MUNCIE – Before the Ball State football team takes the field for its home opener against Eastern Kentucky this Saturday, the university is scheduled to hold a dedication ceremony for the recently completed Ron and Joan Venderly Football Center.

The dedication ceremony is slated to begin at 11 a.m. and the public is invited. After the conclusion of the ceremony at 11:30 a.m., the facility will be available for self-guided tours. The Venderly Football Center is located at the southwest corner of the John B. and June M. Scheumann Stadium and adjacent to the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Football Training Complex.

The Scheumann Family Team Meeting Room, a theater style meeting area with 140 seats for the team, coaches and staff, is the centerpiece of the 12,633 square foot Venderly Football Center. Dedicated coaches’ offices, a full coaching staff meeting room and a recruiting lounge provides the Cardinals with the best chance to be successful on and off the field.

Ron and Joan Venderly’s passion for higher education and athletics has led to exceptional support of Ball State for more than 20 years. The late Ron, MA ’64, received the President’s Medal from Ball State in 2009. His various affiliations with the university included membership with the Cardinal Commitment Campaign Committee, Teachers College Deans Advisory Council, Founders Society and the Cardinal Varsity Club. As part of the Cardinal Commitment: Developing Champions Campaign, Ron and Joan Venderly were the lead benefactors to the Venderly Football Center.

In 2014, Joan received the Honorary Alumni Award, the highest honor given to individuals who are not Ball State graduates but who have made significant contributions to the university’s welfare, reputation, prestige and pursuit of excellence.

The Ball State football team (1-1) will host Eastern Kentucky as a part of Family Weekend Saturday at 3 p.m. The game will be digitally broadcast on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app.