By Adam Freeman, University Communications and Marketing
Construction on the University of South Florida’s transformational new on-campus stadium will soon ramp up significantly following the latest approval from the university’s Board of Trustees.
The plan presented today by USF leadership includes a project cost of $348.5 million, which has been revised from what was approved by the board in June 2023. Since that time USF has added to the project’s scope, including design and structural upgrades for potential future stadium expansion beyond the current expected seating capacity of approximately 35,000, build-out of academic space in the facility, vertical expansion of the Tampa General Hospital Center for Athletic Excellence, and enhanced locker room amenities, in addition to the general cost of goods increasing over the past two years. The funds added to the project will come from interest earnings on the $200 million in financing previously issued by the USF Financing Corp.
Since the formal groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium in late 2024, site preparation has been ongoing. The project team will now move forward with additional clearing at the site in May with full construction set to pick up shortly after. The construction schedule calls for final inspections to be completed in spring 2027, with USF moving into the facility over the summer in preparation of hosting the first events in fall 2027.
“The plan approved by the Board of Trustees represents another important milestone in the process to deliver a world-class stadium that the USF community and all of our supporters can enjoy for generations to come. We are excited to see the construction take off on this iconic facility that will bring tens of thousands of fans to our campus, help build lifelong connections to USF and allow even more people to experience everything our university has to offer.”
USF President Rhea Law
Today USF also released a new rendering that showcases the east side of the stadium (opposite the student section) from the point of view of someone sitting on the north side. The image offers new views of premium suites and club seating, the press box and rooftop patio. It shows about 40 “living room” style loge seats with an up-close view from behind the end zone. Also visible is a field club with glass windows that provides an opportunity to cheer on student-athletes taking the field on game day.
"With our plans in place and construction preparations underway, we’ve officially entered the next chapter in delivering USF’s on-campus stadium, set to open in 2027,” said USF Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly and USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman, the co-chairs of the stadium planning committee. “This moment is the result of years of vision and planning. We are grateful for the passionate support of our donors, alumni, fans and the greater Tampa Bay area community — this stadium is being built by and for USF, and we can’t wait to take this next big step together.”
Also today, trustees approved $47.9 million in infrastructure upgrades needed as USF continues to develop the east side of the Tampa campus. In recent years the university has added several new facilities, such as the Judy Genshaft Honors College building and a Student Health & Wellness Center, and is preparing for future growth, including the new stadium. Among the enhancements will be a new lift station, water main and stormwater facility, as well as improved roadways, walkways and lighting. The project will be paid from state Public Education Capital Outlay funds previously allocated to USF in 2024 and carryforward dollars.