USF's On-Campus Football Stadium Project Has New CM Team

USF selects a construction management team with a wealth of experience to lead the construction of their on-campus football stadium.

The University of South Florida(USF) has revealed a construction team spearheading the $340 million on-campus football stadium construction. After a rigorous bid process, USF has chosen Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company, and DuCon, LLC as the construction manager for the new stadium. This seasoned team has vast experience with college and professional stadiums nationwide, as well as multiple facilities in the Tampa Bay region and Florida. They have also collaborated on over $1.2 billion in projects with USF’s design team, Populous. More specific distinctive stadium features will be disclosed as the design process progresses further into its advanced stages.

“Choosing a construction management team is big step forward in our process to deliver a world-class stadium that will transform the future of our university and the on-campus experience,” said USF Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly and USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman, the co-chairs of the stadium planning committee. “After conducting a thorough review of each proposal we received for the project, we’re excited to get started on our partnership with a team that brings a proven track record of success in Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon, LLC.”

“After conducting a thorough review of each proposal we received for the project, we’re excited to get started on our partnership with a team that brings a proven track record of success in Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company, and DuCon, LLC.”

About the CM team

Projects the team has worked on include football stadiums for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and the ongoing renovations at Florida State University. Manhattan also provided construction management services for enhancements to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa in 2016.

When will USF’s new on-campus stadium open?

USF’s on-campus stadium is scheduled to open in time for the 2027 college football season. The university expects to host six to seven football games each fall in the facility and also use the stadium to host university and private events including seasonal concerts, sporting events and festivals.

To be located on the University’s Sycamore Fields intramural sports area, the new stadium currently is envisioned as a 615,000-sq-ft, 35,000-seat facility and will be home to both the USF football and women’s lacrosse teams, and host concerts, graduation ceremonies and other events.

In 2022, the university opened a new indoor practice and performance facility with a full-size field, strength and conditioning center, nutrition center and player lounge.

Having an, on-campus stadium goes beyond football. It will create a vibrant and shared campus experience that enhances the university’s culture, spirit and sense of community throughout the year. This stadium will serve as a gathering place for students, staff and faculty to come together and express their love for USF. Additionally, it will attract alumni and community members to campus to enjoy its beauty and energetic atmosphere. Ultimately this stadium will become a hub, for creating lasting memories across generations reminding us of why USF’s exceptional and fueling our enthusiasm for the university.

The original design for USF’s on-campus football stadium

The original designs are the starting point and may be refined as the design process progresses and more specific design features are decided. In addition to the original visuals shared by USF here are some key details about the new stadium;

A layout from east to west that aims to offer shade during daytime events.
A special section for students located in the part of the stadium designed uniquely for USF with Bull horns and student friendly amenities.
An open walkway circling most of the stadium allowing fans to catch glimpses of the field while heading to concessions or restrooms.
A spacious tailgating area on the side of the stadium.
Various high end seating choices, like suites, loge boxes and club areas.

The current design for USF’s on-campus football stadium incorporates the feedback the university gathered through listening sessions with dozens of stakeholder groups, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. Additional unique stadium features will be disclosed as the design process progresses further into its advanced stages.

With Populous Architects—a subcontractor on the original design-build team that is staying on as the stadium’s lead designer—USF said in December that pivoting to a construction manager approach would provide the university with “more direct access to all design elements…and more control over cost efficiencies.” It also would provide schedule flexibility to ensure the new stadium and its support services are fully operational in time for the 2027 college football season.