The Viniks have also supported the university in the expansion of USF Health in Water Street Tampa and the establishment of The Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program (SEM) in the Muma College of Business.
Courtesy of USF
By Sofía García Vargas
Despite not having a winning season in over four years, the University of South Florida’s football program continues to receive tremendous assistance, this time with a $5 million donation in support of the on-campus stadium initiative.
Jeff and Penny Vinik, longtime supporters of USF and the Tampa Bay region, announced their generous contribution on April 6 during the university’s celebration of Giving Week — where thousands of USF alumni, students, faculty, staff and members of the community support a college, program, research area or other cause important to them.
“An on-campus stadium at USF will be a game-changer, literally and figuratively, for the university and our entire Tampa Bay community,” said Jeff Vinik.
The Viniks join fellow USF supporters, Carol and Frank Morsani, in the development of the stadium, as the Morsanis also donated $5 million earlier this year.
“We are thrilled that Jeff and Penny have stepped up so generously to support our Bulls and the on-campus stadium,” Carol and Frank Morsani said.
“We said just last month that we were looking forward to others joining us in making this project a reality, and now we can’t wait to see who the Viniks’ gift will inspire next.”
Jeff Vinik, owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and co-developer of Water Street Tampa, said that the construction of the stadium will not only benefit the USF community, but also the whole Tampa Bay region.
“The gift from the Morsanis inspired Penny’s and my investment, and the best part is this chapter of the story is just beginning,” Vinik said. “The Bolts enjoy the best fan and community support in the NHL, and in just a few short years, the Bulls will experience that in a completely new way in their campus home.”
Last month, the USF Board of Trustees (BOT) chose Tampa campus’s Sycamore Fields as its preferred location for the on-campus football stadium.
The 27-acre site is located in the Athletics District on the northeast side of the campus and is currently used for intramural sports. The location is also adjacent to the operations facility and new indoor performance facility.
The location holds significant value to the football program, as the team’s first ever practice was held at Sycamore Fields.
Its proximity to student housing and parking will also elevate the game day experience, providing multiple options for tailgating space and provide “an opportunity to enhance the campus experience to create a deeper sense of community and connection to the university,” according to a press release.
The Viniks have shown continuous support to the university over the years, including the expansion of USF Health in Water Street Tampa and the establishment of The Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program (SEM) in the Muma College of Business.
“We are delighted that Jeff and Penny Vinik share our excitement for an on-campus stadium and see the positive impact the project will have on the University of South Florida and surrounding communities,” USF President Rhea Law said. “Their vision and investment have helped transform downtown Tampa, the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and our entire region, including numerous programs at USF. We thank Jeff and Penny for their continued support of the university.”
