The
coliseum is named for the late 1935 KSU graduate and
Junction City ( Kan. ) businessman Fred
Bramlage, who made the original and
principle contribution. The building was constructed
at a cost of $17.2 million and was built in a
22-month period beginning in October of 1986.
Financial backing, which began taking shape in
1979, came from a number of contributions, including
$7 million from the student body and a matching
figure from alumni. Unlike its predecessor, Ahearn
Field House (built for $2 million in 1950), state
monies were not used for Bramlage Coliseum.
Mr. Bramlage was on hand Oct. 18, 1986, to break
ground on the new facility. Other dignitaries
included then-Governor John Carlin and K-State
President Jon Wefald.
“What we begin here today will add to the glory and reputation of KSU,” Bramlage said at the ceremony. “My hope is that this coliseum will inspire people to come together around teams in the spirit of cooperation.”
On that same day, Art Loub, Director of the KSU Foundation, said, “If it were not for Fred Bramlage, this day would not be a reality. This is a tribute to the dedication and resourcefulness of one individual.”
Mild winters helped construction crews finish the project nearly two months ahead of schedule. Most of the athletics offices were moved from Ahearn to Bramlage in September of 1988. Those offices now housed in the coliseum include the office of the athletics director and most of the administrative offices and the men's basketball offices.