Champions Plaza at Pittsburg State University
A tribute to Gorilla fans, alumni and student-athletes
Make Your Mark
Make your mark on the university’s famed “Gorilla Walk” by reserving a personalized Champions Plaza paver.
Bring the Tradition Home
Own a beloved piece of Pittsburg State Gorilla tradition, The Champions Plaza Sculpture, by world-renowned artist, Tom Corbin.
Unveiled in October of 2014, the plaza was designed to honor the passion that Pittsburg State students and alumni feel for their university while, at the same time, celebrate the achievements of the university’s athletic teams.
Part of the Gorillas’ famed “Gorilla Walk” and a destination for alumni and fans, the Champions Plaza sculpture has become a beloved part of Pittsburg State tradition. Now, for the first time, you can own a piece of history with this authentic casting of the dynamic sculpture by world-renowned artist, Tom Corbin.
These solid-bronze pieces are hand-crafted at the Corbin Bronze studio and forged by the same artisans who cast the powerful 2,000-lb. sculpture that stands at the center of Pittsburg State’s Champions Plaza. Available in both an eight-inch study and a limited-edition 16-inch maquette, they make the perfect gift for any Gorilla fan.
Each piece is autographed available by original sculptor, Tom Corbin and available exclusively through Pittsburg State partner Corbin Bronze.
The plaza also contains a special “Circle of Champions” with bronze medallions of Pittsburg State coaches whose teams have achieved the ultimate competitive goal, a national championship. The Circle of Champions unique among commemorative structures because it has been designed to honor national championship coaches of all sports.
Fans and alumni can often be seen before games viewing the special medallions honoring former head football coaches Carnie Smith and Chuck Broyles. A special place has been reserved for current football head coach and leader of the 2011 National Championship team, Tim Beck and Russ Jewett, the current head coach of the 2016 Women's Outdoor Track and Field National Championship team.
As wonderful as the sculpture and medallions are, it’s the personalized pavers that are certain to draw the most attention. More than 1,500 individual pavers have been installed within the plaza. These pavers will feature personalized messages from Gorillas throughout the world.
Part of the Gorillas’ famed “Gorilla Walk” and a destination for alumni and fans, the Champions Plaza sculpture has become a beloved part of Pittsburg State tradition. Now, for the first time, you can own a piece of history with this authentic casting of the dynamic sculpture by world-renowned artist, Tom Corbin.
These solid-bronze pieces are hand-crafted at the Corbin Bronze studio and forged by the same artisans who cast the powerful 2,000-lb. sculpture that stands at the center of Pittsburg State’s Champions Plaza. Available in both an eight-inch study and a limited-edition 16-inch maquette, they make the perfect gift for any Gorilla fan.
Each piece is autographed available by original sculptor, Tom Corbin and available exclusively through Pittsburg State partner Corbin Bronze.
The plaza also contains a special “Circle of Champions” with bronze medallions of Pittsburg State coaches whose teams have achieved the ultimate competitive goal, a national championship. The Circle of Champions unique among commemorative structures because it has been designed to honor national championship coaches of all sports.
Fans and alumni can often be seen before games viewing the special medallions honoring former head football coaches Carnie Smith and Chuck Broyles. A special place has been reserved for current football head coach and leader of the 2011 National Championship team, Tim Beck and Russ Jewett, the current head coach of the 2016 Women's Outdoor Track and Field National Championship team.
As wonderful as the sculpture and medallions are, it’s the personalized pavers that are certain to draw the most attention. More than 1,500 individual pavers have been installed within the plaza. These pavers will feature personalized messages from Gorillas throughout the world.
Location
Champions Plaza is located on the east side of Carnie Smith Stadium, within the famous “Gorilla Walk” pathway or just north of the Gorilla Village. See it on the map (Google Maps)
Hand-crafted by world renowned artist Tom Corbin, this bronze Gorilla sculpture weighs nearly 2,000 pounds and (with base) is more than 11 feet tall.
Fans enjoy the Circle of Champions which is housed within Champions Plaza.
From L - R, Brian Hutchins '01, Zach Dickey, '11, Phil Vogrin, '61 and Bill Samuels, '57 the starting quarterbacks of their respective national championship teams were on hand to unveil Champions Plaza.
Making the Bronze Gorilla