USF says stadium construction is underway despite little change since groundbreaking
In November, it was the scene of the groundbreaking of the biggest investment in USF history.
Five months later – besides the chain-link fencing surrounding the area – not much has changed at Sycamore Fields, the future site of USF’s planned $340 million stadium that will house its football and women’s lacrosse teams.
The crane staged at the groundbreaking ceremony appeared to still be there. So did the mound of dirt that USF’s top brass dug their shovels into on Nov. 8.
Despite the apparent inactivity, USF spokesperson Althea Johnson said construction is underway on the stadium and it remains on pace to open by fall 2027.
Manhattan Construction Co. – a firm who’s constructed more than $3.4 billion in sports projects – was chosen to build the stadium last April.
Related: USF breaks ground on campus stadium: ‘Championships will be won here’
The university was supposed to begin “full construction” of the stadium in February, according to USF Athletics’ Strategic Plan. In a statement to The Oracle, Johnson said “mobilization” and “site preparation” are underway on the site.
She did not clarify what that meant.
“The construction team continues to prepare the site and we expect their work will become increasingly visible,” Johnson said in a statement on March 14.
Fencing currently surrounds the construction site, spanning a portion of Sycamore Drive before jutting into the woods towards Genshaft Drive.
Original fencing from Sycamore Fields – the intramural fields that the site originally featured – appeared to have not been removed.
On March 11, USF Athletics Director Micheal Kelly said on an episode of Bulls Unlimited that Manhattan Construction has been surveying the site. He also said permitting has been approved by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
SFWMD issues Well Construction Permits, which ensure wells meet industry standards, as well as Environmental Resource Permits, which are needed in any activity that affects the flow of surface water.
Related: Here’s how USF says it is funding its stadium
Johnson also said there have been no changes to the previously approved finance plan.
The USF Board of Trustees approved a $340 million budget for the project in June, primarily through a $200 million loan that was issued by USF Financing Corporation.
The price could still rise. The BOT has not yet voted on a Guaranteed Maximum Price for the stadium.
BOT chair Will Weatherford called the stadium “a $400 million project” in November, but also said the university will be able to afford it.
“USF looks forward to providing the community with additional updates as the project moves forward,” Johnson said.
USF has been sparse in issuing updates. There has only been one stadium-related news update posted on the university’s website since groundbreaking.
Correction: A previous version of this story stated that the $200 million loan was issued by the Florida Board of Governors.
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