Intrust Bank Arena

Attracting Bigger, Better Events

In an ambitious bid to revitalize its urban core and stimulate economic growth, the city of Wichita, alongside Sedgwick County, embarked on a visionary project to construct a state-of-the-art arena in downtown Wichita. City planners recognized the potential of such a venue to serve as a catalyst for economic development, envisioning a dynamic space that would not only host a wide array of events but also attract visitors, businesses, and investors to the heart of the city. Their goal was clear: the opening of the new arena would play a pivotal role in promoting, supporting, and facilitating the creation of wealth and employment opportunities in downtown Wichita.

The Intrust Bank Arena, designed as a modern, first-class sports and entertainment venue, was conceived as a replacement for the aging Kansas Coliseum north of Wichita. More than just a venue, it was envisioned as a cornerstone of downtown revitalization efforts, creating a vibrant space for residents and visitors alike to gather, enjoy premier entertainment, and contribute to the local economy. As a versatile hub for indoor sporting events, concerts, family shows, and other entertainment, the arena represents a significant investment in the community’s future. Funding for this transformative project was secured through a vote in 2004, which authorized a 1% sales tax to finance the arena, reflecting the community’s commitment to its development and success.

This case study explores the strategic planning, community engagement, and collaborative efforts that brought this transformative project to fruition, highlighting the arena’s role in reshaping the economic landscape of Wichita and Sedgwick County.

Architectural Bids and Selection Process

On June 7, 2005, the Wichita Business Journal reported that three architectural consortiums submitted bids for the design and engineering of the Sedgwick County Arena, as it was initially known. These groups were Arena Design Consortium (ADC), Schaefer Johnson Cox Frey Architecture, and Law/Kingdon. Each consortium included regional and national firms with significant arena design expertise.

• Arena Design Consortium (ADC): Led by WDM Architects, included HOK, Gossen Livingston Architects, McCluggage Van Sickle and Perry, and Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC).
• Law/Kingdon Team: Featured Ellerbe Becket and Greteman Group.
• Schaefer Firm: Included Leo A. Daly.

Proposal evaluations and interviews took place in July 2005, with recommendations to be made by July 14. The Sedgwick County Commission was set to decide on July 20.

Members of the Arena Design Consortium

The Winning Team

On July 21, 2005, it was announced that ADC, led by WDM Architects, was recommended for the project with a $7.2 million bid. Despite being higher than the Law/Kingdon bid, ADC’s accumulated expertise and innovative approach to arena planning were key factors in their selection. The county approved the contract July 27, 2005.

Design work was to commence following approval, with ADC planning to open a new office in Wichita to facilitate the project. The design process was to proceed with community input, under the guidance of Assistant Sedgwick County Manager Ron Holt and the county’s architectural and engineering selection team.

The Arena Design Consortium (ADC), led by WDM Architects, structured the architects and interior designers into specialized groups to efficiently manage the project.

Site Selection with Public Engagement

ADC actively sought the involvement of public and governmental groups to ensure the community’s voice was heard in this monumental project.

Stakeholder Groups:

• Board of County Commissioners
• Wichita City Council
• Arena Site Review Team
• Various Public Meeting Forums for the interested public
• Arena Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan Steering Committee
• Citizen Arena Design review Advisory Team
• County Design Team
• Arena Steering Team
• Citizen Groups for Access by the Aging
• Various Accessibility Groups
• Historic Preservation Board
• City Art and Design Board Review

Political Cartoon from Wichita Eagle Beacon

Final Site Selection

After evaluating four potential sites and gathering public input, the Sedgwick County Commission selected the East site as the preferred location for the new arena on November 9, 2005. The East site stood out due to its superior traffic service and pedestrian safety, minimal impact on existing street infrastructure, and minimal disruption to traditional AM and PM peak-hour traffic. This 5-acre site, situated in an older, low-rise section of downtown and adjacent to the city’s historic Old Town district, provided an ideal blend of accessibility and charm, with its surrounding red brick buildings adding to the area’s character.

Creating the Architectural Program

The arena’s program was completed by the end of 2005, allowing the ADC to move into schematic design shooting for completion of the schematic design package by August 2006, the design development package by November, and construction documents by July 2007.

