It's one of the most highly anticipated construction projects at the University of South Florida in decades - the new stadium to open in 2027! After an extensive bidding process involving companies nationwide, the university has selected DuCon, LLC as a construction manager for the new stadium! The Chamber Member company is a proud graduate of our Minority Empowerment Program's 2022 cohort.
"Being selected to build a stadium, especially in your hometown/birthplace, the alma mater of your mother, two aunts, and best friend, it is truly an honor and blessing," said Ernest "Ernie" DuBose II, CEO of DuCon. "From a construction standpoint, the experience and exposure this project will give our team is the most tangible benefit to our company. I am so excited about being able to work with our community and local contractors to provide them exposure and opportunities also! Let's go Bulls! Let's go Tampa Bay!" The national significance of this moment is not lost on DuBose. "New stadiums are generational projects due to the infrequency in which they are built. Nationally, there are a select few general contractors that are chosen and/or qualified to build college and professional stadiums," he explained.
At Center, CEO Ernie DuBose with members of his diverse team at DuCon - a company that he dreamed of during a college project at UF where he was majoring in construction and playing football. That "capstone project" gave him a clear vision of the kind of company he wanted to build and the rest, as they say, is history.
“Choosing a construction management team is big step forward in our process to deliver a world-class stadium that will transform the future of our university and the on-campus experience,” said USF Vice President of Athletics Michael Kelly and USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman, the co-chairs of the stadium planning committee. “After conducting a thorough review of each proposal we received for the project, we’re excited to get started on our partnership with a team that brings a proven track record of success in Manhattan Construction Company, H.J. Russell & Company and DuCon, LLC.”
It's a moment that comes two years after DuCon Construction completing the Chamber's MEP cohort. "Business, especially in our region, is relational," said DuBose. "Direct and indirect relationships make all the difference. Our involvement and engagement with the Chamber, which started with the MEP program, has had a direct and indirect significant impact on the growth of our brand in Tampa Bay. The exposure and relationships generated from the program are prime reasons why the investment from the Chamber and the participants is worth the commitment. A rising tide lifts all boats! Let's rise together!"
Chamber Member companies and MEP cohorts, past and present, can start the countdown to seeing shovels in the ground for the official groundbreaking ceremony of the new USF stadium. It's planned during the university's Homecoming Week celebrations, October 14 - 19, 2024! Stay tuned for more...
Read the full story: USF selects construction manager for new on-campus stadium I USF News
