TAMPA, Fla. — When USF first started talking about building and paying for a new stadium on the USF campus, one of the key components would be enthusiasm.
That meant support from alumni and students in the form of ticket sales. And, for now, that's exactly what they're seeing.
“It's insane,” USF freshman Sydney Clark said. “Everyone's excited!”
Bulls Nation was definitely pumped up ahead of their game against the University of Miami.
The student section, more than 15,000 tickets, had sold out at Raymond James Stadium.
“The students definitely believe in the team,” USF Junior Caleb Dearing said.
“People have been talking about the game all day. Even teachers mention it,” USF Student Megha Dey said.
“I think the school enthusiasm is the best it's been in a while,” classmate Mitch Lisman added.
The enthusiasm coincides with the university’s release of its newest rendition of what will become USF's new football stadium.
It features an 8,000-seat student section with its own entrance, concessions, and even a platform for a DJ to play music during games.
The newest artist renderings also show USF’s marching band will get its own exclusive section in the stadium.
It's designed to give band members easy access to the lower level for on-field performances.
“I think they are going to get amped up and I think everything's gonna go crazy,” Clark said. “And everyone's gonna be together, finally.”
In a statement, the university’s athletics department said in part, "On the heels of record student demand for the upcoming game against Miami, we are thrilled to offer a glimpse of the future South Florida student experience on game day. Many of the amenities included... were based on student feedback.”
“Yeah, 30,000 people on the weekend. It's going to be great for business,” local restaurant operator Tom Gunes said.
Gunes, like other business owners near the USF campus, is glad to see the enthusiasm too.
Early estimates are that a new stadium will have a regional economic impact of between $17 million and $20 million each year.
“Everybody is hyped for the game, of course,” Lisman said. “Go Bulls!”
That enthusiasm also continues to grow as the Oct. 18 date for groundbreaking on the new stadium rapidly approaches.
USF has promised more updates on the stadium and its design between now and then.