Florida Gators’ “The Swamp” Set for Record-Breaking $1.45 Billion Renovation

Florida Gators’ home venue, known as “The Swamp,” will be undergoing a major transformation with the University of Florida Board of Trustees approving financing for a $1.45 billion renovation that’s being called the most expensive stadium renovation in college football history.

The Gainesville Sun reported that the University of Florida Board of Trustees approved the financing at its June 11 meeting for “contract negotiations with Manhattan Construction and AECOM Hunt, with Legends Global serving as owners’ representative, for a major renovation of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.”

In a statement , Mori Hosseini, Chair, University of Florida Board of Trustees, announced: “The UF Board of Trustees will be taking the first important steps today toward launching the long-awaited and much anticipated renovation of our beloved Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, aka The Swamp. This $1.45 billion project will breathe new life into one of the nation’s most iconic college football venues and elevate it into the premier collegiate athletic destination that sets the standard for everyone else.”

The renovation of the Gainesville venue 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,” according to the FAQ on the project’s official website, https://theswamprenovation.com/ .

The FAQ adds that the fan experience will be improved with “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”

Construction for the renovation is expected to begin following the 2026 football season, with the project planned to be completed before the 2030 season. Florida Gators will continue playing games at The Swamp during construction.

Funding will come from “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 project’s site notes that the stadium’s 88,000 capacity will remain the same, with a goal of maintaining “the electric atmosphere that makes The Swamp the most intimidating venue in college football.”

_Originally reported by [Pollstar](https://news.pollstar.com/2026/06/15/university-of-floridas-the-swamp-to-undergo-1-45-billion-stadium-renovation/)._