GAINESVILLE — The capacity and the soul of the Swamp will not be lost, according to Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin, despite concerns from Florida fans ahead of a sweeping and high-priced renovation to the Gators’ iconic stadium.
Speaking a group of local reporters Thursday, Stricklin said the timeline and financial commitment have been not finalized. But he allayed concerns that Ben Hill Griffin Stadium’s existing capacity of 88,458 would change.
The project aims to preserve the Swamp’s historic character, including orange Wing Walls and the close fan-to-field proximity that helps create one of the best game-day atmospheres in college football.
“Our goal is to maintain the existing capacity and powerful home-field advantage that Gator Nation creates, while enhancing comfort, technology, premium offerings and the overall game day experience,” Stricklin wrote in a recent letter to fans.
The plan will require the stadium comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, widening the aisles and adding handrails — presumably forcing a seating reduction in the stadium’s lower bowl. Meanwhile, the stadium’s concourse, concession areas and restrooms will be drastically expanded.
Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel
A quiet scene a few hours before kickoff at Florida Field for the FSU Seminoles at Florida Gators game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on Nov. 28, 2015, in Gainesville. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
UF’s University Athletics Association sent a detailed survey to fans Monday to gather input, with responses to guide decision-making with project partner CSL International. A deluge of responses spurred Stricklin to clarify the school’s commitment to maintain capacity.
The project will be done in phases, with the initial one expected to cost in hundreds of millions of dollars.
Completed in October 1930, Florida Field originally had a capacity of 21,769. Over the years, the stadium expanded many times and earned the nickname “The Swamp” in 1991, courtesy of legendary coach Steve Spurrier.
The last major project was a two-year, $50 million stadium expansion and renovation before the 2003 season. Around 2,900 luxury club seats and 34 additional suites were added.
The upcoming renovation is expected to add more premium seating. In order to purchase these new premium seats, a person will likely be required to make a one-time capital donation spread out over five years, in addition to booster fees and season-ticket costs.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com