TAMPA, Fla. — With "genuine excitement,” the University of South Florida on Tuesday released the first three renderings of its planned on-campus stadium.
The Board of Trustees met Tuesday morning to receive an update on the plans after the university terminated a design-build agreement, and it opted for a more traditional construction management model.
So far, the school has raised more than $43 million of its $50 million goal for the stadium project. That includes a $6 million gift from the USF Federal Credit Union to name the walkway that will lead into the main entrance of the stadium, where the football team’s traditional pregame Bulls Stampede will take place.
“To me, it’s just the next step in the evolution of the whole university, quite frankly, as an important engagement tool that will bring us together as one USF better than ever before,” said Michael Kelly, vice president of athletics.
The stadium, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027, will include:
An east-west build to help maximize shade for daytime events.
A dedicated section for students in the west end of the stadium that includes a design featuring Bull horns and amenities that will cater to the student experience.
An open concourse around a majority of the stadium that provides views of the field, even as fans are walking to concession or restroom areas.
A large tailgating space on the north side of the stadium.
- A variety of premium seating options, including suites, loge boxes and club areas.
USF officials said the initial renderings are conceptual and will develop as the design process continues and more elements are finalized. The design process included feedback from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.
“Since we first announced plans to build an on-campus stadium at the University of South Florida, it has become the topic I hear about most often from our passionate supporters. There is a genuine excitement within our community,” USF President Rhea Law said. “We’re thrilled to offer the first images of the stadium that will activate our campus in ways we never have before and will make a positive impact on our university for generations to come.”
Students at USF are excited about the new stadium, and one pointed out that even if they won’t still be attending USF by the time the stadium is built, it will give them a reason to come back.
“My dad graduated in '96 so I’ve been coming to games. I went to my first game when I was 3 years old and ever since then I’ve been coming back,” Alisha Kurian said.
In a picture her dad took at her first game, you see Kurian sound asleep in her seat. She said being a Bull is a family affair.
"I think that giving students their own stadium, and student-athletes a space to call their own to play in, not only is that a great thing, but also alumni having a reason to come back to campus for games and for that environment really elevates the whole USF experience," she said.
Kurian said even though she won’t be a USF student when the stadium is built, it will give her and her dad a reason to keep coming back, and keep their tradition alive.
“He absolutely cannot wait," Kurian said. "He’s probably more excited than anyone else. I know and he’s hoping I have three younger siblings, so maybe one of them will be here when the stadium is built."
Signature signage will showcase the newly named USF Federal Credit Union Champions Way, located off USF Genshaft Drive.
“Our university will proudly feature one of the nation’s most beautiful and community-centered stadium entranceways,” USF Foundation Chief Executive Officer Jay Stroman said.
Stadium planning committee co-chairs Stroman and Kelly said the next major steps are to release more detailed stadium renderings in spring 2024 and to hold a groundbreaking ceremony in fall 2024.