Ahearn Field was the first on-campus athletic field for Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. It was utilized from 1911 to 1922 by the football team, baseball team, and track team. The field was named in honor of former coach Mike Ahearn. The field was inaugurated with a high school track competition on April 15, 1911. Prior to the establishment of Ahearn Field, Kansas State's athletic teams played in an open public square in Manhattan at Bluemont Avenue and 8th Street, informally known as Athletic Park. In 1906, a covered wooden grandstand and a small locker room were constructed at Athletic Park. These structures were relocated to Ahearn Field in 1911. The grandstand was situated at the south end of the field, facing north, approximately where the K-State Alumni Center currently stands. In 1922, Memorial Stadium was opened at the same location, prompting a reorientation of the football field from east–west to north–south and the removal of the old grandstand. As late as 1938, Memorial Stadium was still referred to as Ahearn Field at Memorial Stadium. The pronunciation of "Ahearn" as "a-HEARN" is based on the family's preference for a short "a" sound.

Expansion of Ahearn Field's Role in Athletics

Ahearn Field served as the home for multiple athletic programs at Kansas State University, including football, baseball, and track and field. The track surrounding the football field hosted numerous regional high school and college track meets. Additionally, the venue was used for community gatherings, making it a central location for both athletic and social events in Manhattan.

Facilities and Features at Ahearn Field

The relocated grandstand from Athletic Park accommodated approximately 1,500 spectators. A modest wooden locker room was available for the football team. These facilities represented Kansas State University's initial efforts to provide dedicated athletic infrastructure, laying the foundation for future developments.

Kansas State Wildcats Football Record at Ahearn Field (1911–1921)

Below is a table of the Kansas State Wildcats’ home game results while they played at Ahearn Field.

Transition to Memorial Stadium

By 1922, Kansas State University sought a more modern and expansive athletic facility, leading to the construction of Memorial Stadium at the Ahearn Field site. Memorial Stadium was established to honor Kansas State students who served in World War I. The transition involved reorienting the football field from an east–west alignment to a north–south alignment to enhance spectator viewing and seating arrangements. Memorial Stadium became the new home for the Kansas State Wildcats football team, while references to Ahearn Field persisted in university publications until the late 1930s.

Legacy and Significance

Ahearn Field played a pivotal role in the development of collegiate athletics at Kansas State University. Transitioning from informal athletic spaces to a dedicated facility, it facilitated improved recruitment, organized athletic schedules, and enhanced training for athletes. The field's dedication to Mike Ahearn reflected his significant contributions to the university's athletic and student life.