Univ. of Florida has unveiled its record-setting $1.45B renovation of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, with UF Board of Trustees Chair Mori Hosseini announcing Thursday that they would be “taking the final steps” toward advancing the renovation’s planning and development later that day. The full project is expected to go before the university’s BOT “in September for final approval.” Once the full project is approved, “additional details will be given.” The renovation, which is expected to “span multiple phases over a four-year period,” is “targeted for completion ahead of the 2030 season” with the project “set to begin after the 2026 season.” The process will “require multiple constructions during that timeline.” It has yet to be determined whether construction “will temporarily reduce seating during the renovations.” Certain areas “may be temporarily modified” throughout the construction process during specific phases of the project (GAINESVILLE SUN, 6/11).
The project is the “most expensive renovation” in college sports history. It is being funded “through a combination of private giving, capital reserves, projected-generated revenues, financing mechanisms, including long-term debt” through the approval of the Florida BOG (GAINESVILLE SUN, 6/11).
The overhaul of the stadium “is vast and ambitious,” but aims to maintain the current capacity of 88,548 “while preserving the spirit of the Swamp.” It also aims to “maintain the Swamp’s historic character, including orange Wing Walls and the close fan-to-field experience at a stadium ranked 10th in attendance over the past five years.” Approaching his 10-year anniversary in November, Florida AD Scott Stricklin is determined to ensure the centerpiece of UF’s campus “remains among the sport’s premier venues and top money makers well into the future” (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 6/11).
0 of 3
