The University of South Florida is getting closer to constructing an on-campus stadium. University leaders have recommended the design/build team of Barton Malow and Populous for the project. The school intends to award this to Barton Malow and Populous following a competitive procurement process. The selection is still subject to board approval in the coming weeks.
“The University of South Florida’s plan to construct an on-campus stadium is taking a major step forward with the recommendation of a design/build team,” says Michael Kelly, USF Vice President of Athletics. “The selected partner will play a critical role in helping us develop a more complete understanding of the scope of the project, including many of the details and design features that we know Bulls fans eagerly anticipate.”
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The Barton Malow/Populous team brings a highly successful track record with collegiate and professional athletics projects. The firms have collaborated for more than 25 years on more than 40 sport venues across the country, including:
- Penn State’s Beaver Stadium
- Orlando City Soccer Club’s Exploria Stadium
- Gillette Stadium for the New England Patriots
- Truist Park for the Atlanta Braves
Between the two, Barton Malow/Populous have worked on 85 college stadiums, including projects at iconic facilities such as:
- Notre Dame Stadium
- The University of Michigan’s “Big House” and the Rose Bowl
- Baylor University
- Colorado State University
- Minnesota
University leaders will now work to finalize negotiations with the selected partner. From there, the design phase of the project will kick off and continue for approximately 18 months. There will be numerous engagement opportunities available for students, faculty, staff, alumni and other supporters to provide input.
Other stadium preparations
The university has committed to a goal of awarding at least 36 percent of the on-campus stadium costs to women, veteran or minority-owned businesses. Near the start of the design/build procurement process, USF brought business owners and other community partners together for an informational session to raise awareness about potential opportunities with the stadium and will continue proactive outreach efforts as the project moves forward.
“We continue to make significant progress toward turning the vision for an on-campus stadium into a reality,” says USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman. “The important planning that we’re doing now is going to result in a transformational project that the University of South Florida community and the entire Tampa Bay region will benefit from for generations to come.”
In March, USF leaders recommended a site for the stadium on the east side of the Tampa campus known as Sycamore Fields, which will help maximize the game-day experience for fans, create new opportunities for community building and provide synergy with the USF Athletics district.
USF continues to target fall 2026 for playing games in the new stadium.
