Florida’s Swamp to get renovations. The cost is $400 million at the minimum
![Florida Gators wide receiver Xzavier Henderson (3) prays before the game during the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Spring Game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, April 13, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Orange Blue Spring Game](https://www.miamiherald.com/public/latest-news/2b06z4/picture274717031/alternates/LANDSCAPE_1200/USATSI_20457419.jpg "Florida Gators wide receiver Xzavier Henderson (3) prays before the game during the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Spring Game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, April 13, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Orange Blue Spring Game")
The Florida Gators announced Monday plans to renovate Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
After five-plus years of studies into how to improve the stadium known as “The Swamp,” the Gators have a future makeover project that begins at $400 million.
The school announced Monday they’re working to hire an architect for the revamped Florida Field, with the UF Campus Planning, Design and Construction Office coordinating the formal selection process starting this month.
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium opened in 1930 as a 22,000-seat stadium, and it has grown through the years to its current seating capacity of 88,548.
“We’ve engaged with vendors that specialize in iconic venues and stadium experience for both fans and players while offering a variety of solutions,” athletics director Scott Stricklin said in a press release. “It is now time to take that information and engage with an architect who can present renovation, construction and phasing options for The Swamp.”
Upgrades to the concourse, entry gates, seating, concessions, restrooms, video board and sound system are expected, while the Gators are using a financial model based on “an aggressive fundraising campaign to anchor the funding efforts,” the release said.
No specific timeline for the project was mentioned, except that the architectural team — when that is chosen — will announce more details.
![Florida Gators wide receiver Xzavier Henderson (3) prays before the game during the Florida Gators Orange and Blue Spring Game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Thursday, April 13, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] Ncaa Football Florida Gators Orange Blue Spring Game](https://www.miamiherald.com/public/latest-news/2b06z4/picture274717031/alternates/FREE_1200/USATSI_20457419.jpg "USATSI_20457419.jpg")
