Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Renovation Frequently Asked Questions
- Project Overview
- Protecting The Swamp
- Design and Fan Experience
- Game Day During Construction
- Seating and Ticketing
- Community Impact and Financial Stewardship
- Ticketing and Capital Contributions
Preserving The Swamp for Future Generations
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has been the home of Florida Football and one of the most iconic venues in college athletics for nearly a century. Since opening in 1930, The Swamp has hosted SEC championships, national championships, unforgettable victories, and generations of Gators.
This project is about preserving everything that makes The Swamp special while preparing it for future generations.
The renovation will address critical infrastructure needs, improve the fan experience, create new revenue opportunities that support Florida Athletics and our student-athletes, and ensure Ben Hill Griffin Stadium remains the premier venue in college football.
Throughout the process, our commitment is clear: preserve the traditions, atmosphere, and home-field advantage that define The Swamp while delivering a stadium experience worthy of Gator Nation.
Project Overview
- Why is Florida renovating Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is approaching its 100th year and requires significant infrastructure improvements to remain the premier venue in college athletics. The project will modernize critical systems, improve accessibility, enhance the fan experience, create new revenue opportunities, and address decades of deferred maintenance while preserving the traditions and atmosphere that make The Swamp unique.
- What will the stadium capacity be after the renovation?
- The renovation, designed to preserve the character and scale of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, will retain the 88,000 capacity that currently exists. The goal is to maintain the electric atmosphere that makes The Swamp the most intimidating venue in college football.
- What is the estimated cost of the project?
- The current estimated project cost is approximately $1.45 billion. This investment includes infrastructure modernization, deferred maintenance, accessibility improvements, technology enhancements, fan amenities, premium seating development, and other upgrades necessary to ensure the stadium remains a world-class facility for future generations. Funding is expected to come through a combination of private giving, capital reserves, and long-term debt, through approval of the Florida Board of Governors.
- Why did the cost increase from earlier projections?
- Early cost estimates were developed before the full scope of the project had been defined. As planning progressed, it became clear that preserving and modernizing a nearly 100-year-old stadium would require significant investments in infrastructure, deferred maintenance, accessibility, technology, fan experience improvements, and operational enhancements.
More than simply a renovation project, this is a long-term investment in preserving college football's most iconic venue and ensuring it remains a valuable asset for Florida Athletics, the University of Florida and Gator Nation.
- Early cost estimates were developed before the full scope of the project had been defined. As planning progressed, it became clear that preserving and modernizing a nearly 100-year-old stadium would require significant investments in infrastructure, deferred maintenance, accessibility, technology, fan experience improvements, and operational enhancements.
- How is the project being funded?
- The project will be funded through a combination of private giving, capital reserves, project-generated revenues, and financing mechanisms, including long-term debt, through approval of the Florida Board of Governors. The funding plan is designed to support the project while maintaining the long-term financial health of Florida Athletics.
- Are taxpayer dollars being used to fund the project?
- The project is primarily supported through private giving, athletic department resources, project-generated revenues, and financing mechanisms associated with the project. The University Athletic Association remains committed to responsible financial stewardship throughout the process.
- Why invest in a stadium renovation when college athletics is focused on revenue sharing and student-athlete support?
- Competing for championships – on and off the field - remains our top priority. In today's college athletics environment, that requires investing in student-athletes through revenue sharing, recruiting, roster retention, player development, and facilities.
These are not competing priorities. The most successful athletic programs invest in both.
Revenue sharing and roster support help teams compete today. Facilities help create the long-term resources necessary to sustain championship success for decades. The renovation will generate new revenue opportunities, improve operational efficiency, and help position Florida Athletics to remain competitive in an evolving college athletics landscape.
Programs that consistently compete for championships build sustainable advantages. This project is designed to ensure Florida remains positioned to compete at the highest level in the SEC and nationally for generations to come.
- Competing for championships – on and off the field - remains our top priority. In today's college athletics environment, that requires investing in student-athletes through revenue sharing, recruiting, roster retention, player development, and facilities.
- Why renovate instead of building a new stadium?
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in college athletics and an important part of the University of Florida's history and identity. Renovating the existing facility allows us to preserve the traditions, atmosphere, and location that generations of Gators cherish while modernizing the stadium to meet the needs of future generations.
- When will construction begin and when will it be completed?
- Construction is anticipated to begin following the 2026 football season, with completion targeted before the 2030 season. Additional milestones and project updates will be shared as planning and construction progress.
- Will Florida continue to play home games in The Swamp during construction?
- Yes. A key project objective is maintaining Florida Football in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium throughout the construction process. While certain areas may be temporarily modified or unavailable during specific phases, fans can expect The Swamp to remain the home of Florida Football during the renovation.
