Bulls extend Ray-Jay lease through 2011

USF and the Tampa Sports Authority have agreed on a five-year renewal that will keep the Bulls playing at Raymond James Stadium through the 2011 season.

The extension, approved by the TSA board last week, includes a five-year option through 2016 and gives USF the right to back out of its contract with two years' notice if the Bulls are able to secure enough funding to move into an on-campus stadium.

The per-game cost to USF starts at $105,000 this fall and increases by $10,000 each year. It's an increase from last year's rate of $86,000, but the new lease gives USF unprecedented use of 3,000 preferred parking spaces designated for Bulls donors. USF hasn't designated a cost for parking yet (TSA will continue to charge $10 for its spots) but those lots could create a net savings for USF from last year's total cost.

The agreement covers use of the stadium's lower level, but if USF should open up the upper deck -- as will likely be the case this fall with higher-attendance games such as UCF, West Virginia and Louisville -- the Bulls will pay TSA the direct costs of staffing the additional sections.

Comments

[Sandro]

Greg
I just wanted to see your opinion on how many years is USF away of having their own campus stadium?

Thank you

[USFMikeB]

Greg,

Any information as to whether USF negotiated any changes to the present concession arrangement?

[Brian S.]

parking is $90 season. now when I call about my parking spot they can't say sorry it is the TSA that controls all the parking.

[Jim]

USF to build their own stadium would slow the growth of the program. I think that should not be considered until at least 2015.

USF should be allowed to have more USF related items up in the Stadium. USF is paying at least $600K for the use so you would think we get something extra for that.

[Steve]

I'm glad to know that the later games have 5 hours for tailgaiting at the South end of the stadium. However, I would like to see it extended longer and possibly into more parking lots. Three hours isn't enough.

[Claudel]

Anyone can cut USF a check for 150 to 250 million and I am sure they will build a stadium on campus and even give you the naming rights. If not, just be patient and see if one is coming (if ever).

[Greg Auman]

To answer a few questions: MikeB, I'm not aware of any changes to the concessions agreements for USF. The big change is a little give on parking, where USF gets 3,000 preferred spots they can designate for donors. If that lot is full with likely between $10 to $15 a pop, that's at least $30,000 USF can deduct off their game-day costs.

Sandro, as far as a timetable for an on-campus stadium, it's beyond this current deal through 2011 unless somebody big -- and I mean tens of millions big -- writes a check to USF. There are those kind of people out there, so I'm hardly ruling it out, just saying it's still in the distance most likely.

[E.T.]

Depends on when we have 25K plus Season tix and the upper level is open for each game for a season. The USF will look into serious thoughts.

I expect a stadium by 2015.

Go BULLS !!!

[E.T.]

Also ... regarding RayJay's "look" ... USF can ONLY put banners on the bottom "skirting" ... nowhere else, unless that was renegotiated.

Go BULLS !!!