TAMPA, Florida — On Friday, the University of South Florida (USF) hosted a groundbreaking event for their new 35,000 seat stadium, which will be home to the school's football and women's lacrosse teams.
It's a milestone that many Bulls fans have been waiting for — and it all took place during the school's homecoming week.
The process, according to a release from the university, ramped up in 2021 when the USF Board of Trustees Chair Will Weatherford initially shared his vision for an on-campus stadium.
"It has taken a lot of work to reach this point and I’m proud to celebrate this historic moment for USF,” Weatherford said in a statement.
The facility will not only be home to the school's sports, but it will also host events, including concerts, festivals and potentially graduation ceremonies, the school said.
“Our new stadium will have a major impact on the University of South Florida’s future, not only on the field, but in ways that extend well beyond athletics,” USF President Rhea Law said in a statement. “The stadium will greatly enhance the experience for our students and will provide a compelling reason for our alumni and future generations of Bulls fans to visit our campus, build lifelong connections to USF and increase their engagement with everything our world-class university has to offer.”
Over the past year, the university has released renderings and details about the stadium, which USF officials said will be located on the east side of campus.
The new student section features west-side stadium seating with the iconic "Bull U" logo on display. It will illuminate at night to match the stadium lights.
The night rendering of the student section features a close-up view of the DJ deck with dedicated student-only concessions to provide easy access to food and refreshments.
USF's inaugural stadium also features the "north lawn area," a spot designated for scenic trails, lush tree canopy, various campus events, sponsor activations and guest amenities. It will be accessible throughout all game days.
The on-campus stadium’s concourse, located 10 rows up from the field, also features stadium concessions for attendees.
The stadium is scheduled to open in time for Fall 2027, according to a press release from the university.