While the University of South Florida football team celebrated its Homecoming with a come-from-behind 27-23 victory over BYU Saturday, the USF Athletics program also marked $2.5 million in donor gifts, including $2 million for an on-campus practice facility.
The gifts bring the total amount raised for the indoor facility to just over $21 million. The estimated cost of the center is $40 million.
Suzanne Ward, a 1986 USF graduate who travels to every football game from her home in Oregon, gave $1.5 million, with $1 million going to the practice facility. Michael and Darlene Charles gave $1 million.
“We are very excited to announce these latest major gifts toward the USF Football Center as we continue with terrific momentum toward the construction of this transformational facility not only for the football program but for all of our athletic teams,” USF Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly said. “These gifts exemplify the tremendous support that will continue to propel our athletics program forward."
The USF Football Facility, which would expand on the current Morsani Football Practice Facility, is designed to include an 100-yard indoor turf field, as well as team locker room, coaches offices and meeting rooms.