Protecting The Swamp
For nearly 100 years, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has been more than a football venue. It has been the home of Florida Football, a gathering place for generations of Gators, and the most recognizable and intimidating environment in college athletics.
As we plan for the future, preserving the defining characteristics of The Swamp remains one of the guiding principles of the project. The goal is not to change what makes The Swamp special. The goal is to ensure future generations of Gators can experience it for decades to come.
- Will The Swamp still feel like The Swamp?
- Absolutely.
Preserving the atmosphere, traditions, fan proximity to the field, and home-field advantage that define The Swamp is one of the project's primary objectives. While the stadium will be modernized to improve functionality, accessibility, and the fan experience, the renovation is being designed to maintain the unique character – including preserving the defining Orange Wing Walls – that have made Ben Hill Griffin Stadium the most iconic venue in college football.
- Absolutely.
- How will the renovation preserve Florida Football traditions?
- The traditions that make Florida Football special will remain central to the game-day experience.
From Gator Walk to the Orange and Blue, from singing "We Are the Boys" to the energy created by more than 88,000 fans on a Saturday night, especially during “Won’t Back Down,” preserving those traditions is an essential part of the planning process. The renovation is intended to enhance the fan experience while protecting the traditions that generations of Gators have helped build.
- The traditions that make Florida Football special will remain central to the game-day experience.
- Will fans still be close to the field?
- Yes.
One of the defining characteristics of The Swamp is the close connection between fans and the action on the field. Maintaining that connection remains a key design priority. The intensity and energy created by Florida fans is one of the greatest home-field advantages in college athletics, and preserving that experience is central to the project.
- Yes.
- Will the renovation affect crowd noise and home-field advantage?
- Preserving and enhancing the home-field advantage of The Swamp is a major consideration throughout the design process.
The atmosphere created by Gator Nation is one of the stadium's greatest assets. The project team is working to ensure that future generations of fans, student-athletes, and opponents continue to experience the unique environment that has made Ben Hill Griffin Stadium the most difficult place to play in college football.
- Preserving and enhancing the home-field advantage of The Swamp is a major consideration throughout the design process.
- Will the historic orange wing walls remain?
- Preserving iconic elements of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is an important project priority.
The orange wing walls are among the most recognizable features of The Swamp and serve as an important connection to the stadium's history and identity. The project team is committed to preserving those defining architectural elements whenever possible while integrating them into a modernized facility.
- Preserving iconic elements of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is an important project priority.
- Why not build an entirely new stadium?
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is the most iconic venue in college athletics and a central part of the University of Florida's identity.
Renovating the existing facility allows Florida to preserve the traditions, history, atmosphere, and location that make The Swamp special while modernizing the stadium to meet the expectations of future generations of fans and student-athletes.
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is the most iconic venue in college athletics and a central part of the University of Florida's identity.
- Will the student section remain an important part of the stadium?
- Absolutely.
The student section located on the east side of the stadium is one of the most important contributors to the energy and atmosphere of Florida Football game days. Students will continue to play a vital role in creating the unique environment that makes The Swamp one of the premier venues in college athletics.
- Absolutely.
- How will the renovation honor the history of Florida Football?
- Florida Football has a rich tradition built by generations of student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and fans.
The renovation provides an opportunity to celebrate that history through enhanced storytelling, recognition of Florida greats, improved historical displays, and experiences that connect future generations of Gators with the people and moments that built the program. The Ring of Honor, Heisman signage, Heisman statutes and championship recognition will remain.
- Florida Football has a rich tradition built by generations of student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and fans.
- What message would you share with fans who are concerned about change?
- We understand those concerns because we share the same passion for The Swamp.
This project is being guided by a simple principle: preserve what makes Ben Hill Griffin Stadium special while preparing it for future generations. Every major decision is being evaluated through that lens. Our goal is not to replace The Swamp. Our goal is to ensure that future generations of Gators can continue to experience everything that makes it the most iconic venue in college sports.
- We understand those concerns because we share the same passion for The Swamp.
- What is the ultimate vision for the renovated stadium?
- The vision is a stadium that honors its past while embracing its future.
The renovated Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will preserve the traditions, atmosphere, and home-field advantage that define Florida Football while providing modern amenities, improved accessibility, enhanced fan experiences, and new resources that help support championship-level success. It will remain unmistakably The Swamp—just better prepared for the next century of Gator Football.
- The vision is a stadium that honors its past while embracing its future.
Design and Fan Experience
- What are the major features of the renovated Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?
- The renovation will modernize the stadium while preserving the atmosphere that makes The Swamp unique. Planned improvements include expanded concourses, enhanced food and beverage offerings, additional restrooms, improved accessibility, upgraded technology, larger video boards, enhanced audio systems, improved circulation throughout the stadium, and a broader range of seating options for fans.