The 419,401 square feet of programmed space included various amenities and functional areas. The program outlined spectator seating along with premium seating in boxes and suites. There were food service and retail areas, as well as necessary circulation and restroom facilities. Box office windows, a lobby, and ticket management offices were also included. Space was allocated for arena administration, media, security, and building operations. For event mainliners, areas were designed for dressing rooms, a green room, wardrobe areas, show staging, and storage. For sports teams, space was planned for locker rooms, player benches, and timekeeping/judges boxes.

Overall highlights of the Program

• 15,000 seats for Basketball
• 17,000 seats for concerts
• 12 suites plus 12 future suites
• 300 club seats
• 40 loge boxes
• 19-20” seat widths
• 2 concourses

Design process: Initial sketch is developed

Design Intent and Materiality: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation

The design of the new arena embraces a dichotomy, honoring both Wichita’s rich history and its progressive spirit. It is inspired by the historic charm of Wichita’s Old Town district while also reflecting the cosmopolitan style of large metropolitan cities.

Historic Old Town

Wichita’s Old Town was shaped in the early 1900s with brick buildings originally built as warehouses and factories. Designed for durability, these structures featured raw steel doors, brick walls, and concrete or wood floors that defined their functional interiors. Today, these buildings are being repurposed into commercial, retail, and residential spaces, where their industrial aesthetics are highly valued as distinctive design elements. This fusion of functionality and authenticity from Old Town shaped the interior design of the North, East, and West concourses.

Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan style envisions a future for Wichita, highlighting its transformation from a cowtown to the Air Capital of the World and symbolizing its progress, growth, and sophistication. Drawing inspiration from cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, this style features sleek metal lines and expansive glass, creating a striking “wow” factor that seamlessly blends polished exterior elements with interior spaces. This contemporary aesthetic shaped the South concourses.

North Exterior

To visually harmonize the large arena among Old Town’s smaller buildings, about two-thirds of its north side is designed with red brick as a 70-foot-high “box” that mirrors nearby brick buildings. Above this, the rounded form of the seating bowl appears to float, clad in textured metal panels with a smooth band at the top that reflects the blue sky.

South and West Exterior

In contrast to the historic theme of the north face, the south and west facades feature smooth stone panels and expansive glass curtain walls. At night, a giant LED screen and lobby graphics shine through the glass to a visually invite passersby on Kellogg to visit.

Arena Design Concepts

The ADC presented three exterior image studies each with distinct architectural features to the AIA June 2006 and at a Sedgwick County Commission meeting in October 2006.

Designing in the Court of Public Opinion

Political Cartoon from Wichita Eagle Beacon

The Intrust Bank Arena project attracted immense public attention, largely because its funding was decided through a public vote. However, designing a project of this scale and visibility presented unique challenges, especially under the scrutiny of multiple stakeholders. Designers know from experience that presenting concepts to committees often invites criticism; individuals frequently adopt the role of critic, both to engage with the process and to contribute their perspectives. The arena project was no exception.

When the Arena Design Consortium presented three exterior concepts to the Sedgwick County Commission in October 2006, the designs became a hot topic in the community. The Wichita Eagle Beacon amplified the discussion by inviting the public to weigh in through an informal email poll, sparking an array of candid feedback.

“None of the designs knocked the public’s socks off,” noted reporter Fred Mann after reviewing responses to the poll. One citizen, Deana Bushell, offered a sharp critique, saying, “Options A and B look like glass versions of Century II. Option C looks like a high school gymnasium.”

Despite such criticism, Option B emerged as the favorite, receiving 2,083 of the 2,876 reader votes. The ADC gracefully embraced the public’s engagement and continued to seek input through a series of six open-house meetings at Exploration Place.

The arena’s design process also became fodder for humor. Local political cartoons lampooned the project, with one joking about the possibility of the arena replacing the beloved Old Mill Tasty Shop and another exaggerating a perceived lack of parking by depicting the arena served by only a single bike rack.

Fifteen years later, the arena’s success has quieted much of the early skepticism. The project has become a celebrated achievement, praised for its role in revitalizing downtown Wichita. County Commissioner Ryan Baty reflected on its impact, posting to social media in January 2025, “Intrust Bank Arena is a resounding success and has been a real catalyst for economic growth and investment in downtown Wichita.”

South Main Concourse

From rendering through construction to the finished facility

Interior Design Choices and Finishes

The arena’s interior design continues the external theme of dichotomy by merging traditional Old Town elements with modern cosmopolitan features, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. To ensure longevity and ease of maintenance, designers selected durable materials with a 50-year lifespan. Permanent finishes were chosen for their timeless, classic appeal, with higher-quality finishes applied to prominent areas. Where possible, environmentally conscious materials were used.

