Florida Giving The Swamp A $400M Makeover

The University of Florida is embarking on a major renovation of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium that will give The Swamp a makeover costing at least $400 million.

Florida announced it is preparing to select an architect to begin the design phase of what will be the largest athletic facility project in the school’s history.

Improving the fan experience will be the project’s main goal, from upgrades to the concourse, entry gates, seating, concessions and restrooms to enhancements to video board and sound system. Florida says there will be an “aggressive fundraising campaign” to finance construction. 

The soon-to-be-selected architect will help finalize the project’s strategy and potential phases. UF athletics director Scott Stricklin said evaluation of The Swamp’s future has been going on for more than five years. Stricklin added that it is too early to give any definitive answers about the project’s final costs, the stadium’s ultimate seating capacity, or a specific construction timeline.

The public comments about renovating The Swamp come just under a year after the Gators opened a new $85 million football practice facility. That 142,000-square-foot enclave is complete with a state-of-the-art locker room and training center.

Florida will continue pouring money into its football program as it keeps reaping the benefits of being a member of the SEC. The conference raked in more than $800 million in revenue during the 2021-22 academic year and distributed $54.6 million to each of its 14 schools.