Dr. Frank Tracz (second from left) gives a tour of the new band storage room at Saturday’s open house. Photo by Brandon Peoples/KMAN

An open house was held Saturday at the new home of “The Pride of Wildcat Land.”

The K-State Marching Band is moving into its new space at the northwest corner of the World War I Memorial Stadium. Director of Bands Dr. Frank Tracz says it’s good to have a centralized location, just footsteps away from where the band practices.

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For the generations of marching band alumni who utilized space in McCain Auditorium, Tracz says this is something they too can appreciate.

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Photo by Brandon Peoples/KMAN
Photo by Troy Coverdale/KMAN

The new space pays homage to the past, including a memorabilia room with trophies and artifacts, including instruments recovered from the 1968 Nichols Hall fire.

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In addition to rehearsal space, the Tracz Family Band Hall also includes a built-in repair room, changing room, TV screens for video evaluations, a kitchen area, office with an ice maker and drinking fountains and a brick patio, with pavers purchased by band supporters.

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Photo by Brandon Peoples/KMAN
Photo by Brandon Peoples/KMAN

Among the many exciting new features is the fact that the new band hall has windows to the outside.

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One of the windows doubles as a garage door for the easy loading and unloading of instruments for gamedays.

Tracz says section leaders will come back Aug. 11 followed by rookies on Aug. 13 and all other band members on Aug. 14.

Photo by Brandon Peoples/KMAN
Photo by Brandon Peoples/KMAN