Associated Press Jul 3, 2023 9:54 am ET2 minute counter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Swamp is undergoing a remodel, a major makeover expected to cost at least $400 million and a “cross-generational solution” to an aging and iconic stadium in the heart of Florida’s campus.
The Gators announced plans Monday to hire an architect to design their remodeled Florida Field, the first public step in a process that has been debated for years. The school will open a formal selection window in July.
Sporting director Scott Stricklin said it was “premature to speculate on final costs, seating capacity and a specific timeline.” But he made it clear that the main goal of the project will be to transform the game experience for fans while retaining many of the things that helped the Gators create one of the most tremendous home field advantages in the Southeastern Conference.
“Whatever work we do there, it doesn’t have to be a patch,” Stricklin said at the league’s spring meetings last month. “It has to be an intergenerational solution to give this stadium a chance for future generations to see the Gators there.”
“It has to be everything, from the experience of the fans, when they’re outside the stadium, when they’re walking through the goal, through the hall, the concession room, the toilets, into the seat pan, new premium options, better premium options. But you also want to keep it.” What is special about it?
The stadium first opened in 1930 as a 22,000-seat facility. Since then it has been expanded several times in almost a century and today has a seating capacity of around 90,000. However, it lacks many of the amenities of modern NFL venues.
Proposed upgrades will certainly include wider halls, fewer bench seats, more concession options, larger video panels, a new sound system and improved lighting throughout the building. The capacity is expected to be reduced by thousands.
Renovating the swamp would be the latest — and by far the most expensive — modernization of campus facilities.
The Gators have spent more than $300 million over the past decade building or renovating baseball, softball, soccer/lacrosse, tennis, track and basketball venues. The list also includes an indoor practice facility and a standalone soccer facility, as well as a new academic center for student athletes.
“We are in the service business; we don’t make widgets,” Stricklin said. “We create experiences, whether it’s for our student-athletes, our staff, and ultimately for Gator Nation. So when you’re in the service business, there aren’t many tangible results. There are many intangible results.”
“What kind of experience do you create on game day? What memories emerge from these experiences? Do people want to plan their lives so that they come back to enjoy this experience again? We sell tickets and t-shirts. Beyond that.” We want to create experiences – and winning is a big part of that experience – but you have to have all the other parts.”