The Greater Wichita community, through generous donations from Shocker fans, enjoyed the unique experience of game day at Charles Koch Arena during the 2025-26 basketball season.
Community members from non-profit organizations such as The Bridge Church, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, League 42, Stand Together, United Way of the Plains and the YMCA benefited from Wichita State's community tickets initiative.
Last year, these six different non-profit organizations provided more than 450 women's basketball tickets and more than 3,300 men's basketball tickets, thanks to the generous contributions of Shane and Kianne Prill, Rick and Barbara Hemphill, Tony and Sherl Weatherbee, Tom and Myra Devlin, and Kirsten and Larry Teague who each donated tickets.
"I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the donors for their extraordinary generosity in providing both the tickets and food vouchers," said Big Brother Steve from Big Brothers Big Sisters. "Armani and I had an absolutely wonderful time attending the games, and it was a truly special opportunity for us to bond. Basketball holds a special place in Armani's heart, so this experience meant the world to him."
David Jabara, Marc Farha, and Lisa Hambelton, on behalf of Mel Hambelton Ford, contributed to cover additional associated costs to enhance the experience for all attendees.
"Please tell the Prill family and other donors that we really enjoyed the games and snacks," said Big Sister Veronica. "Thank you for your generous hearts in a world full of hard times for these kids. Memories were definitely made that we won't forget. Thank you!"
Providing 25 tickets for each women's basketball game last season, Kirsten and Larry Teague showed their ongoing support of women's athletics at Wichita State. The tickets donated by the Teagues were enjoyed by the YMCA and United Way of the Plains.
"As a kid growing up, I watched my mom, Natasha Fife, Sue Bair and Yvonne Slingerland build the foundation for women's athletics at WSU," Kirsten Teague said. "It was not until I was older that I understood the true impact that my mom had on women's athletics. It will forever be important to my family that women's athletics at WSU be supported."
Wichita State Athletics invites and encourages individuals to purchase community tickets for the 2026-27 athletic season across all ticketed sports.
Local stakeholders interested in joining the effort can contact the Wichita State Athletics Ticket Office at (316) 978-FANS to purchase tickets and coordinate donations. Together, Wichitans can fill the stands and build a stronger, more connected community.
