GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A handful of football stadiums carry a sense of nostalgia.
The Rose Bowl and Lambeau Field come to mind.
The Swamp certainly belongs in that conversation.
Built in 1930, the iconic Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is ready for a significant transformation to profoundly modernize the fan experience while maintaining many of the traditional elements that legions of Gators have enjoyed for more than 90 years.
After a series of exhaustive studies and evaluations, the University Athletic Association is preparing to select an architect to begin the design phase of what will be the largest facility project in the history of the department.
‘We’ve conducted a number of studies over the last five-plus years about what the future could look like for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium,” said Athletics Director Scott Stricklin. “We’ve engaged with vendors that specialize in iconic venues and stadium experience for both fans and players while offering a variety of solutions. It is now time to take that information and engage with an architect who can present renovation, construction and phasing options for The Swamp.”
While the architectural team will deliver the specifics, the project will touch every phase of the fan experience. From upgrades to the concourse, entry gates, seating, concessions and restrooms to enhancements to video board and sound system, there will be a focus on maintaining the nearly century-long romance Gator fans have with Saturdays in the Swamp.
Financial estimates for the project, which will adhere to University policies and procedures during all phases, begin at approximately $400 million. The financial model will be similar to previous Gator facility projects with an aggressive fundraising campaign to anchor the funding efforts.
The search for the next architect starts with a formal bid process coordinated with UF Campus Planning, Design and Construction Office, and will begin in July. The architectural team will also develop planning strategy and phasing components of the project.
“There are many questions that come with a project of this scope, but it would be premature to speculate on the answer to many of those, including but not limited to final costs, seating capacity and specific timeline,” said Stricklin. “We look forward to working along with an architect that will start providing options on what those answers could look like and allow us to continue to host college football’s biggest and best fans in in The Swamp.”
