EMPORIA (KSNT) – Athletics officials with Emporia State University (ESU) report that part of a local stadium will be shuttered to fans due to structural issues.
ESU’s Athletics department announced in a press release on Sept. 2 that the east side stands of its Francis G. Welch Stadium are now closed. University officials said that, in light of the closure, ESU will be providing accommodations to fans such as portable bleachers with the capacity to seat 700 people in the north end zone area along with a VIP tent capable of accommodating up to 75 people.
“During a continuing evaluation of our athletic facilities, we identified some structural deficiencies on the east side of Welch Stadium that, for the safety of our fans, could no longer be delayed,” said Emporia State Director of Athletics Steve Rodecap.
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ESU officials said that, over the past two years, the stadium has hosted 11 university football games, eight high school football games and numerous other sporting events. ESU officials are hoping that improvements to the stadium will improve the experience of fans in the future.
The visitors section of the stadium will be moved to Section Q in the southern area of the west stands, according to the university. People are encouraged to use the visitor parking lots along Merchant Street to the west of Cremer Hall and Science Hall, along with the larger lots between Market and Highland Streets on the campus’ east side.
ESU officials said paid game day parking on Morse Drive on the western side of the stadium will remain an option for fans to use.
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