and ticket booth facilities added. An elevator, handicap accessability and other ADA improvements made. Home and visitor locker room upgraded. New media room added.

2006
A $2.5 million expansion provided by private funding added eight luxury sky boxes to West side of the stadium.

2008
A $1.7 million upgrade through private funding unveiled the “Jungletron” video scoreboard, the largest replay board in NCAA Division II.

2011
Bleacher Report listed Carnie Smith Stadium as one of the “Top 50 Stadiums to See Before You Die” and one of the “Top 20 College Football Atmospheres in the Country.”

Carnie Smith Stadium, Brandenburg Field & Prentice Gudgen Track

by Chris Wilson

1705 S Joplin
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7000
pittstategorillas.com

Located in Pittsburg, Kansas, Carnie Smith Stadium is the home of the Pittsburg State University Gorillas and is recognized as one of the premiere venues in NCAA Division II.

Carnie Smith Stadium provides one of the strongest home field advantages in college football with seating for 8,343, and capacity for more than 10,000. Features of Carnie Smith Stadium include, 24 luxury skyboxes, MondoTurf artificial playing surface and one of the largest video boards in college football; the 40 foot by 70 foot “JungleTron.”

In addition to numerous NCAA Division II regular season and playoff games, Carnie Smith Stadium has been the home to Kansas High School state championships, the Kansas Shrine Bowl All-Star game, and four National Junior College Athletic Association championship games.
Carnie Smith Stadium also features the Prentice Gudgen Track. This historic track and field facility has hosted many events at the youth, high school and collegiate levels, including the MIAA Track and Field Championship.

In 2011, Bleacher Report listed Carnie Smith Stadium as one of the “Top 50 Stadiums to See Before You Die” and one of the “Top 20 College Football Atmospheres in the Country.”

Seating: 8,343
Capacity: 10,000 +
Press Box: Yes
Field Surface: Artificial/ Mondo 3Nx
Luxury Boxes: 24
Video Board: 40 x 70
Track: 400 meter – 6 lane/8 lane straightaway

Bicknell Gallery

by Chris Wilson

1711 S Homer St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 235-4536
bicknellcenter.com

The gallery’s high ceilings, flexible lighting grid and nearly 3,500 square-feet of display and work space provide incredible opportunities for artists and patrons alike. This space provides special exhibitions and also includes work space for an artist-in-residence and the flexibility to showcase multiple exhibitions at once.

Birger Sandzén Landscapes Gallery

by Chris Wilson

E Lindburg St
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-7000

Landscape paintings “Autumn Symphony” and “Wild Horse Creek” by Birger Sandzén’s decorate the entrance foyer of McCray Hall on the campus of Pittsburg State University.

Sven Birger Sandzén was born in Blidsberg, Sweden on February 5, 1871. He immigrated to Lindsborg, Kansas at the age of 23 to teach at Bethany College. He taught French, Swedish, German and Spanish until 1899 when he become the principal art instructor at Bethany.

A true Renaissance man, he was the tenor soloist with the Bethany Oratorio Society (1896-1901 and 1903-1905) and gave many recitals with his wife, Alfrida Leksell Sandzén, a talented pianist. Sandzén was an accomplished writer as well, contributing articles and folktales to Swedish-American newspapers for many years. As a professional artist, Sandzén produced oils, watercolors, and prints which now hang in homes, schools and galleries throughout the United States.

In the early twenties and thirties he exhibited extensively, including two exhibitions at the Babcock Galleries in New York. In addition to his Kansas landscapes, he is famous for his paintings of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Utah and the Southwest. Birger Sandzén died in Lindsborg, Kansas on June 19, 1954.

African Night 2020

Rescheduled from Spring. Ticket sales are suspended and will resume in August.

Heritage, food, performances, fashion show, and more.

A night in Africa, Event full of performances, dances, drumming, music and Delicacies from across the African Continent. Africa Night is an event organized by the African Student Association in Pittsburg State University. With a goal to educate and entertain the public with performance drawn from different african cultures from which the students hail from.

Clear your schedules and invite a friend.

Four State Farm Show

UPDATED JULY 8, 2020: Four State Farm Show canceled for 2020

UPDATED MARCH 20, 2020: Four State Farm Show (rescheduled for July 24-26)

ORIGINAL

The 2020 Four State Farm Show is headed to town after 36 years on the farm.

