Florida Drops Rendering Photos in New Video for Proposed $1.45B Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Renovation

The University of Florida has unveiled renderings for a proposed $1.45 billion renovation project for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

School officials released photos and a video of the planned upgrades in anticipation of the stadium's 100th anniversary in 2030.

The project was formally presented by Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin to the university's board of trustees on Thursday, per The Athletic's Matt Baker.

Baker noted part of Stricklin's pitch was not to dramatically reinvent the stadium that has been home to Gators football since 1930.

"Rather, it is designed to protect its character and enhance its future," said Stricklin.

Per the project's official website, the renovation would upgrade certain elements of the stadium to make it more modern and help improve the fan experience:

"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."

The stadium capacity of 88,548 would go unchanged, with construction expected to take place over a four-year span starting after the 2026 college football season and finishing before the start of the 2030 campaign.

Baker noted the $1.45 billion price tag is believed to be the most expensive stadium project in college football history, with funding coming from private donations and long-term debt.

For comparison, Penn State's stadium is in the midst of a renovation project that will cost up to $700 million and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Among the renovations in the proposed Florida project are more accessible concession areas, enhanced wayfinding, better traffic flow throughout the stadium and additional gathering spaces.