SALT LAKE CITY-As confirmed in a report by KUTV 2 News of Salt Lake City, the University of Utah announced the Ken Garff family has given the university the largest donation it has received in the history of its athletic department.

The Salt Lake City-based Ken Garff Family of car dealerships has donated $17.5 million for the renovation and expansion of Rice-Eccles Stadium as confirmed during a press conference prior to the annual Red-White football game, which was won by the Red team 21-14.

A news release Saturday revealed the Garffs’ donation will assist in funding constrcution for the Ken Garff Performance Zone in the south end zone.

This is the most prominent gift in the midst of an $80 million project for the stadium.

Presently, donors to the university have pledged $32 million of the $35 million sought in philanthropic gifts.

The remaining $45 million is to be generated through new revenue sources associated with the project, per the news release.

University president Ruth V. Watkins and director of athletics Mark Harlan each spoke glowingly of the Garff Family’s generous contribution, as did head football coach Kyle Whittingham.

The university also confirmed over 5,000 seats will be added to the stadium, boosting Rice-Eccles Stadium’s capacity from 45,087 to 51,444.