TAMPA, FL.- The University of South Florida announced Wednesday that Jeff and Penny Vinik donated $5 million toward an on-campus stadium.
“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, in a statement.
Momentum for an on-campus stadium has been building in earnest since last summer. A site for the stadium was recommended by the stadium planning committee in March. The location would be on intramural fields adjacent to the football practice fields and an indoor performance facility that is currently under construction.
The Viniks, who purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2010, have a strong relationship with the university. That relationship is visible downtown with USF Health’s presence on Water Street and through the Vinik Sport and Entertainment Management Program at the Muma College of Business.
The Vinik Sports Group, which has the Lightning, Amalie Arena, and Yuengling Center under its umbrella, manages the multi-media rights for USF’s athletic teams and handles in-game entertainment during men’s and women’s college basketball games at the Yuengling Center.
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