North Entry (Old Town Entry) and Main Concourse

The lobby, at grade level, features an authentic Old Town feel with brick walls, stained concrete floors, and exposed structural elements painted to enhance the vintage aesthetic. The space is further energized by graphic elements and neon signage. The upper concourse level features higher ceilings to accommodate the underside of the seating bowl, providing a sense of spaciousness. Visitors can access upper levels through elevators and an escalator.

Southwest Corner Entry

Opening into a contemporary ticketing and lobby space at grade level, the lobby boasts terrazzo flooring and stone panels consistent with the building’s exterior. Above the entry lobby, open glass railings, and the exposed structure is complemented by ceiling clouds, giving the space a light, airy feel. Display panels showcasing naming rights, art, and advertising add to the dynamic atmosphere.

Graphic of early design iterations

Premium Seat Holder Entry

Located at the southeast corner, this entry connects directly to the main south
lobby. Elevators provide direct access to suite levels, ensuring a seamless and exclusive experience for premium seat holders.

Inside the Arena Bowl

The arena’s seating is arranged across two concourse levels, divided into 26 sections. Patrons reach their seats via 4-foot-wide aisles between each section.

Interesting fact:

At the top of each aisle, the entrances to the concourse are known by a historical term: “vomitories.” These openings are so named because they “disgorge” spectators into the seating areas.

Black-out curtains at each vomitory can be used for dramatic effect, if desired.

Spectator options include general admission, club seating, loge seating, and luxury suites. All seats feature upholstered red fabric, padded backs, and black steel frames. General admission seats are 19 to 20 inches wide, with self-rising upholstered chairs and cup holders, arranged in 33-inch rows. Luxury suite seats offer more comfort at 22 inches wide and in 42-inch rows for extra legroom.

Article from the Wichita Eagle Beacon, October 2006

The lower bowl and end zone areas feature retractable seating, maximizing floor space for exhibitions and end-stage concert setups. For temporary seating, folding chairs can be used on the floor level during concerts and at courtside for basketball games.

Walls in high-contact areas are finished with gray decorative ground-face blocks. To manage acoustics, perforated metal surfaces are used for absorption, while the structure above is mostly exposed, covered with fabric panels for sound absorption. An LED ribbon sign runs along the front edge of the upper seating bowl. Additionally, the arena features a retractable, 4-sided LED-based scoreboard hanging in the center of the arena.

Luxury Guest Experience: Premium Seating

Club seating

235 premium club seats are situated along the center line sections, from the top of the lower bowl down to the arena floor with exceptional sightlines and comfort. Arena Club seat ticket holders enjoy access to the exclusive South Lounge and in-seat food and beverage service.

Loge boxes

Intrust Bank Arena features 40 loge box seats, with 20 on each sideline. The loge boxes are arranged in groups of 4 and 8 and include a lockable beverage cabinet. Box holders also have access to the South Club.

Sweet Suites

The facility features a unique premium suite layout. Instead of surrounding the entire bowl with suites, two levels of suites are stacked exclusively on the south side. This design allows non-premium seat holders to access center-court seats on the north side, consolidates premium circulation, and visually showcases suite entrances along balconies overlooking the dynamic south lobby. The exterior reflects this arrangement with a sloped high bowl roof that reduces the building’s scale at the south entry.

Intrust Bank Arena features twenty private suites and two party suites. The suites are located on a separate suite level along the sidelines, providing prime views for hockey, basketball, and other events. Each suite offers tiered seating for 12 people in the seating bowl and a drink rail for four additional guests inside the suite. The suites are equipped with a catering service counter, hookups, a back-bar counter with a sink, storage cabinets, an ice bin, and a full-size refrigerator.

The suites boast luxurious painted and wood-paneled walls, with back-painted glass surfaces in serving areas. The ceilings feature varied planes with gypsum board and large-scale acoustic panels. Cabinets are made from stained wood with quartz tops, and stadium-style leather seating is available bowl-side. Consistent finishes and furnishings are maintained throughout all suites, each equipped with large flat-panel televisions, WiFi, and a coat closet. Party suites include the same amenities as the regular suites but offer a larger seating capacity, accommodating up to 32 guests.

