Updated June 11, 2026, 12:40 p.m. ET
The University of Florida Board of Trustees approved a plan for the most expensive stadium renovation in college football history — a $1.45 billion overhaul of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — on Thursday.
The school unveiled details and renderings to the trustees, revealing the total budget as well as the start and completion dates. The current cost estimate ballooned by over a billion dollars from its initial $400 million price tag, while the project is set to begin during the 2027 offseason and will continue into the 2030 offseason.
“This $1.45 billion project will breathe new life into one of the nation’s most iconic college football venues and elevate it into the premier collegiate athletic destination that sets the standard for everyone else,” the board said in a statement.
Thursday’s approval opens the door for the renovation project team, consisting of Legends Global and a partnership between Manhattan Construction Group and Hunt Construction Group, to move forward with design, planning and pre-construction efforts. The full project is expected to go before the University of Florida Board of Trustees in September for final approval; financing details will be released later this year.
Funding for the project, which could potentially become the most comprehensive overhaul of a collegiate gridiron venue, is expected to come from a combination of private donations, capital reserves, project-generated revenues, and financing mechanisms — including long-term debt, which would require approval from the Florida Board of Governors.
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The multi-phased project will see expanded concourses, upgraded concessions and restrooms, improved accessibility, elevated premium hospitality experiences, enhanced technology infrastructure, and state-of-the-art video and audio capabilities brought to the Swamp. It includes $500 million in deferred maintenance costs, infrastructure improvements and wider aisles and handrails to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
An overhaul of multiple team areas, including the locker rooms, lobby, lounges, training areas, practice courts and roof replacement, is also mentioned in the overall plan.
Capacity is expected to remain at 88,548 despite the loss of thousands of seats in the lower bowl, with new suites making up the difference. The added premium areas are expected to be open-air — a change from the current setup, which is enclosed by glass.
A key project objective is to allow the football team to continue playing in the venue throughout the construction process.
An upgraded Ben Hill Griffin Stadium could potentially double the roughly $75 million a year it generates from tickets, concessions, parking and contributions. That extra cash flow could help boost the Gators competitively in football as well as their other 20 sports.
More information about the project is available at theswamprenovation.com.
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