The goal is to deliver a game-day experience that matches the passion and tradition of Florida Football.
- The renovation will modernize the stadium while preserving the atmosphere that makes The Swamp unique. Planned improvements include expanded concourses, enhanced food and beverage offerings, additional restrooms, improved accessibility, upgraded technology, larger video boards, enhanced audio systems, improved circulation throughout the stadium, and a broader range of seating options for fans.
- How will the fan experience improve?
- Fans should experience a more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable game day from arrival through departure. Improvements are expected to include more accessible concessions, improved restroom access, enhanced wayfinding, better traffic flow throughout the stadium, upgraded technology, and additional gathering spaces.
- Will there be changes to premium seating and hospitality areas?
- Yes. The project will introduce a broader range of premium experiences designed to meet the evolving preferences of today's fans and supporters. These options will complement—not replace—the traditional seating experiences that remain central to Florida Football.
- Why are additional premium seating options being added?
- Premium seating generates significant revenue that supports Florida Athletics and our student-athletes while helping offset project costs. Many peer institutions have expanded premium offerings in recent years, and Florida currently remains below many of its peers in the percentage and variety of premium inventory available.
The project seeks to utilize revenue generation to invest in and enhance the game day atmosphere and accessibility that define The Swamp by renovating existing premium spaces including adding new suites, clubs, loges, and social spaces.
- Premium seating generates significant revenue that supports Florida Athletics and our student-athletes while helping offset project costs. Many peer institutions have expanded premium offerings in recent years, and Florida currently remains below many of its peers in the percentage and variety of premium inventory available.
- How will accessibility be improved?
- Accessibility improvements are a major component of the renovation. The project will increase accessible seating options, improve routes throughout the stadium, enhance vertical transportation, modernize facilities, and ensure compliance with current ADA standards.
- Will sustainability and energy efficiency be part of the project?
- Yes. Sustainability and operational efficiency are being incorporated throughout the design process. Modern building systems, energy-efficient infrastructure, water conservation measures, and long-term maintenance strategies are all being evaluated to ensure the stadium remains operationally efficient for decades to come.
- Will concessions improve?
- Yes. Fans can expect expanded concession offerings, additional points of sale, improved service efficiency, enhanced food preparation capabilities, and more variety throughout the stadium. Improving food and beverage service is a major focus of the project.
- Will technology be upgraded?
- Yes. The renovation will modernize many aspects of the stadium experience, including video displays, audio systems, connectivity, and digital engagement opportunities. These upgrades will help create a better experience for fans while supporting future technological innovations.
- How will the renovation honor the history of Florida Football?
- The project presents an opportunity to better celebrate Florida's rich tradition through storytelling, historical displays, recognition of Florida greats, and experiences that connect future generations of Gators to the people and moments that shaped the program.
Game Day During Construction
- Will Florida continue to play home games in The Swamp during construction?
- Yes. Maintaining Florida Football in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium throughout construction is a primary project objective.
- Will all home games remain in Gainesville?
- Yes. Florida expects to continue hosting home football games in Gainesville throughout the renovation process.
- Will The Swamp be available for College Football Playoff games during construction?
- The project team is planning construction activities with the goal of maintaining Florida's ability to host major events whenever possible, including postseason opportunities.
- How will game-day operations be affected?
- While some areas of the stadium may be temporarily modified during certain phases of construction, the project team is committed to minimizing disruptions and maintaining an enjoyable and exciting game-day experience.
- Will parking and tailgating continue during construction?
- Yes. Tailgating and parking remain important traditions for Gator fans. While some temporary adjustments may be necessary during construction, preserving the overall game-day experience remains a priority.
- Will Gator Walk and other traditions continue?
- Yes. Preserving Florida Football traditions remains a key priority throughout construction and beyond.
- How will fans be informed about changes?
- For the latest information, project updates, renderings, frequently asked questions and future updates, and ways for supporters to become involved in this transformational initiative we encourage fans to visit theswamprenovation.com. Fans will receive also regular updates through email communications, social media channels, direct outreach from the ticket office, and other official communication platforms. Transparency and timely communication will remain priorities throughout the project.
- What is being done to minimize disruptions?
- The project team is working closely with university leadership, local officials, public safety personnel, and community stakeholders to minimize impacts on fans, students, campus operations, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Seating and Ticketing
- Will seating capacity change during construction?
- Certain seating sections may be temporarily modified during specific phases of construction. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts while maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for fans.
- Will temporary seating be added during construction?
- The project team will evaluate temporary seating opportunities as appropriate to support attendance and fan experience goals during construction.
- Will current season ticket holders receive priority in the renovated stadium?
- Yes. Existing season ticket holders will play an important role in the seat selection process. Additional details regarding priority systems and timelines will be communicated in advance.
- Will past giving be considered during seat selection?