“We are very pleased to announce we have signed a multi-year contract with Pittsburg State University to host the show on its beautiful campus,” said Lance Markley, Farm Talk publisher and Four State Farm Show coordinator.

Originally scheduled for May 29, 30 and 31, the 2020 show is now schedule for July 24-26.

“We are excited to welcome the Four State Farm Show to Pittsburg and to the campus of Pittsburg State University,” said Devin Gorman, executive director for the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “After much effort, we are proud to continue the legacy of the Four State Farm Show in our community. 

“The show has been a tremendously valuable event for us over the past 36 years, and the benefits of being on campus will help make it even more enjoyable for everyone in 2020 and for years beyond,” Gorman added.

Shawn Naccarato, Pittsburg State University’s chief strategy officer, said, “This is just one more example of the innovative sort of partnerships we’re willing to enter into to directly benefit our community… We’re excited that we’re able to come to an agreement that brings 20,000 people and more than $1 million in economic impact to our community.”

Markley continued, “The previous location served us well for many years, and we owe a huge amount of gratitude to long-time Pittsburg John Deere dealer Phil O’Malley for providing the show site. Over the years, we have found we aren’t great at controlling the weather. Not surprisingly, we have experienced extreme heat with our July dates and then heavy rains last year after moving the show to May in search of cooler temperatures. While this move doesn’t alleviate weather concerns, it does offer more favorable options if inclement weather occurs.”

While the previous location had no facility for indoor booths, the spacious Robert W. Plaster Center has the capacity for more than 400 exhibit spaces. Additionally, outdoor exhibitors now have the opportunity to display on asphalt or grass. All spectator and exhibitor parking is located on hard surface lots.

“This is just a great example of the sort of things we anticipated would be made possible by the building of the Plaster Center and the investment that the city, as well as the private donors, made to build that facility,” Naccarato said. “It’s the sort of thing we envisioned the Plaster Center would enable us to do as a community, and I think it’s exciting to see that come to fruition.”

While the Four State Farm Show has always been an agriculture-only event, the brand-new addition of “rural living” exhibit space in the Plaster Center allows non-agricultural companies the opportunity to reach spectators with their products in a designated area. A similar section has been popular every fall at the Ozark Fall Farmfest in Springfield, Missouri, a joint venture between Farm Talk and the Ozark Empire Fair.

“To say exhibitors are excited about the move is probably an understatement,” Markley said. “We sold over 400 booths in the first 10 days they were available.” However, many great booth spaces remain, and prospective exhibitors should contact Farm Talk to receive information.

Parking and admission are free. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, visit FourStateFarmShow.com or call Farm Talk Newspaper at 800-356-8255.

###

Four State Farm Show

UPDATED JULY 8, 2020: Four State Farm Show canceled for 2020

UPDATED MARCH 20, 2020: Four State Farm Show (rescheduled for July 24-26)

ORIGINAL

The 2020 Four State Farm Show is headed to town after 36 years on the farm.

“We are very pleased to announce we have signed a multi-year contract with Pittsburg State University to host the show on its beautiful campus,” said Lance Markley, Farm Talk publisher and Four State Farm Show coordinator.

Originally scheduled for May 29, 30 and 31, the 2020 show is now schedule for July 24-26.

“We are excited to welcome the Four State Farm Show to Pittsburg and to the campus of Pittsburg State University,” said Devin Gorman, executive director for the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “After much effort, we are proud to continue the legacy of the Four State Farm Show in our community. 

“The show has been a tremendously valuable event for us over the past 36 years, and the benefits of being on campus will help make it even more enjoyable for everyone in 2020 and for years beyond,” Gorman added.

Shawn Naccarato, Pittsburg State University’s chief strategy officer, said, “This is just one more example of the innovative sort of partnerships we’re willing to enter into to directly benefit our community… We’re excited that we’re able to come to an agreement that brings 20,000 people and more than $1 million in economic impact to our community.”

Markley continued, “The previous location served us well for many years, and we owe a huge amount of gratitude to long-time Pittsburg John Deere dealer Phil O’Malley for providing the show site. Over the years, we have found we aren’t great at controlling the weather. Not surprisingly, we have experienced extreme heat with our July dates and then heavy rains last year after moving the show to May in search of cooler temperatures. While this move doesn’t alleviate weather concerns, it does offer more favorable options if inclement weather occurs.”

