USF trustees approve updated stadium plan, clear way for full construction (NEW RENDERING)

The University of South Florida’s long-planned on-campus stadium is entering a new phase as trustees approved a revised $348.5 million project plan, paving the way for full-scale construction to begin this summer.

The cost increase reflects upgrades added since the original 2023 plan including space for potential future expansion, enhanced locker rooms, academic buildouts and vertical expansion of the Tampa General Hospital Center for Athletic Excellence. The university is using interest earnings from previously secured financing to fund the increase.

Site preparation has been underway since the ceremonial groundbreaking, in late 2024. Full construction will accelerate in May, with the stadium expected to open in fall 2027, following inspections that spring.

USF also released a new rendering, showcasing the east side of the stadium and offering fresh views of premium seating, rooftop patios and glass-walled club spaces. The stadium will seat approximately 35,000.

Trustees also approved $47.9 million in related infrastructure improvements to support growth on the east side of campus.

You May Also Like
USF reveals new renderings of Football Operations Center

The University of South Florida has released new renderings of the TGH Center for Athletic Excellence, a 150,000-square-foot football operations facility that will anchor the university’s $348 million on-campus stadium

Read More
Aerial rendering of the University of South Florida’s on-campus football stadium and athletic district in Tampa.
Tampa tech founder buys into European football, looking for investors

Tampa tech founder Will Freeman launches Catalyst Sports Ventures to bring local investors into the global soccer ownership game.

Read More
Haverfordwest County AFC soccer players in blue jerseys on the field during a Cymru Premier league match in Wales.
The data is in: Mixed-use stadiums win big for cities and fans

The Rays want a 100-acre stadium district that could reshape Tampa Bay.

Read More
Three members of the Tampa Bay Rays’ new ownership group pose together wearing team hats at a press conference backdrop featuring the Rays and Orlando Health logos.
Benchmark International on why they took center ice in downtown Tampa

TBBW sat down with the Tampa M&A firm to learn more about its biggest move yet.

Read More
Exterior of Benchmark International Arena with the downtown Tampa skyline in the background
Other Posts
Tropical Financial Credit Union expands to Manatee County

Tropical Financial Credit Union expands membership into Manatee County through a digital-first banking model.

Read More
Tropical Financial Credit Union logo alongside an aerial view of a Manatee County residential and commercial corridor in the Tampa Bay region.
Why hyperlocal influencers matter to Tampa Bay businesses

How hyperlocal influencers are driving discovery, trust and revenue for Tampa Bay small businesses.

Read More
A person photographs a plated dessert with a smartphone at a café table, illustrating how food content is created for social media.
$6.5M loan fuels Hyde Park mixed-use development

A $6.5M construction loan is backing a mixed-use project in Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood.

Read More
Shoppers and diners gather around the central fountain at Hyde Park Village in Tampa
3,500 seat entertainment district planned in downtown Tampa

Strategic Property Partners plans a downtown Tampa entertainment district anchored by a 3,500-seat live music venue.

Read More
Rendering shows views of a planned entertainment district and 3,500-seat music venue in downtown Tampa near Benchmark International Arena