University of South Alabama Announces Plans to Open On-Campus Football Stadium in 2020

---

Posted on November 10, 2018

Bob Lowry

---

The University of South Alabama Board of Trustees voted today to authorize Phase II of the construction of an on-campus football stadium, paving the way for the USA Jaguars first game in the new stadium to be scheduled for September 12, 2020.

“This is a great day for the University of South Alabama and Jaguar athletics,” said USA President Tony G. Waldrop. “The outpouring of support from our students, alumni and fans for the stadium project, along with the contributions of our generous sponsors and donors, has created the momentum and foundation to move forward with an expected stadium opening in 2020.”

Phase II of construction includes the shell of the press tower, the shell of the athletics administration building, the lower-bowl cast-in-place concrete for seating, and the installation of the primary underground utilities to the stadium.

The new 25,000-seat football stadium will be located on the west side of campus, adjacent to the Jaguar Training Center, Football Fieldhouse and football practice fields. Included in the plans are a state-of-the-art video board and sound system, an end-zone terrace, 16-seat suites, a club level with 800 seats, and premier chair-back and bench-back seating options. The site will include hospitality areas for tailgating, events and recreational vehicle parking.

“This new stadium will propel South Alabama football and all Jaguar athletics programs to a new level of excellence, success and prestige,” said Joel Erdmann, director of athletics. “We have been deliberate and meticulous in planning every aspect of this stadium project, and our students, alumni and fans will be proud to call it home.”

The stadium’s estimated cost is $74 million. Funding and debt service on bonded indebtedness incurred to construct the stadium will come from a combination of the athletic department, auxiliary enterprises and public/private funding.

USA recently announced a $2.5 million sponsorship from the Mobile County Commission, which will create the Mobile County Center for Academic Success, located within the stadium’s administration building. Discussions are ongoing with additional sponsors and donors.

“Our new stadium will provide students, alumni, fans and the Gulf Coast region with an unrivaled experience at Jaguar football games and will enhance USA’s growing national profile in athletics, academics and student life,” said Ken Simon, chair pro tempore of USA’s Board of Trustees.

The University will in the coming months release information about ticketing, parking, and additional sponsorship and donor opportunities. To give to the fundraising campaign, visit GetOnCampus.com.

---