USF receives approval for a $200 million loan to help build an on-campus football stadium
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The Florida Board of Governors approved a plan Friday that will allow the University of South Florida to take out a $200 million loan to help finance a new on-campus football stadium .
Construction of the 35,000-seat stadium is expected to cost $340 million and be completed by 2026.
USF Board of Trustees Chairman Will Weatherford told the Board of Governors it is time for the school to have its own stadium on campus.
“The University of South Florida is the only public university in Florida with a Division One football program that does not have a stadium on its campus,” Weatherford said.
Not everyone thinks it’s a good idea.
“I think they’re taking a lot of money away from a lot of things that could really use it,” USF student Millena Sampson said.
USF student Jason Willman says he doesn’t plan on attending any games, no matter where the stadium is.
“Never, not once, and I never will. I don’t believe in supporting it. I have no interest in sports. “I’m in college to learn, not to watch other people play,” Willmann said
USF student Julioi Blanco also believes the $340 million could be better spent on other programs.
“I feel like people keep putting money, energy and effort into sports and not into the things that really matter because at the end of the day we’re not really here to watch these football games, we’re here to watch them “make a future,” Blanco said.
However, other students are enthusiastic about the idea.
“I think it’s great, I think it will bring a lot of people to the games and there will be a lacrosse facility there too. We’re on the women’s lacrosse team and we’re really excited about it,” said freshman Catherine Taylor, who will play on the women’s lacrosse team.
Weatherford said the stadium will bring jobs and economic growth to the area.
“The facility will bring jobs for our students and residents, tourism dollars and other opportunities that will absolutely boost the economic growth of the Tampa Bay region,” Weatherford said.
