USF Athletics

Minutes before the game tipped off, the public address announced that the men's basketball student section would forever be named the “Coach Amir Abdur-Rahim student section."

USF students, staff and alumni attended alongside elected officials to hear about the new facility and witness the symbolic “turning of soil” signaling the start of construction.

The renderings show a concourse with 360-degree views of the field, along with an illuminated "Bull U" logo in the student section and a grassy area that can be used on non-game days.

Abdur-Rahim, 43, was described as an extraordinary husband, father and coach who made an incredible impact in just one year on the job.

Ben Fletcher served as associate head coach at USF last year under Amir Abdur-Rahim, who died at age 43.

Celebrations of Amir Abdur-Rahim's life will be held Oct. 27 at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, where he previously coached, and Nov. 2 at USF.

While he was only with USF for one season, Abdur-Rahim made an immediate impact on campus, turning around a long-struggling program and spreading his upbeat, inspiring personality.

The invitation came as the Pac-12 looks to relaunch after losing most of its schools during a dramatic round of realignments. American and Mountain West teams were its top targets.

UM's Cam Ward threw for 404 yards and three touchdowns to help the eighth-ranked Hurricanes rout USF 50-15.

The dedicated student section on the west side of the stadium will seat more than 8,000.

Speaking during her fall address, Rhea Law also provided updates on USF's football stadium and university achievements over the past year.

The Crimson Tide were locked in a struggle with the Bulls most of the way before scoring 28 points in the final 10 minutes.