Kansas State University Athletics has long been a central piece of life in Manhattan, Kansas, but a February 2025 report by Tripp Umbach has put the numbers behind that passion into focus.
The study revealed the staggering economic impact generated by K-State sports, highlighting not only the dollars and jobs created but also the significant tax contributions and community benefits linked directly to Wildcats athletics. These findings showcase how game days ripple through every sector of the local economy, influencing businesses, fans, and the broader state economy alike.
Economic Impact Surpasses $486 Million
The Tripp Umbach study released in February 2025 revealed that Kansas State University Athletics drives more than $486 million in annual economic activity for the state of Kansas. This amount is not just a headline number but a reflection of how sports act as a catalyst for multiple sectors including hospitality, retail, and local services.
The research underscores that every game, tailgate, and celebration is more than a tradition; it is a force that directly channels financial growth into Manhattan and beyond.
The $486 million annual economic activity figure represents a long-term investment return that K-State athletics provides to the state. Unlike temporary projects or seasonal events, Wildcats sports ensure that every year, across multiple sports seasons, a steady flow of financial activity supports Kansas businesses and workers.
Job Creation Linked to Athletics
A crucial takeaway from the report was that Kansas State University Athletics supports around 3,850 jobs statewide. These roles range from direct employment at stadiums and facilities to indirect opportunities in hotels, restaurants, transportation, and retail operations. Job creation tied to athletics strengthens the local workforce while maintaining a steady cycle of employment opportunities that rise in connection with sporting events.
The 3,850 jobs attributed to Wildcats athletics are not limited to part-time game day staff but include lasting opportunities across diverse industries. This stability ensures that the economic contributions of athletics translate into meaningful, reliable income for thousands of Kansans.
Attendance Exceeds 527,000 Fans
The report detailed that in the 2022-23 season, Kansas State sporting events drew more than 527,000 fans to Manhattan. The influx of fans created surges in hotel bookings, boosted restaurant sales, and drove increased retail purchases. With every ticket scanned, the local economy benefited from additional spending that multiplied far beyond the gates of the stadiums.
The 527,000 fans attending ticketed events created an environment where businesses thrived not only during game hours but also throughout the entire weekend.
This same passion that drives fans into stadiums also fuels digital engagement, with the top betting apps in Kansas reflecting how consumer enthusiasm for sports translates into wider economic growth.
Surges in Hotel Bookings
Local hotels in Manhattan saw significant gains as fans from across Kansas and neighboring states traveled to attend Wildcats games. The demand for rooms during game weekends became an essential piece of the city’s hospitality industry, with consistent occupancy spikes tied directly to the K-State athletic calendar.
The hospitality sector benefits from predictable surges in bookings thanks to the sports schedule, enabling hotels to plan staffing, services, and special promotions around athletic events. These reliable influxes provide stability in an otherwise competitive industry.
Increased Restaurant Sales
Restaurants in Manhattan thrive on the steady flow of fans eager to dine before and after games. The report highlighted that dining establishments consistently saw higher sales during game weekends, proving that Wildcats athletics translate into meaningful bottom-line boosts for local businesses.
The popularity of game day dining experiences has led to the expansion of Manhattan’s culinary scene. Restaurants adapt with special menus, extended hours, and event-driven promotions to meet the surge in demand fueled by Wildcats athletics.
Retail Purchases on the Rise
Retailers in Manhattan also experienced increased consumer activity tied to K-State sports events. Whether fans are shopping for team merchandise, game day gear, or general purchases while visiting, the boost in retail sales reflected how athletics act as a magnet for consumer spending.
Team merchandise remains a crucial retail component, drawing fans to invest in purple apparel and memorabilia that both celebrate school pride and reinforce the steady flow of economic activity connected to athletics.
State and Local Tax Revenue
The Tripp Umbach study confirmed that athletic programs delivered $26.2 million in state and local tax revenue. This revenue is a direct benefit to Kansas communities, supporting public services and local infrastructure through the excitement generated by Wildcats sporting events.
The $26.2 million in tax revenue helps fund essential services such as schools, road maintenance, and safety initiatives. Athletics thus extend their impact beyond entertainment, becoming a pillar of community funding in Kansas.
Game Day Excitement as an Economic Driver
The research emphasized that the atmosphere surrounding Wildcats athletics goes beyond the game itself. Game day excitement translates into measurable fiscal benefits that ripple across hotels, restaurants, retail, and public revenue streams, showcasing the powerful connection between community enthusiasm and tangible financial outcomes.
The emotional investment of fans is not just symbolic; it is measurable. By attending games and engaging in related spending, fans convert passion into dollars that directly benefit Kansas businesses and tax structures.
Long-Term Value for Manhattan, Kansas
The report positioned Manhattan as one of the clear beneficiaries of the Wildcats’ economic impact. With steady flows of visitors, consistent hospitality demands, and expanded consumer activity, the city itself thrives from the ongoing influence of athletics.
By consistently drawing large fan bases, Manhattan has solidified its reputation as a destination city for sports. This role enhances its visibility, draws repeat visitors, and supports long-term community growth strategies.
Statewide Benefits Beyond Manhattan
While Manhattan receives the most direct benefits, the state of Kansas as a whole reaps rewards from Kansas State athletics. Supply chains, transportation services, and broader tax contributions flow outward, showing that the impact extends well beyond the immediate region.
The reach of Kansas State athletics goes statewide, ensuring that even communities outside Manhattan see ripple effects from Wildcats sports. From jobs to taxes, the program serves as a financial engine across Kansas.
Wildcats Sports as an Economic Force
The 2025 Tripp Umbach report solidified Kansas State University Athletics as an undeniable economic force within Kansas. With $486 million in economic activity, 3,850 jobs, 527,000 fans in 2022-23, and $26.2 million in tax contributions, the numbers make it clear that Wildcats sports are not only traditions of pride but also pillars of prosperity.
The findings establish a foundation for future planning, ensuring Kansas leaders and community members understand the long-term value of investing in athletics. Wildcats sports will remain central to economic and cultural life across the state.
