The Escambia County Tourist Development Council (TDC) unanimously approved yesterday a $2 million funding request for the University of West Florida’s new football stadium. The multi-use facility, with a total budget of approximately $45 million, represents a significant investment in the university’s future and Escambia County’s tourism infrastructure.
A Vision for Growth and Community Impact
UWF President Martha Saunders opened the presentation by highlighting the university’s significant economic impact, noting that “over a five-year period, UWF athletics has driven nearly $250 million in total economic output,” while the university as a whole contributes approximately $1.4 billion annually to the local economy.
- Athletic Director Dave Scott detailed how the new stadium would increase capacity from the current temporary 3,800-seat facility to around 7,500 seats. He emphasized the stadium’s multi-purpose nature, which could host classics, bowl games, conferences, and community events beyond university football games.
The new facility will create a visitor center that would serve as “the front porch for the university,” attracting people to both the campus and Pensacola. Scott noted this presents opportunities for tourism promotion through advertisements during broadcasts, on the athletic website, video boards, and press releases.
Funding Structure:
The $45 million stadium project’s funding breaks down as:
- $25 million from an internal institutional loan
- $10 million from a private gift (from Darrell Gooden)
- $10 million from ongoing fundraising efforts
Tourism Impact: The TDC’s $2 million contribution represents approximately 4% of the total project cost. According to projections shared during the meeting, by 2028 (post-construction), football ticket sales alone are expected to generate $1.6 million in taxable accommodations, resulting in about $84,000 annually in tourism development tax collections.
Community Support and Historical Context
Several community leaders spoke in favor of the stadium project, including former UWF President Dr. Judy Bense, who described herself as “the mother of football at the University of West Florida.” Dr. Bense emphasized how football has been transformational for alumni engagement, bringing back graduates who hadn’t visited in decades.
- “Nothing draws people like football… facilities matter,” Dr. Bense stated, explaining how quality venues are crucial for recruiting players and attracting spectators.
Dick Appleyard, a longtime UWF supporter and former basketball player, drew parallels between this project and the Maritime Park baseball stadium that helped revitalize downtown Pensacola. He emphasized that “stadiums need heroes” and positioned the TDC members as potential heroes in the community’s future.
Dave Cleveland, a partner in Highpoint Hotel Corporation and former UWF trustee, offered his perspective both as a university supporter and as a “fellow hotelier and bed tax collector.” Having witnessed the university’s growth during his 20 years of service at UWF (10 on the foundation board and 10 on the board of trustees), Cleveland confirmed the documented “well over 10,000 room nights annually just to the football program.”
- He predicted this number would “grow exponentially when the stadium is completed” as seating capacity expands and a growing alumni and fan base attends games, leading to “more heads in beds.”
Perhaps the most impactful testimonial came from Darrell Gooden, a 1973 UWF graduate and the donor behind the $10 million gift for the stadium. Gooden described himself as “one of the original founders” of the football program and shared his pride in the team’s NCAA record-setting journey from startup to national championship in just a few years.
- “I’m actually the investor that put up the $10 million as a gift,” Gooden told the council, adding, “I’ve got all my life savings invested in it. So I’m really in, if y’all will join us and help us out and put up some money, I’ll watch your money just like I watch my own.”
TDC’s Enthusiastic Support
TDCl members strongly supported the funding request, with Councilwoman Jennifer Brahier calling it “one of the most stable investments we can make” and noting that football “brings that national spotlight” to the university.
- Councilman Charles Bare shared his personal connection to UWF as a 1988 graduate with two degrees from the institution and parent of three UWF students. He emphasized how much the university has grown and transformed the surrounding area.
Board member Jason Nicholson sought clarification about current stadium usage, learning that despite having only 3,800 seats, UWF football games average about 4,500 attendees, demonstrating the need for expanded facilities.
Looking Forward
With unanimous approval from the TDC, the UWF stadium project has cleared an important funding milestone. The new Darrell Gooden Stadium will enhance the university’s athletic facilities and serve as a community asset for Escambia County, hosting various events and attracting visitors who will contribute to the local tourism economy.
As President Saunders noted, the university’s growth brings people to the community for both short-term stays in hotels and longer stays as students who eventually become part of the local workforce. The stadium represents the next chapter in that growth story, building on UWF football’s remarkable success and creating a venue that will benefit the entire community for years to come.
The TDC’s contribution will come from tourism development tax reserves, with the council following the budget director’s recommendation to use the fourth-cent tax, with any difference coming from the first two cents. The next step is receiving approval from the Escambia County Commission