The unofficial kick-off to the K-State Football season, Purple Power Play in the Park, kicked off its two night celebration Thursday with appearances by Coach Bill Snyder and four of the five captains for K-State Football.

Snyder talked about the K-State fan base and how it has grown from an average game attendance of roughly 13,000 when he started in 1989 to averaging over 53,000 in 2014 including 20 straight sellouts. He reflected back to 2002 when Pete Carroll was the Head Coach at the University of Southern California and the Trojans traveled to Manhattan only to go home upset after being defeated 27-20.

“After the game Pete Carroll went on ESPN and he said ‘Kansas State University has the most intimidating fans of anywhere we have ever played’,” said Snyder.

Following a loud applause Snyder explained that it has been an intimidation factor done the right way,”and the right way meaning that we’ve done it with class and we have a class student body, a class fan base.”

Following Snyder and the Football Captains fans were once again introduced to the new Kansas State Women’s Soccer team under the direction of Head Coach Mike Dibbini, along with the Head Volleyball Coach Suzie Fritz.

Night two of Purple Power Play in the Park will kick off Friday evening at 5 pm with the Willie Photo Booth followed by the Washington Dance Studio at 6 pm and the musical group Annie Up at 6:30 pm. K-State Coaches attending Friday night include Women’s Head Basketball Coach Jeff Mittie, and Men’s Head Basketball Coach Bruce Weber. Following the coaches will be a firework show at sundown.