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College Gameday HubBig 12Manhattan, KS

Manhattan
Game Day

Next Home Game — TBA· Sep 5
174Days
20Hrs
04Min
33Sec
TBA
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

Kansas State University

Stadium

Capacity

NaN

Conference

Big 12

2026 Football Schedule

Official Kansas State University home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 5TBAHomeTBA
Sep 12TBAAwayTBA
Sep 19TBAHomeTBA
Sep 26TBAHomeTBA
Oct 3TBAAwayTBA
Oct 10TBAHomeTBA
Oct 17TBAAwayTBA
Oct 24TBAHomeTBA
Oct 31TBAAwayTBA
Nov 7TBAHomeTBA
Nov 14TBAAwayTBA
Nov 21TBAHomeTBA
Nov 28TBAAwayTBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Manhattan's Flint Hills location brings classic Kansas fall weather with hot early season games, beautiful autumn conditions, and cold, windy late-season matchups. September can be sweltering, October offers perfect football weather with stunning prairie sunsets, while November brings harsh cold and biting winds across the open landscape. Bill Snyder Family Stadium sits exposed on the prairie.

Hot and humid, occasional severe thunderstorms

82°

High

/

59°

Low

7 rainy days
Early season heat can be intense! Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen. Thunderstorms can roll in quickly—monitor weather alerts.

Ideal fall weather, mild and pleasant

69°

High

/

47°

Low

6 rainy days
Perfect football weather in the Little Apple! Comfortable days, cool evenings. Bring a light jacket for night games. Enjoy the beautiful Flint Hills fall colors.

Cold, very windy, possible snow or ice

53°

High

/

33°

Low

4 rainy days
2 snow days
Bundle up for late-season games! Kansas wind is relentless and makes it feel much colder. Bring heavy winter gear, hand warmers, and windproof layers.

Game Day Packing List

  • Layered clothing for temperature swings
  • Windproof jacket (essential for exposed stadium)
  • Heavy winter coat for November
  • Hat and gloves for cold games
  • Waterproof boots
  • Hand and toe warmers
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses

Best Time to Visit

October

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to .

Bundle Up For

November

Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.

Best Game Day Bar Districts

The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Manhattan on game day

Aggieville

Historic entertainment district and heart of K-State nightlife. Oldest entertainment district west of the Mississippi River. Walking distance to campus and stadium.

  • Kite's Bar & Grill
  • Rusty's Last Chance
  • Auntie Mae's Parlor
  • Tubby's Sports Bar
  • So Long Saloon
  • Tallgrass Tap House
  • Bluestem Bistro
  • Varsity Donuts

Downtown Manhattan

Historic downtown area with local shops and restaurants. More family-friendly atmosphere, short drive to Aggieville.

  • Various local restaurants and cafes

Campus Area

Kansas State University campus surrounds Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Tailgating central on gameday.

  • Campus dining options

Top Bars for Game Day

The best spots near for fans

Kite's Bar & Grill

< 1 mile from stadium·Classic college sports bar
Aggieville institution since 1952. The ultimate K-State sports bar with walls covered in Wildcats memorabilia. Famous for their burgers and gameday atmosphere.
Open in Google Maps

Rusty's Last Chance

< 1 mile from stadium·College dive bar
Legendary dive bar with cheap drinks, pool tables, and authentic college bar atmosphere. K-State students and alumni favorite for decades.
Open in Google Maps

Auntie Mae's Parlor

< 1 mile from stadium·Craft cocktail bar
Upscale cocktail bar in Aggieville with craft cocktails and elevated bar food. More sophisticated gameday option.
Open in Google Maps

Tubby's Sports Bar & Grill

< 1 mile from stadium·Modern sports bar
Multi-level sports bar with dozens of TVs, outdoor patio, and full menu. Great for watching multiple games.
Open in Google Maps

So Long Saloon

< 1 mile from stadium·Country bar
Country-themed bar with mechanical bull, dance floor, and live music. Popular post-game destination.
Open in Google Maps

Tallgrass Tap House

< 1 mile from stadium·Craft beer bar
Craft beer focused bar with 50+ taps featuring Kansas breweries. Rotating selection and knowledgeable staff.
Open in Google Maps

