Willie the Wildcat Adds To The Excitement of K-State Games
Willie the Wildcat Adds To The Excitement of K-State Games

A Background on K-State 

Kansas State University, located in the relatively small Mid-West town of Manhattan Kansas poses a larger than life football programme at the collegiate level. K-State football or otherwise known as ‘The Wildcats’ is a program known for its passionate fanbase, consistency and performance throughout their football team for many years. After facing some turbulent times in their history, the program took a turn in 1989 when legendary coach Bill Snyder took over at the helm for what would be an impressive 20 year stint! ‘Discipline, Commitment and Toughness’ is what Snyder expected from his teams and those three words are still showcased on campus till this day. The roots of his hard work is present in everything K-State do on the field. Current Coach, Chris Klieman, is continuing that by producing a team that is always in contention within the Big 12 Conference.

The K-State Cheer Team surfing their way through another quarter of thrilling football in the Bill Snyder Arena
The K-State Cheer Team surfing their way through another quarter of thrilling football in the Bill Snyder Arena

What makes K-State Special 

The lure of this program can be witnessed by anyone who enters the Bill Snyder Family Football Arena. 50,000 passionate fans regularly pack the rafters to support their team through all stages of the season. Known for their undeniable loyalty toward the programme, the K-State fans bring a loud crowd presence with a real air of pride whenever the Wildcats take to the field. An added element to this support can be seen (and heard) from the K-State student section! ‘K-S-U’ chants tied in with the famed tradition of the Wabash Cannonball dance gives the stadium a uniquely energetic atmosphere! Regularly quoted amongst the best student section in college sports, the football team can count on their fans to bring the noise each time they step on to the field! “The crowd, the crowd are getting louder and louder each week we go out there” said Head Coach Chris Klieman.  

As if the K-State crowd weren’t enough to get the players going, another piece that makes the K-State experience even more special comes in the form of their mascot Willie the Wildcat, their cheer team and band of over 400 members, the Pride! These elements are a huge part of college football tradition and play an integral part in shaping the atmosphere by enhancing fan engagement, creating a sense of community and honing into some of the schools long lasting traditions

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic Trophy in the Bill Snyder Arena
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic Trophy in the Bill Snyder Arena

Next Up… Ireland! 

As the Wildcats continue to build under Head Coach Chris Klieman, the future is looking bright! K-State is a school that is renowned for their ability to produce top talent  with seventeen alumni currently playing professionally around the Country in the NFL. With many of this current crop of players expected to follow in their path. Having the likes of running back Dylan Edwards, quarterback Avery Johnson and recently confirmed 5 Star recruit Linkon Cure in their roster, the Cats will have high hopes for the upcoming season as they look to play their way back into becoming the Big 12 Conference champions. K-State's journey begins in Dublin for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic as they will face local rivals Iowa State University for their Week Zero opener! With both teams coming off the back of winning seasons, the Aviva Stadium will play host to a highly competitive matchup that is sure to kick the new season off with a bang!

You can read up on K-States opponents for the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic - Here 


 

Don’t Miss Out on Your Chance to be There! 

The next official game of American Football will be the Aer Lingus College Football Classic! 

Kansas State University vs Iowa State University on Saturday the 23rd of August will be the first ever Big 12 Conference game held in Ireland! With both teams coming off the back of winning seasons, it’s sure to be a good one! 

Tickets for this year’s Aer Lingus College Football Classic will go on sale on March 6th. You can register your interest now to receive exclusive 2025 presale access, updates and much more HERE 

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