RYAN LACKEY
MANHATTAN, Kan. – With less than 40 days until the football home opener, K-State fans can kick off the 2026-27 sports season with an opportunity to meet and get autographs from their favorite K-State players as K-State Athletics hosts Meet The Cats on Saturday, August 22, inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium.
Parking for the event will be available on the west side of the stadium, and fans can enter through Gate B starting at 11 a.m.
BASKETBALL
The fun kicks off at 11 a.m., with both the men’s and women’s basketball teams – including head coaches Casey Alexander and Jeff Mittie – available for autographs on the west concourse along with interactive games for kids lasting until 12:30 p.m.
FOOTBALL
Following a closed practice in the Shamrock Indoor Practice Facility, the football team will head over to the stadium where head coach Collin Klein will address the crowd at approximately 11:45 a.m. Fans will then be allowed on the field to get autographs from the team and Coach Klein for one hour. Fans seeking autographs are asked to limit the number of items to one per person, and fans are encouraged to provide their own item to be signed.
VOLLEYBALL
Fans are then invited to move to Morgan Family Arena to cheer on K-State Volleyball as head coach Jason Mansfield and the Wildcats face former Big 12 foe Oklahoma in an exhibition match at 1 p.m. Arena doors open at noon for season tickets holders and 12:10 p.m. for single-game purchasers. Season tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now, and single-game tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 11.
TICKET DISCOUNTS
Special single-game football ticket offers will be available at the ticket sales table on the west concourse. Tickets currently remain available for all seven home games, including the home opener against Nicholls on September 5. Fewer than 700 tickets remain for the Washington State game on September 12, and 1,100 tickets remain for the Tulane contest on September 19.
GAMEDAY EXPERIENCES
Fans attending Meet The Cats will have the first opportunity to purchase exclusive, one-of-a-kind VIP experiences new for the 2026 season designed to bring fans closer to the action on gameday and create unforgettable memories with their friends and family. These premium offerings provide unparalleled access and unique behind-the-scenes opportunities, enhancing the fan experience in exciting new ways. Available experiences include pregame photos on the 50-yard line, Catwalk with the team, team runout experience and other opportunities.
K-STATE ACCESS
K-State Access Online Auction provides the opportunity to bid on exclusive K-State autographed items, unique experiences, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia while supporting K-State student-athletes. Don't miss the chance to secure incredible K-State items available exclusively during the week of Meet The Cats. Once the event ends, so does the opportunity to bid.
RALLY HOUSEFans can gear up for the season at Rally House at the West Stadium Center. The team shop will be open with a sidewalk sale featuring exclusive savings on officially licensed K-State merchandise including a wide selection of apparel, headwear, gift and accessories, with select clearance items up to 50% off. Fans can also purchase items to be autographed as well as their official K-State Stripe Out T-shirt for the home opener.
PHOTOS WITH WILLIE
Willie Wildcat will be on hand to take photos with fans in an elite recruit-style photoshoot, giving fans an exclusive and unique photo opportunity with the ability to purchase professional prints and other products at www.kstatesports.com/photostore.
JUNIOR WILDCATS
Junior Wildcat Club members who have renewed or purchased their membership for the 2026-27 season can check in at the table inside Gate B to pick up an exclusive gift item. Open to all K-State kids ages 2 to 12, Junior Wildcats experience the fun and excitement of the K-State Wildcats through events and annual membership benefits. Kids can join the Club at www.JuniorWildcatsClub.com to receive free admission to home women’s basketball, volleyball, soccer and baseball regular-season games (some limitations apply).
STUDENTS
K-State Students with an ICAT membership can pick up their exclusive T-shirt at a table inside Gate B.
CATS+
Whether attending in person or not, fans can sign up for a free 7-day trial of Cats+ at www.CatsPlus.com on August 22 only for a chance to win an autographed Coach Klein helmet or opportunity to watch pre-game from the field.
CONCESSIONS
Fans will have the first opportunity to try some of the new concession items for the 2026 season, including New Specialty Loaded Tater Tots and new Specialty Chicken Sandwiches. The stand just to the south of Gate B will be open for the duration of the event and will also feature classic items like hot dogs, chicken tenders, and burger baskets.
SOCCER
K-State Soccer hosts South Dakota State the following day – Sunday, August 23 – at 1 p.m. Season tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now, and single-game tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11.