Restaurants, Concessions and Support Spaces

South Club: Cox Lounge

Exclusively for Premium Seat Holders, the South Club is finished with a mix of carpet and tile floors, painted walls with wood paneling, and a gypsum board ceiling featuring suspended, undulating cherry wood blade accents. With food service counters on each side and a sports bar at its center, the club offers a versatile space available to rent for meetings or special events on non-event days.

“We had to custom design these curved wood elements with detailed drawings, but now you can specify them already pre-fabricated,” notes Angi Womeldorff, IIDA, NCIDQ, WDM Architects’s interior designer on the project.

Cox Lounge

West Club: Budweiser Brew Club

The West Club stands out with its masonry arches and brick walls. Food and drink bars are situated at opposite ends, with high tables along the bowl’s edge and traditional seating further back. Designed as an “End Zone Club” restaurant, it operates only on event days, offering a bar and buffet with seating for 150. This space can also be rented for parties, meetings, and other special events on non-event days and is serviced by the arena’s main commercial kitchen.

Concessions, Storage, and Support Spaces

16 concession stands are strategically placed throughout the concourses with adequate queuing space to prevent congestion.

“There were so many concession stands, we had to give each of the stands a name to keep them all straight when we were designing them,” comments Womeldorff.

Portable concessions may be added to the concourses and arena floor during events with floor seating. Storage and operational spaces feature durable finishes, including concrete floors, FRP board or epoxy paint on walls, and tiled floors and walls in restrooms.

The administrative offices have a professional design, with carpeted floors, painted walls, and lay-in ceilings.

Intrust Bank Arena's Event Floor

The Event Floor has a load capacity of 350 pounds per square foot and was designed for versatility to host the various sports, concerts, and trade shows. Since 80% of touring shows require a “half-house” setup, the roof structure is designed to support a transverse curtaining system for dividing the seating bowl. Additionally, the arena is furnished with player benches, officials’ boxes, water fountains, power, and PA and broadcast systems.

Interesting Statistics

• Hockey: The ice rink measures 85’ x 200’.
• Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus required built-in threaded circus inserts.
• Arena football field is 85’ x 198’.
• A portable 60’ x 112’ floor can be set up to accommodate the 50’ x 94’ Basketball court.
• The portable 60′ x 80′ stage includes 12’ x 12’ sound wings at the downstage corners.

Back-of-House Facilities for Performers and Sports Teams

Shows and Entertainment

The backstage area is designed for entertainers and their entourage:

• The star dressing room features a lounge with seating for up to 10 people, dressing/makeup area, a wardrobe rack, private bathroom and an area to set up catering.
• Two smaller dressing rooms have a dressing/makeup area, a wardrobe rack, and a private bathroom.
• A large dressing room, equipped with lockers, seating, and a private bathroom, is available for groups such as band members or game officials.
• A Green Room serves as a staging and hospitality area for entertainers and media for sports events. It includes a television, catering counters, a sound system, and an array of data ports and power outlets.

Sporting Events

The Intrust Bank arena has a large locker room suite used exclusively by the Wichita Thunder hockey team, that features:

• Changing room with 20 lockers for street clothes.
• Locker room with 24 lockers and two larger lockers.
• Grooming area with showers, toilets, sink vanities with mirror and shelf.
• Head coach’s office/dressing room.
• Assistant coach’s office/storage room.
• Training/treatment room used by the team physician.
• Hydrotherapy room with a two-man whirlpool unit, ice machine, and hydroculator.
• Team equipment room with adjacent skate sharpening area and stick work room.
• Weight room with a mirrored wall.
• Laundry room

The arena also has additional locker room suites to support a variety of sporting events and tournaments.

The Largest Building Project Undertaken by Sedgwick County

On December 4, 2007, a groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction on the Intrust Bank Arena, the largest construction project undertaken by Sedgwick County up to that time. Over the next 24 months, general contractors Dondlinger & Sons and Hunt Construction managed the project efficiently, ensuring it stayed organized and on schedule.

On January 10, 2008, Sedgwick County announced it had reached a 25-year, $8.75 million naming rights deal with Wichita-based Intrust Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Kansas. This complemented a 20-year, $3 million deal with Cessna Aircraft Company to name an adjacent outdoor plaza, and a concourse area deal with Spirit AeroSystems.

By the summer of 2008, significant progress had been made on the arena. Precast concrete units had been shipped and assembled to form the arena’s seating bowl, with a total of 930 units in place by the end of the project.

