Track and Field | 5/8/2026 12:17:00 PM

By Paul Suellentrop
 
Steve Rainbolt came to Wichita State in August 2000 to coach track and field on Cessna Stadium's seven-lane track.
 
Early in his tenure, a renovation created eight 42-inch lanes. Twenty-six years after his hiring, Rainbolt is thrilled to watch the venue's ongoing change into University Stadium, featuring a nine-lane track with 48-inch lanes and many other upgrades as part of the makeover.
 

"It is a spectacular track and field facility," said Rainbolt, WSU's director of track and field. "The facility has truly become one of the nicest track and field facilities in the United States."
 
Wichita State will make its debut in its new surroundings today (Friday) in the Shocker Open. Field events begin at noon. Running events begin at 5 p.m.
 
The most visible change, of course, is the east grandstand completed a year ago and used for last year's KSHSAA State Track and Field Championships. The competition areas Inside and outside of the stadium received their new look over the past 11 months. The Shockers, who practiced off campus early in the spring, returned to their home stadium in late March.
 
In addition to the track, the facility features two areas for the long jump and triple jump in corners on the east side, outside of the track. Pole vault pits can be set up to account for winds from all directions, eliminating the need to switch pits during a practice or meet. High jumps remain in the same area as previously.
 
"The way the whole thing lays out, with the pole vault, long jump and triple jump outside of the oval, is really special," Rainbolt said. "It will create some great spectator viewing."
 
Exchange zones for the 400-meter relay are colored gray, which helps the athletes and enhances the race for fans. Tiered landscaping on the south side provides fans a better place to watch. In the northeast corner, a 12-foot tall, 19-foot wide Shockers sign offers a spot for pictures.
 
Outside the stadium, a throwing area accommodates the javelin, with a longer runway, hammer and discus. The shot put rings move from inside the stadium. Next to the throwing area are three 80-meter warmup lanes.
 
 

New track, who dis? pic.twitter.com/YU2nMMoLeP

— Wichita State T&F/XC (@GoShockersTFXC) March 31, 2026

 
 
The steeplechase, which previously finished on the back stretch, now finishes with all other races.
 
For the Shockers, the fast track, Wichita State branding and touches such as shelter benches create a fresh atmosphere for practice.
 
"It feels great running on the new track," Josh Parrish said. "I can't wait to compete on it. The track now is feeling more smooth and faster."
 
Nine lanes with a 48-inch width are the recommended, but not required, standard for NCAA competition. The Shockers will practice and compete at home on tracks often similar to what they will run on in NCAA Preliminaries and Championships.
 
The 48 inches can mean the difference between a collision and a clean race.
 
"Going over the hurdles, people get wild," Parrish said. "You could hit somebody while running and mess up their race and mess your race. The lanes being wider helps you focus on your race."
 
The final version of University Stadium will start to take shape in June, when demolition of the west grandstand begins. Construction will continue through 2027 - allowing for the state high school meet – before completion in 2028. When finished, the stadium will be a suitable venue for American Conference Championships, NCAA competition and other national meets.
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
 
Season tickets are on sale now, and season ticket renewals are available as well. To purchase, visit GoShockers.com/Tickets, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.