University of Florida announces $1.45 billion 'The Swamp' revamp

· Yahoo Sports

The University of Florida Gators football team has played at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium since November 1930, according to the official timeline of the venue’s existence.

Florida just ensured that it will continue to be one of college football‘s most iconic stages for the foreseeable future by approving the most expensive stadium renovation in college football history, per the Associated Press.

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According to Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Fischer, the renovation will cost approximately $1.45 billion.

“The Gators unveiled renderings and details of the burgeoning project at a board of trustees meeting Thursday, providing the total budget (up from $400 million) as well as a start date (2027 offseason) and a completion date (2030 offseason),” the AP’s report reads.

Capacity will still be 88,548, even though Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said, “Every inch of this stadium is going to be affected.”

The Swamp during a 45 to 30 win by the Florida Gators over the Arkansas Razorbacks on October 2, 2004 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/WireImage) *** Local Caption ***

The Swamp Renovation’s official website details that, along with the stadium’s capacity, the “iconic Orange Wing Walls” will go untouched, and the lower bowl will be “preserved” so fans can still feel on top of the field and create a home-field advantage.

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has been affectionately known as “The Swamp” since Steve Spurrier coined the nickname during his tenure as head coach in the 1990s.

“‘The Swamp’ is where Gators live,” Spurrier told Mike Bianchi for The Gainesville Sun in June 1992. “We feel comfortable there, but we hope our opponents feel tentative. A swamp is hot and sticky and can be dangerous. We feel this is an appropriate nickname for our stadium.”

The legend has endured, but the quality of Florida football has waned in recent years. The Gators have finished below .500 in four of the past five seasons, including a 4-8 campaign last year.

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