By: Ryan Duey

This Friday, Manhattan’s long-standing fall tradition, Purple Power Play, returns to Blue Earth Plaza. The event serves as a community pep rally before K-State’s first home football game. Festivities kick off at 5:00 p.m. with a performance by the Lazy Wayne Band.

A series of performances by Resonate A Capella, Washington Dance Studio, Bates Dance Studio, and the Manhattan High Dazzlers will follow at 6:30 p.m. The official K-State pep rally begins at 8:15 p.m., featuring Willie Wildcat, the K-State marching band, cheer squad, and Classy Cats.

K-State men’s basketball head coach Jerome Tang, select players, and the Wildcat women’s basketball team will address the crowd. K-State football assistant head coach Van Malone will also speak before the team’s season opener against Tennessee-Martin on Saturday.

The event includes food trucks and inflatables for youth also.