A destination for rodeo and more

This spring, the K-State College Rodeo brought new life to the nation's largest student-run rodeo, unveiling an exciting new venue in Manhattan.

While the K-State Rodeo celebrated 80 years of competition, the story of the Bilbrey Family Event Center is just beginning. The center is now available to host a wide range of events.

Beyond the bucking chutes and bleachers is a staging area, covered wash racks, classrooms, office space and a lounge overlooking the arena. Meeting rooms surround the arena, making it easy to shift from focused sessions to hands-on activities without leaving the facility. This design is a game-changer for multi-day clinics and immersive programs.

State-of-the-art facilities like these follow a familiar K-State blueprint, cultivating spaces where local connections spark global change.

"The Bilbrey Family Event Center is a state-of-the-art facility and truly one of a kind in our region," said Dan Moser, Eldon Gideon Dean of K-State's College of Agriculture. "It offers a place to host livestock events and educational programming that bring producers, partners, and visitors to the area, while also serving as a learning lab that connects K-State's expertise to the real-world needs of agriculture."

Recent visits from regional FFA chapters, 4-H groups and K-State classes fostered new connections among students and community leaders, underscoring the center's role as a gathering place for learners and experts from multiple disciplines.

Students gain practical experience by collaborating with industry leaders to develop innovative solutions to current and future challenges. Educators and clinicians engage students with hands-on learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom. Industry partners highlight their work, mentor students and partner with faculty — all in a shared environment.

"The center celebrates K-State's agricultural roots and helps recruit future leaders in the field," said Ethan Erickson, K-State vice president for administration and finance. "Facilities like this drive discovery, build relationships and boost connections in Kansas and across the world."

Elevating the event planning experience

To ensure smooth operations and future growth, K-State teamed up with Oak View Group, a global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services.

This partnership brings Oak View Group's expert staffing, logistics and systems that promise to provide a unique and impactful experience for every event hosted at the center.

Oak View Group's platform spans venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.

Melissa Criner begins as venue director on May 25 to develop programming, build partnerships, and expand the center's reach statewide.

Book the Bilbrey Family Event Center for your next event

Ready to host your next event? Contact K-State to reserve the Bilbrey Family Event Center for livestock shows, workshops or large gatherings.

Start planning your event now by visiting the center's website to explore rental options and available dates. Reach out to bilbreyevents@k-state.edu for sponsorship or naming opportunities.