About the Project
Iconic architecture soars against the Wichita skyline with Intrust Bank Arena.
WDM Architects was the lead firm on the Arena Design Consortium for this first-class, 15,000-seat multi-purpose arena in downtown Wichita, Kansas. The building features 22 suites, 40 loge boxes, more than 220 club seats and 16 concession areas, plus two restaurants. The glass and metal building possesses several design elements inspired by the region’s noted aviation industry.
Exterior Inspiration
Post rocks seen in the fence lines along many Kansas roads served as the inspiration for the vertical stone tower at the southwest corner of the building. The horizontal mullion lines in the south-facing glass wall and associated sun shades are abstract representations of fence lines. Sympathetic to the adjacent Old Town district, approximately two-thirds of the exterior design is a detailed façade of red brick and stone trim accents. Large portions of the south and west facades utilize a glass curtain wall to create a visual connection between patrons coming to the building (particularly at night) and the activity inside.
Interior Design
Interior designers selected highly durable and easily maintainable interior finishes that continue the design dichotomy between historic and new. The finishes in the south entry lobby and main concourse feature a crisp black and white terrazzo floor with white burnished CMU walls and white ceilings. Wood paneling and stone walls accent the entry to the premium club and the suite entrances off the balconies above the main concourse volume. The remaining concourse areas at each level are themed to the Old Town district with red brick walls and stained concrete floors. Graphics and concession area names are derived from elements in the Old Town neighborhood, including the public West Club dining area with its brick arches, concrete floors, exposed structure and neon signage.
Premium Suites
The facility sports a unique premium suite arrangement. Rather than ringing the entire circumference of the bowl with suites, as is common in arena design, the design team stacked two levels of suites on the south side only. This arrangement allows nonpremium seat holders access to center-court seats on the north side. It also provides consolidation of premium circulation while allowing the suites’ entrances to be visually showcased along balconies opening into the dynamic volume of the south lobby.
The premium seat club projects a more upscale and contemporary feel, highlighted by cherry wood paneling and a suspended, undulating wood beam ceiling. Bar tops and counters are solid-surface, and video technology provides visual interest to patrons within the space.
NCAA Tournament Updates
Wichita was the proud host of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Ahead of the tournament, updated amenities made provision for sports and media coverage, security and operations.
2017 north entrance remodel:
- 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
