USF receives $1M donation and breaks ground on new stadium

The University of South Florida celebrated several milestones recently. One day before breaking ground on its new stadium, the Gonzmart Family Foundation announced a donation of $1 million to the project. 

The Gonzmarts are the owners of the 1905 Family of Restaurants, which began with the Columbia restaurant in Ybor City over a hundred years ago and has since expanded to include seven Columbia locations around Tampa Bay and several other concepts. Multiple generations of the family are USF alumni and have donated funds to buildings and scholarships over the years, according to a statement. 

“The Gonzmart family has always stepped up to support the Tampa community, including USF,” USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman says in the statement. “This gift to the on-campus stadium is a continuation of that legacy, and we are thankful for their commitment to this transformative project that will positively and forever change the landscape of our university.”

The USF Bulls football team currently plays at Raymond James Stadium. When the $340 million stadium opens in fall 2027, the new 35,000-seat facility will host home USF football and lacrosse games, additional sporting events, concerts and festivals. It has the potential to host graduation ceremonies and other academic events, the release adds. 

“We are thrilled to bring a dynamic home-field advantage for our Bulls and an unparalleled fan experience for Bulls Nation and the Tampa Bay community -- one that captures the boldness, pride and passion that define the University of South Florida,” USF Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly says in the news release.