USF approves $22 million proposal to design on-campus football stadium

USF selects team to build on-campus stadium

Plans have started to shape up for a new football stadium at the University of South Florida, and leaders took a major step towards making it a reality Tuesday.

TAMPA, Fla. - Little by little, the University of South Florida is taking steps to make the on-campus football stadium dream come true.

Tuesday, the Board of Trustees approved a $22 million proposal to design the stadium. There was neither any discussion nor debate leading up to the vote. The money will not come from state funds, officials said.

"This initial design phase will result in the preparation and completion of the plans for the stadium and will include multiple opportunities for the USF community to provide input on the design of the stadium," according to the BOT agenda.

Back in September, USF named "Populous" and "Barton Malow" as the intended design and build team for the stadium. Combined, both companies have worked on 43 projects over three decades, including some of the biggest venues in college sports.

The site for the new stadium is on the east side of campus where Sycamore Fields is located, right next to the $22 million indoor practice facility, which opened in January.

MORE: USF Bulls celebrate grand opening of Porter Family Indoor Training Facility

The indoor facility houses a full-sized turf football field with goal posts, as well as other amenities, and has been open to student-athletes for nearly two months prior to the grand opening.

New head football coach Alex Golesh hopes this puts his program, as well as others, in a new league.

Meet Alex Golesh: USF head football coach talks new job, recruiting and challenges ahead

This past year was a tough one for USF football. The team just won one game and the school fired its coach and brought in someone responsible for one of the best offenses in the country: Alex Golesh. He stopped by Good Day Tampa Bay to talk about what's next in his role.

"When you're competing at this level and don't have a facility like this, I think it's a huge disadvantage," Golesh said. "I think it puts you on a level playing field."

The USF football program currently calls Raymond James Stadium home – but school leaders and students have said the space is too big, and has experienced a lack of fanfare over the years.

READ: USF researcher plans to live underwater for 100 days to study body's response to extreme pressure

This project is part of a master plan that includes a new lacrosse stadium, a baseball and softball clubhouse, a new tennis facility, and an overhaul of the golf practice space.

USF rolls out new student section

As the USF Athletic Department works to improve it's facilities, the Bulls are also trying to improve their game-day atmosphere by rolling out a brand new student section.

There is space for parking and tailgating. It is also close to student housing.

As of now, the potential opening date for an on-campus football stadium is 2026-2027, but it is contingent on planning and construction time.