- Yes. Long-term support of Florida Athletics will be among the factors considered as seating opportunities are allocated.
- Will I be able to keep my current seat location?
- The renovation will create new seating inventory, and some seat locations may change. Detailed seat selection procedures will be announced well in advance, and current season ticket holders will receive ample opportunity to evaluate available options.
- How will seat selection work?
- A comprehensive seat selection process will be announced prior to the opening of the renovated stadium. The process will be designed to recognize the loyalty and support of Gator fans while providing clarity and fairness.
- How do I secure a seat in the new stadium?
- Fans who are not currently season ticket holders will have opportunities to express interest, join priority lists, and explore future seating opportunities as inventory becomes available. The best way to secure your priority for future seat assignments is to become a season ticket holder now in 2026.
Community Impact and Financial Stewardship
- How will this project benefit Gainesville and the surrounding community?
- Ben Hill Griffin Stadium serves as one of North Central Florida's most important economic engines. The project will support construction activity, local businesses, tourism, hospitality, and future event opportunities while continuing to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Gainesville each year.
- Will the stadium continue to host non-football events?
- Yes. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will continue to serve as a community asset capable of hosting commencement ceremonies, concerts, special events, and other gatherings.
- Will the public have access to the stadium outside of football games?
- Yes. While certain areas may have restricted access for operational or safety reasons, the stadium will continue to serve as an important part of the university and Gainesville communities once renovation is complete.
- How does this project support Florida Athletics financially?
- Modern stadiums generate resources that support student-athletes, competitive excellence, facility maintenance, and long-term operational sustainability. The renovation is designed to position Florida Athletics for success in a rapidly evolving collegiate athletics environment.
- How does this project support student-athletes?
- Student-athletes benefit from strong, sustainable athletic programs. By improving operational efficiency, creating new revenue opportunities, and preserving one of Florida's most valuable assets, the project helps support the long-term resources necessary for student-athlete success.
- Will student fees increase because of the project?
- The University Athletic Association remains committed to responsible financial stewardship. Student fee decisions involve multiple considerations and governing bodies, and the project financing plan has been developed with a focus on long-term sustainability.
- How can I support the project?
- Gator Nation has played a critical role in the success of Florida Athletics for generations. Fans and supporters interested in learning more about giving opportunities, premium seating, or project updates are encouraged to contact the Gator Boosters team or complete the Get Involved form.
- What is the ultimate goal of this project?
- The goal is simple: preserve The Swamp while preparing it for future generations.
This project will honor the traditions that define Florida Football, enhance the fan experience, strengthen Florida Athletics financially, and ensure that future generations of Gators can continue to experience one of the most iconic venues in all of sports.
- The goal is simple: preserve The Swamp while preparing it for future generations.
Ticketing and Capital Contributions
As of June 8, 2026 5 p.m. ET
- How will the order of seat selection be determined in the renovated stadium?
- The seat-selection order will be announced by the Florida Gators Ticket Office on a future date.
- Will season ticket holders have priority when selecting seats in the renovated stadium?
- Yes. Current season-ticket holders will receive priority. If you’re not yet a season-ticket holder and would like to increase your priority while enjoying another exciting SEC football season at The Swamp, please visit the Get Involved form or contact the ticket office at (352) 375-4683 ext. 6800 or TicketOffice@gators.ufl.edu.
- Will there be options for fans or businesses that currently do not have season tickets to join a waitlist or priority list?
- Yes. The best way to strengthen your priority for future seat assignments is to become a 2026 season-ticket holder. Use the Get Involved form or call the ticket office at (352) 375-4683 ext. 6800 or TicketOffice@gators.ufl.edu.
- Will there be opportunities for fans or businesses to increase priority through philanthropic support of Florida Gator Athletics programs, including contributions to Gator Boosters and Florida Victorious?
- Absolutely. Opportunities to grow your seat-selection priority by supporting the Gators - via Gator Boosters or Florida Victorious - are listed on the Get Involved form.
- What is a capital gift, and how does it work?
- A capital gift is a donation made to support facility projects
- Will there be an upfront capital contribution required for all seating locations?
- Yes. Capital contributions support the renovation. Levels will be determined by fan feedback and survey data and will be tiered by seat location, offering a range from value to premium options.
- Will my previous giving be taken into consideration when determining seat selection priority?
- Yes. Details on how prior support influences priority will be released at a later date.
- Will there be philanthropic donor-based naming opportunities in the renovated stadium?
- Yes. Interested donors should fill out the Get Involved form.
- Will there be corporate sponsorship opportunities in the renovated stadium?
- Yes. Corporations wishing to sponsor the renovated stadium should fill out the Get Involved form.
- How can I update my contact information to ensure I receive updates?
- Please complete the Get Involved form to keep your information current.
