TAMPA, Fla. – When shovels hit the ground on Friday afternoon at the University of South Florida’s stadium groundbreaking, a new era will begin for the school and its football program.

USF Athletic Director Michael Kelly offered a sneak peek of what USF football fans can expect when the new $340 million facility opens for the 2027 season. 

The ceremony for the groundbreaking will be livestreamed on ESPN+ at 3:30 p.m. The department released more stadium renderings this week.

“We are thrilled to bring our on-campus stadium vision closer to reality, and these new renderings give Bulls fans an exciting glimpse into the game-day experience awaiting them,” Kelly said in a news release.

Riding around the USF sports village via golf cart this week, Kelly pointed out how the stadium will be situated and why it will be the crown jewel of Kelly’s tenure, long after he’s gone.

“It’s been something that people have wanted ever since this program was started back in ‘97 and this just happens to be the right time to get it done,” he said. “And it will just be another historic footnote on the history of this great university.”

Kelly is well versed in the history of the school’s athletics and knows full well the connection the site of the on-campus stadium has to the first days of the Bulls football program.

“When Coach (Jim) Leavitt started the team, even the year in residence before they were even going to play in '97, this was all they had,” Kelly said, pointing to where the football program’s trailers/offices sat 27 years ago. “And where they did all their training, so the first drops of blood, sweat and tears were right here on this sycamore field and now this will be our forever stadium.”

The stadium’s student section, which includes all stadium west-side seating, features the "Bull U" logo.

The logo will be illuminated at night, fostering an electric atmosphere under the stadium lights.

The night rendering of the student section offers a close-up view of the DJ deck and dedicated student-only concessions to provide easy access to food and refreshments.

“It all goes into the brand of a brand that’s bold,” Kelly said. “That’s aggressive, contemporary and that’s why I think USF is just really kind of the 'it' school right now in so many different ways and we want to build on that momentum.”

USF AD Michael Kelly said the new on-campus stadium will be transformational for the school athletic department, as well as the university. (Spectrum News image)

Located within the stadium perimeter, the north lawn area is envisioned as a vibrant, walkable area adjacent to scenic trails and a lush tree canopy, making for a unique entrance to the stadium.

This versatile space will be a hub for various events, sponsor activations, and guest amenities.

The on-campus stadium's concourse, located 10 rows up from the field, is designed to keep fans engaged with the game regardless of their vantage point.

The shaded home stands on the stadium's south side are designed to elevate the fan experience by focusing on comfort and convenience. The lower and main bowls on that side will serve as the home stands for USF fans.

Premium seating, including club and private suites, will also be on the stadium's south side. A covered rooftop patio will give fans a unique experience atop the stadium.

"Our priority is to deliver an unparalleled fan experience," Kelly said. "Key features of the stadium, such as the inviting north lawn, southside premium tower, and expansive concourse, are specifically designed to enhance comfort and offer unique amenities that cater to our community. This stadium is truly being designed by USF, for USF, reflecting valuable input from our students, alumni, Bulls Nation, and the greater Tampa Bay community to elevate the overall experience." 

Gonzmart family gives $1 million to support USF’s on-campus stadium 

The University of South Florida today announced a $1 million gift which will go toward the university’s new on-campus stadium. This significant financial investment comes from the Gonzmart Family Foundation, just one day before the university breaks ground on the transformational project. 

The Gonzmarts, who are committed to education and ensuring all students have opportunities to learn and grow outside of the classroom, believe this gift is in perfect alignment with that goal. 

The family foundation’s officers are brothers Richard Gonzmart and Casey Gonzmart Sr., Richard’s daughter Andrea Gonzmart Williams and Casey’s son, Casey Gonzmart Jr. They represent the fourth- and fifth-generation owners of the 1905 Family Of Restaurants, which includes the historic Columbia Restaurant