USF trustees approve revised stadium plan; construction to start

Construction on the University of South Florida’s new on-campus stadium is set to accelerate following approval from the university’s Board of Trustees. The revised stadium plan, approved Tuesday, carries a project cost of $348.5 million, an $8.5 million increase from the original estimate.

The updated budget includes several enhancements, design modifications and structural upgrades to allow future expansion beyond the planned 35,000-seat capacity. Other additions involve new academic space within the facility, vertical expansion of the Tampa General Hospital Center for Athletic Excellence and improved locker room amenities. The project also accounts for increased costs of construction materials and labor.

Funding for the expanded budget will primarily come from interest earnings generated by $200 million in financing previously secured through the USF Financing Corp.

Since groundbreaking in late 2024, initial site preparation has been ongoing. Full-scale construction is scheduled to start this month, following additional site clearing. USF anticipates completing final inspections by spring 2027. The stadium is set to open its doors later that fall, ready to host athletic and community events.

In a prepared statement, USF President Rhea Law described the trustees’ approval as a significant milestone. “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,” she said.

In conjunction with the trustees’ approval, USF released a new rendering of the stadium that illustrates premium suites, club seating, a press box and a rooftop patio. Also featured are approximately 40 “living room” style loge seats positioned for close views behind the end zone. A field club with glass windows will offer spectators an up-close view as players enter the field.

USF Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly and USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman, who co-chair the stadium planning committee, emphasized the community effort behind the project. “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,” Kelly and Stroman stated.

Alongside stadium construction, trustees approved an additional $47.9 million for infrastructure upgrades on the east side of the Tampa campus. These improvements include a new lift station, upgraded water mains, enhanced stormwater management, and improvements to roads, walkways and lighting. Funding for these infrastructure projects will come from state Public Education Capital Outlay funds previously allocated to USF in 2024, along with carryforward dollars.

The on-campus stadium, along with recent facilities like the Judy Genshaft Honors College and Student Health & Wellness Center, aligns with USF’s long-term growth plans. The stadium is expected to become a central hub for university life, drawing large crowds and strengthening campus engagement.