TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The University of South Florida welcomed new head football coach Charlie Strong on Thursday and Strong announced he has big plans for a new stadium to be built on campus.
“One of the things we want to do is get a stadium on campus, which is going to be really big, and that would be huge right there,” said Strong at an afternoon news conference.
The USF Bulls currently play their home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
The school reports they are averaging 37,539 fans for the seven games that have been played at the stadium this year.
The school reports the team has averaged 31,855 attendees for the past three seasons.
Strong believes a new stadium would be a strong recruiting tool for prospective players.
“I feel like once you get a stadium on campus it’s their home, it’s what they defend, it’s their house and that’s going to be critical and that’s going to happen,” said Strong.
USF Athletic Director Mark Harlan confirms the school is looking into the stadium issue.
“We are in the middle of a study right now looking at the various options on campus. We understand that is a very important part of where this program needs to go and we are going to continue to aggressively check into it and try to get one done,” said Harlan.