Bluestem Bistro

< 1 mile from stadium·Upscale bistro
Upscale bistro with wine bar and farm-to-table menu. Pre-game dining option for a nicer meal.
Open in Google Maps

Varsity Donuts

< 1 mile from stadium·Donut shop/bar hybrid
Gourmet donut shop that transforms into a bar at night. Unique gameday breakfast spot that serves alcohol.
Open in Google Maps
Official Game Day Route

Bar Crawl Route Map

The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near — follow the stops in order for the best experience

Total Distance

1.1 miles

Estimated Time

12-15 minutes walking

Bar Stops

6 Stops

Route Type

Walking Route

Start Here

Varsity Donuts (Moro St)

Starting point
1
Stop 1First Stop

Varsity Donuts

1007 Moro St, Manhattan, KS 66502

Fuel up with gourmet donuts and coffee before the crawl. The Purple Pride donut (with K-State colors) is a gameday tradition.
Get Directions
2 min walk (0.1 mi)
2
Stop 2

Kite's Bar & Grill

1210 Moro St, Manhattan, KS 66502

Aggieville institution since 1952. Famous for the 'Kite's Burger' and cold beer. Walls covered in K-State memorabilia.
Get Directions
1 min walk (0.05 mi)
3
Stop 3

Auntie Mae's Parlor

1220 Moro St, Manhattan, KS 66502

Vintage soda fountain meets modern bar. Try the boozy milkshakes and craft cocktails in a nostalgic 1950s setting.
Get Directions
3 min walk (0.2 mi)
4
Stop 4

Tallgrass Tap House

320 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502

50+ craft beers on tap featuring Kansas breweries. The Tallgrass Brewing Company flagship location with pub fare.
Get Directions
2 min walk (0.1 mi)
5
Stop 5

Tubby's Sports Bar

1116 Moro St, Manhattan, KS 66502

Classic sports bar with 20+ TVs, pool tables, and gameday specials. The wings and loaded nachos are crowd favorites.
Get Directions
10 min walk (0.5 mi)
6
Stop 6Final Stop

Bill Snyder Family Stadium

1800 College Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502

Home of the Kansas State Wildcats since 1968. Capacity 50,000. Arrive early for the Wabash Cannonball entrance. Named after legendary coach Bill Snyder.
Get Directions

End Point

Bill Snyder Family Stadium

Live Route Map

Full Route
1

Varsity Donuts

Stop 1 of 6

Starting point

Fuel up with gourmet donuts and coffee before the crawl. The Purple Pride donut (with K-State colors) is a gameday tradition.

1 / 7
1.1 miles
12-15 minutes walking
6 bars + stadium
Full Route
Pro Tip

Aggieville gets packed 3 hours before kickoff. Park in the city garage at 11th & Moro. Most bars offer purple drink specials on gamedays. So Long Saloon is 21+ after 9pm.

Join the Official Crawl

Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop

Book Your Spot
Fan Culture

Game Day Traditions

The rituals, chants, and moments that make Kansas State University game day unlike anywhere else

Wabash Cannonball Team Entrance

At kickoff

When the K-State Wildcats take the field, the band plays "Wabash Cannonball" and the crowd erupts. Fans line the tunnel entrance and create a wall of purple noise. It's one of the most electric moments in Big 12 football — the stadium shakes and opposing teams dread it.

The most electric entrance in the Big 12

Aggieville Pre-Game Ritual

3–4 hours before kickoff

Aggieville — one of the oldest entertainment districts west of the Mississippi — transforms into a purple sea hours before kickoff. Fans pack Kite's, Rusty's, and Tubby's, bar-hopping through the historic 2-block district. The 10-minute walk from Aggieville to the stadium is a purple parade.

Aggieville is the oldest entertainment district west of the Mississippi

EMAW — Every Man A Wildcat

All game long

"EMAW" (Every Man A Wildcat) is K-State's rallying cry, shouted by fans throughout the game. It represents the tight-knit Wildcat community and the belief that every fan is part of the team. You'll see it on shirts, hear it in the stands, and feel it in the atmosphere.

