If you’re driving down North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa on a Saturday afternoon and see a sea of green and gold swarming the parking lots, you’ve found the home of the Bulls. But for how much longer?
Right now, if you want to catch a game, you’re heading to Raymond James Stadium. It’s a world-class venue. It’s got a giant pirate ship. It’s hosted Super Bowls. But honestly, it’s not on campus. And that's been the sticking point for USF fans for decades.
Where does USF play football today?
Basically, the University of South Florida plays its home games at Raymond James Stadium, located at 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33607.
It's about a 20-to-30-minute drive from the actual USF campus, depending on how bad the Tampa traffic is feeling that day. The Bulls have been playing there since the stadium opened in 1998. It’s a massive pro-style environment because it’s the primary home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For a college team, playing in a 65,000-seat NFL stadium is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, you’ve got massive HD video boards—over 31,000 square feet of them—and incredible amenities. On the other hand, if the crowd isn’t packing the house, a 65,000-seat stadium can feel a little... airy.
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The Raymond James Experience
- The Surface: Players love it. The Bermuda-sodded natural grass is consistently rated as one of the best playing surfaces in the country.
- The Ship: While the pirate ship in the north end zone is technically a Bucs thing, it’s an iconic backdrop for any game played in "The Ray Jay."
- Tailgating: Most of the action happens in the South Lot. You’ll see plenty of tents, smokers, and Bulls fans getting hyped about three hours before kickoff.
The big 2026-2027 transition
Here’s where things get interesting. If you are looking for where USF plays football in 2026, the answer is still Raymond James Stadium.
But 2026 is officially the "Last Dance."
The university has confirmed that the 2026 season will be the final year the Bulls call Raymond James Stadium their primary home. It’s the end of an era that started back in the late '90s. The 2026 schedule already looks solid, with home matchups against teams like FIU, Memphis, and Tulane. It’s going to be a nostalgic year for alumni who grew up watching the program rise in that pro stadium.
The New On-Campus Stadium: What’s coming?
Ground was officially broken in November 2024 for the new USF on-campus stadium. By the time 2026 rolls around, you’ll be able to see the steel beams and the actual structure towering over the east side of the Tampa campus.
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The project is massive. We’re talking about a $340-million to $348-million investment. It’s being built on what used to be known as Sycamore Fields. This isn't just a random spot; it’s where the team used to practice back in the 1990s when the program was just a dream.
Why the move matters
- Student Access: Right now, students have to take shuttles or drive 10+ miles to see a game. In 2027, they’ll just walk from their dorms.
- Capacity: The new stadium will seat approximately 35,000 people. That’s the "sweet spot" for many mid-to-large college programs. It ensures the stands are packed and the noise stays inside the bowl.
- The TGH Center for Athletic Excellence: This is the fancy name for the 150,000-square-foot football operations center attached to the stadium. It’s going to have a barbershop, a recording studio (no, seriously), and a "teaching kitchen" for the athletes.
Navigating the 2026 season
If you are planning a trip to see USF in 2026, don't show up to the campus looking for the ticket gate. You’ll just see a construction site.
You still need to head to the Westshore district. For out-of-towners, that means booking a hotel near the airport or the stadium itself. Staying on Fowler Avenue near the university is great for the campus vibe, but you’ll need an Uber or a rental car to get to the actual game at Raymond James.
The university is already prepping for the 2027 move by building out the Fletcher District. This is a mixed-use development on the old "Claw" golf course site. The goal is to create a "live, work, play" area so that by the time the stadium opens, there’s a whole ecosystem of restaurants and shops for fans to hit up before the game.
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Common misconceptions about USF's home
People often think USF "owns" Raymond James. They don't. They are tenants, much like the Bucs or the organizers of the ReliaQuest Bowl. This has always limited how much "USF branding" you see permanently fixed in the stadium.
Another myth is that the new stadium will be too small. While 35,000 is smaller than 65,000, the design actually includes footings and structural support to expand the seating later if the Bulls join a "Power" conference or just start selling out every single Saturday.
Actionable steps for fans
If you want to be part of the final year at Raymond James or the first year on campus:
- Check the 2026 Schedule: The Bulls open at home against FIU on September 5, 2026. This is the beginning of the farewell tour for the old stadium.
- Join the Waitlist: USF has already opened a waitlist for the 2027 on-campus stadium. If you want a seat in the new "Bull U" shaped student section or a premium suite, you're probably already late.
- Visit the Construction Site: If you’re on campus for a tour, head over to the east side near the Indoor Performance Facility. Seeing the $340-million project mid-build is pretty cool for any sports architecture nerd.
The Bulls are currently in a state of flux, but for the first time in the school's history, they have a permanent "home" address that doesn't involve a lease agreement with an NFL team. 2026 is the bridge to that future. Catch a game at "The Ray Jay" while you still can—the pirate ship won't be there when they move to the campus woods in 2027.
To stay updated on the construction progress or to secure tickets for the final season at Raymond James Stadium, visit the official USF Athletics website or keep an eye on the stadium's live construction camera.