Bosworth Steel Erectors had begun working on the roof steel in the northeast and southeast corners at lower elevations, then moved into the bowl. Erecting the “high steel” would take several months, underscoring the care required for such a critical structural element. 5,175 tons of steel were used to construct the arena, which is comparable to the weight of 1292 elephants.

Meanwhile, masonry work was underway, topping out the wall by the north stairway with the approved pattern.

At this stage, work focused on placing the slab-on-grade (SOG). The final elevated concrete slab had been poured by Prestressed Concrete Construction, the concrete contractor, who subsequently began dismantling and removing scaffolding and equipment. Their imminent departure marked a significant transition, as their completed tasks opened up the entire building to other contractors, enabling them to proceed unimpeded.

Project Management

Project Management by the general contractor, Dondlinger, was a cornerstone of the arena’s success. They created a comprehensive schedule which detailed every aspect of the work extending to the completion.

Another key to success were weekly site meetings held with all contractors involved. These meetings, attended by 24 to 30 participants, provided a forum for each contractor to report their ongoing work and address any challenges. Decisions on accelerating or delaying specific tasks were made collectively to align with the overall project timeline. While the overall project dictated the sequencing of work, individual contractors retained responsibility for their planning, ensuring it meshed seamlessly with the broader schedule. This collaborative yet autonomous approach balanced efficiency with accountability.

Through precise scheduling, regular communication, and the diligent efforts of all contractors, the project continued trending ahead of schedule, exemplifying the importance of detailed coordination in large-scale construction projects.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on January 5, 2010, just days prior to the arena’s first event: a sold-out Brad Paisley concert on January 9.

“The success of Intrust Bank Arena being completed nearly three months ahead of schedule was due specifically to the collaboration and cooperation of all parties involved.

Our construction team was committed early on to finishing the concrete superstructure two months ahead of the initial schedule and we carried that momentum through the completion of the project with our key subcontract partners.

This acceleration was only possible because the design team put their construction management team on site, housed in office space directly adjacent to us. They worked with us almost instantly on any discrepancies, questions, or clarifications we needed so there were no instances where work and progress had to be slowed down, as our design partners were extremely efficient on responses, ultimately helping the project resolve all instances.”

— Troy Kapels, Vice President Commercial Building, Dondlinger & Sons Construction

Parking and Site Design

The southwest and north entry plazas include brick pavers, landscaping, and seating. Building graphics assist with wayfinding, and steps and ramps provide accessibility. The large service yard on the east side balances functionality with aesthetic appeal. This blend of historic and modern elements creates a visually pleasing and practical setting for the arena that respects the past while looking to the future.

Intrust Bank Arena owns and operates 4 parking lots and ADA parking. On-site parking is reserved for premium seat holders who are issued event parking passes. There are more than 4,000 public and private parking spaces within a 4-block radius of the arena.

Continuing Work: North Entrance Remodel and Expansion

Over the years, WDM Architects has continued to provide design services for renovations and additions to the building. In 2016, WDM was retained to remodel the north entry to make provisions for the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for sports and media coverage, security, and operations.

Expansion features

• More than doubled the size of the lobby area
• Added three sets of double doors to the entrance
• Added infrared heaters over the entry doors to provide instant warmth on cold evenings
• Two new grand stainless steel and glass stairs allow for two-way traffic between all concourses
• The front plaza has been enlarged to accommodate large crowds and event-related activities

2025: Celebrating 15 Years of Entertainment and Economic Impact

INTRUST Bank Arena has consistently proven itself as a cornerstone of entertainment and economic activity in Wichita, with its success growing year after year. Over its first decade, the arena generated an estimated $168 million in new economic activity, driven by over 3.8 million guests attending 890 diverse events. This activity included $100 million in direct visitor spending, encompassing retail, hotel stays, and event revenue, along with $12 million in tax revenue. Owned by Sedgwick County and managed by ASM Global, the arena’s ability to host high-profile acts like Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, and NCAA tournaments has established it as a regional destination for world-class entertainment.

Continuous upgrades and community partnerships have further solidified the arena’s position as a premier venue. In 2023, enhancements like a new sound system, LED ribbon boards, and a sensory room exemplified its dedication to accessibility and cutting-edge technology.

Celebrating its 15th anniversary with plans to host the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship rounds in 2025, INTRUST Bank Arena is well positioned as a key cultural and economic asset for Wichita and the region.