While the previous location had no facility for indoor booths, the spacious Robert W. Plaster Center has the capacity for more than 400 exhibit spaces. Additionally, outdoor exhibitors now have the opportunity to display on asphalt or grass. All spectator and exhibitor parking is located on hard surface lots.

“This is just a great example of the sort of things we anticipated would be made possible by the building of the Plaster Center and the investment that the city, as well as the private donors, made to build that facility,” Naccarato said. “It’s the sort of thing we envisioned the Plaster Center would enable us to do as a community, and I think it’s exciting to see that come to fruition.”

While the Four State Farm Show has always been an agriculture-only event, the brand-new addition of “rural living” exhibit space in the Plaster Center allows non-agricultural companies the opportunity to reach spectators with their products in a designated area. A similar section has been popular every fall at the Ozark Fall Farmfest in Springfield, Missouri, a joint venture between Farm Talk and the Ozark Empire Fair.

“To say exhibitors are excited about the move is probably an understatement,” Markley said. “We sold over 400 booths in the first 10 days they were available.” However, many great booth spaces remain, and prospective exhibitors should contact Farm Talk to receive information.

Parking and admission are free. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, visit FourStateFarmShow.com or call Farm Talk Newspaper at 800-356-8255.

###

Four State Farm Show

UPDATED JULY 8, 2020: Four State Farm Show canceled for 2020

UPDATED MARCH 20, 2020: Four State Farm Show (rescheduled for July 24-26)

ORIGINAL

The 2020 Four State Farm Show is headed to town after 36 years on the farm.

“We are very pleased to announce we have signed a multi-year contract with Pittsburg State University to host the show on its beautiful campus,” said Lance Markley, Farm Talk publisher and Four State Farm Show coordinator.

Originally scheduled for May 29, 30 and 31, the 2020 show is now schedule for July 24-26.

“We are excited to welcome the Four State Farm Show to Pittsburg and to the campus of Pittsburg State University,” said Devin Gorman, executive director for the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “After much effort, we are proud to continue the legacy of the Four State Farm Show in our community. 

“The show has been a tremendously valuable event for us over the past 36 years, and the benefits of being on campus will help make it even more enjoyable for everyone in 2020 and for years beyond,” Gorman added.

Shawn Naccarato, Pittsburg State University’s chief strategy officer, said, “This is just one more example of the innovative sort of partnerships we’re willing to enter into to directly benefit our community… We’re excited that we’re able to come to an agreement that brings 20,000 people and more than $1 million in economic impact to our community.”

Markley continued, “The previous location served us well for many years, and we owe a huge amount of gratitude to long-time Pittsburg John Deere dealer Phil O’Malley for providing the show site. Over the years, we have found we aren’t great at controlling the weather. Not surprisingly, we have experienced extreme heat with our July dates and then heavy rains last year after moving the show to May in search of cooler temperatures. While this move doesn’t alleviate weather concerns, it does offer more favorable options if inclement weather occurs.”

While the previous location had no facility for indoor booths, the spacious Robert W. Plaster Center has the capacity for more than 400 exhibit spaces. Additionally, outdoor exhibitors now have the opportunity to display on asphalt or grass. All spectator and exhibitor parking is located on hard surface lots.

“This is just a great example of the sort of things we anticipated would be made possible by the building of the Plaster Center and the investment that the city, as well as the private donors, made to build that facility,” Naccarato said. “It’s the sort of thing we envisioned the Plaster Center would enable us to do as a community, and I think it’s exciting to see that come to fruition.”

While the Four State Farm Show has always been an agriculture-only event, the brand-new addition of “rural living” exhibit space in the Plaster Center allows non-agricultural companies the opportunity to reach spectators with their products in a designated area. A similar section has been popular every fall at the Ozark Fall Farmfest in Springfield, Missouri, a joint venture between Farm Talk and the Ozark Empire Fair.

“To say exhibitors are excited about the move is probably an understatement,” Markley said. “We sold over 400 booths in the first 10 days they were available.” However, many great booth spaces remain, and prospective exhibitors should contact Farm Talk to receive information.

Parking and admission are free. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, visit FourStateFarmShow.com or call Farm Talk Newspaper at 800-356-8255.

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