The rallying cry that unites the Wildcat family

Purple Power Blackout

Designated home games

For designated games, K-State calls a "Purple Power" game where the entire stadium wears purple — creating a blinding wall of color. The effect is stunning on TV and in person, and it intimidates opponents who walk into a sea of 50,000 purple-clad fans.

50,000 fans in purple — an intimidating sight

Varsity Donuts Gameday Breakfast

Morning game days

A uniquely Manhattan tradition — fans line up at Varsity Donuts in Aggieville for gourmet donuts and mimosas before morning games. The shop transforms into a festive pre-game gathering spot, and the creative purple-and-white frosted donuts are an Instagram staple.

The most unique gameday breakfast in college football

Experience Every Tradition Live

Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single ritual

Best Gameday Food

Fuel up before kickoff at these local favorites near

Open Gameday

Varsity Donuts

Donut Shop & Breakfast · $

4.7(1456 reviews)

Manhattan favorite serving creative donuts and hearty breakfast. Perfect fuel for early kickoffs.

Must Order:
Get Directions
Open Gameday

Tallgrass Tap House

Brewpub & Grill · $$

4.5(2134 reviews)

Aggieville staple with 100+ beers on tap and elevated pub fare. Prime gameday atmosphere.

Must Order:
Get Directions
Open Gameday

Bluestem Bistro

American Bistro · $$$

4.6(1823 reviews)

Upscale farm-to-table dining featuring Kansas ingredients. Great for special gameday celebrations.

Must Order:
Get Directions
Open Gameday

Coco Bolos

Mexican Grill · $$

4.4(2567 reviews)

Popular Aggieville spot with fresh Mexican food and strong margaritas. Always packed on gameday.

Must Order:
Get Directions
Open Gameday

Kite's Grille & Bar

Sports Bar · $$

4.3(1678 reviews)

Classic sports bar with great wings and gameday specials. Multiple TVs and lively K-State crowd.

Must Order:
Get Directions
Open Gameday

Call Hall Dairy Bar

Ice Cream & Dairy · $

4.8(1234 reviews)

K-State's own dairy bar on campus! Fresh ice cream made from university dairy herd. A true Wildcat tradition.

Must Order:
Get Directions
Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Manhattan GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community
Become a HostSee how it works →

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at

Tip 1

Aggieville is THE place to be - all bars within walking distance of each other

Tip 2

Arrive early to Kite's for breakfast - it's a K-State tradition

Tip 3

The Wabash Cannonball (team entrance) is a must-see - arrive 30 min before kickoff

Tip 4

Purple is mandatory - wear your K-State gear or you'll stand out

Tip 5

Rusty's is cash-friendly and has the cheapest drinks in Aggieville

Tip 6

Bill Snyder Family Stadium parking requires permits - buy in advance

Tip 7

Aggieville gets packed after wins - stake out your spot early

Tip 8

Try a local Kansas craft beer at Tallgrass Tap House

Tip 9

So Long Saloon has live music after night games - great post-game party

Tip 10

Manhattan is small - Uber/Lyft can be limited, plan to walk or designate a driver

Where to Stay

Top hotels near for game day weekend

Hilton Garden Inn Manhattan

$$
from stadium
  • Modern hotel in downtown Manhattan, short drive to Aggieville and stadium. Full-service amenities.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Manhattan

$$
from stadium
  • Marriott property near downtown and Aggieville. Complimentary breakfast and modern rooms.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Hampton Inn Manhattan

$$
from stadium
  • Reliable chain hotel close to Aggieville. Popular with visiting fans and families.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Bluemont Hotel

$$$
from stadium
  • Boutique hotel near campus with upscale accommodations. Walking distance to stadium.
Book early — rooms fill up fast on game weekends.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Manhattan game day bar crawls

Verified Sources

Information sourced from official and authoritative references

Kansas State University Athletics

Official athletic department website for schedules and tickets

undefined Info

Stadium policies, parking maps, and fan guide

Manhattan Visitor Bureau

Official city tourism and hotel information

Big 12 Official Site

Conference standings, schedules, and broadcast info

ESPN College Football

Live scores, schedules, and game day coverage

Book a Bar Crawl

Book your official game day bar crawl experience

Ready for the Ultimate Manhattan Game Day?

Book your Kansas State University game day bar crawl and experience Manhattan nightlife like never before!

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