USF Unveils $348.5M On-Campus Stadium, Transforms Campus Life and Football Legacy
The University of South Florida broke ground on a $348.5 million on-campus football stadium. This brings the Bulls program home for the first time in school history. Construction started this…
The University of South Florida broke ground on a $348.5 million on-campus football stadium. This brings the Bulls program home for the first time in school history. Construction started this year. Doors open fall 2027.
Students signed a steel beam during a ceremony held April 6 through April 8. The beam will support the new venue's student section. It weighs 26,000 pounds, stretches 43 feet long, and is one of 7,100 steel structural pieces being used to construct the facility.
The signing event was part of USF Week, celebrating the school's 70th anniversary. Leaders, students, staff, and alumni gathered at the Marshall Student Center to mark the occasion.
The Bulls have played at Raymond James Stadium for three decades. The new venue will seat 35,000 fans with room to grow, including 8,000 seats set aside for students.
"It's not every day a college builds a new stadium," said senior Ethan Reites, according to FOX 13 News. "It's nice to be part of not just USF history, but NCAA history."
President Moez Limayem called it a celebration of the university community. Athletics CEO Rob Higgins said having an on-campus home for more than 50,000 students is "surreal" and meaningful on multiple levels, according to FOX 13 News.
Students said the move will change game day atmosphere. "I am so excited for the on-campus stadium. I have a lot of friends that go to UF and FSU, and I've been to their games, and the energy there is unmatched compared to what we have at Raymond James, so I'm super excited for the on-campus stadium and what it's going to bring to our campus," said Nico Lavaud, according to Tampa Bay 28.
The project includes an expansion of the Tampa General Hospital Center for Athletic Excellence and more academic space. Plans also feature a rooftop bar alongside improved tailgating areas.
The Fletcher District will be built within walking distance of the new venue on the north side of Fletcher. The development includes a hotel, housing, restaurants, and other amenities.
Fans will be able to sign another beam at the Spring Game on April 19 at Corbett Stadium. A game ticket is required.
