USF breaks ground on new on-campus stadium

USF stadium groundbreaking

Briona Arradondo reports

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of South Florida entered a bold, new era after breaking ground Friday afternoon on its new on-campus state-of-the-art stadium.

"It’s a coming-of-age moment for this university. I’m proud to be a small part of it," said Will Weatherford, the chair of USF’s board of trustees.

USF officials, with local politicians, team players, and other people affiliated with the stadiums development breaking ground on the stadium.

Bulls nation will have their very own home for football and women’s lacrosse games starting in 2027. University leaders and alumni said it’s been a long time coming after many years of talks and extensive planning.

"Just from hearing about the way it used to be you know the trailers and the long practices, no games promised. It means a lot from that aspect," said MacArthur Harris III, a linebacker for USF's football team.

North lawn renderings of USF's new stadium featuring fan amenities.

Harris is playing in USF’s upcoming game at their usual spot, Raymond James Stadium. He said it will be a special moment when the team can move into their own home.

"I’ve been here since 2020 and honestly growing as a student athlete, as a person, as a man, it just means a lot," said Harris. "We’ve got our own home. You know what I'm saying. Go Bulls, baby!"

Night renderings of the student section of USF's new stadium.

He won’t be here to play on that field once it's built, but future teams will.

"When I keep saying, I think it will create one of the finest athletic districts in all of college sports, I really mean it, because it’s been designed for people needing training and recovery," said Michael Kelly, the vice president for athletics at USF.

The $340 million stadium will seat about 35,000 people and include luxury and field-level suites and state-of-the-art player and fan facilities. University leaders said the north lawn area will serve as a versatile space with potential uses including sponsored gatherings, tailgating, live music and other non-game day events.

Home stands renderings of USF's new stadium featuring premium seating for students and a rooftop patio.

"That is really the promise for what we’re talking about," said USF President Rhea Law. "It’s not just sports, it’s the other events. It’s the concerts. It’s the other activities that we will bring here and just activate this university."

Law credits the stadium for already bringing in higher admissions and research funding, and USF hopes for more recruiting opportunities. USF leaders said the designs are being finalized, and then they will connect with their contractors to start moving the dirt.

"Our goal would be to move in here at the end of spring of 2027, so that we have a couple of months to iron out the kinks operationally," said Kelly. "When we kick off, currently it’s scheduled to be Louisville on September 4, 2027, we would be ready and have a really good experience for that very first game."

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