(Image via kstatesports.com)
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kansas State University has dedicated an extensive renovation to Bill Snyder Family Stadium by unveiling a bronze statue of its longtime coach before the Wildcats' season opener against North Dakota State University. The renovation to the west side of the football stadium was supposed to cost $75 million, but the price of materials and alterations to the plan pushed the price tag to $90 million. The project is being funded entirely through private pledges. Snyder was on hand for the dedication along with Governor Sam Brownback and U.S. Senators Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran. Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Terence Newman, who played for the Wildcats, and Emmy Award-winning K-State alumnus Eric Stonestreet of "Modern Family," also taped messages. The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of an 8-foot tall bronze statue of Snyder.