STAR Bonds: KSU Edge 3.0

Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond programs are a public/private financing tool available through the State of Kansas that allows municipalities to issue bonds to finance the development of major attractions, entertainment, and tourism projects, and use some of the state and local sales tax revenue generated within the district to pay off the bonds. This unique economic development tool provides a way for cities to not only boost regional and national tourism, but also create new jobs and increase tax revenues within their communities.

The Kansas State University Foundation has approached the City of Manhattan with a request to establish a TIF district and a STAR Bond district to assist with the further development and construction of Edge 3.0, Champions Gate, the Bilbrey Event Center, and seating for the K-State Indoor Track facility. See a map of the proposed district here. 

It is envisioned that the proposed STAR bond project district will consist of two or more major multisport athletic complex projects, including a rodeo and livestock facility designed to host collegiate, professional, and agricultural events, and an indoor track facility designed to host regional and national track and field competitions at the collegiate, junior college, and high school levels. In addition to the aforementioned major multisport complexes, the STAR bond district plan also anticipates the development of a major commercial tourism and entertainment area and additional mixed use development which will include some or all of the following uses: retail uses, restaurant uses, office uses, recreational uses, hotel and tourism uses, and other general commercial development; residential uses, including multi-family residential facilities; visitor amenities; and associated streets and other public and private infrastructure.

The below details the City Commission action calendar for these items: 

May 5, 2026 - City Commission adopts District Resolution and sets District Establishment Public Hearing

June 16, 2026 - City Commission holds Public Hearing and Establishes District

July 7, 2026 - City Commission adopts Resolution setting Project Plan Public Hearing Date 

August 18, 2026 - City Commission holds Public Hearing and Approves Project Plan

Related Documents

  • Notice of Public Hearing - Establish STAR Bond District (PDF)
  • Resolution No. 050526-B - Set Public Hearing (PDF)