Answering all the questions you have about the renovations to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Florida officially posted a “Help Wanted” sign last week, looking for an architectural firm to remodel Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. A few questions came with the announcement.

When will the cranes show up? What will it really cost? How many seats will disappear? Will the lines outside women’s restrooms still stretch to Waldo?

Quick answer: We shall see.

Hiring an architect is the first step toward answering the myriad of questions. As for what’s next, I interviewed Chip Howard, UF’s executive associate athletics director if internal affairs. Basically, he spearheads all the construction projects.

This isn’t exactly a Q&A, but it will hopefully provide a little clarity on The Big Facelift.

What’s gone into arriving at this point?

The grand old stadium is showing its age. UF’s been studying a makeover for years, with scouting trips to other old/iconic stadiums the Rose Bowl, L.A. Coliseum and Lambeau Field. It’s come up with a variety of potential models. Now it’s time to hire an architect to explore the feasibility/costs and come up with a final plan.

What’s off the table?

Not much. The only sure thing is capacity will be reduced from 88,548.

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Search for architect begins: What could Florida get for a $400 million (at least) renovation of The Swamp?

What will definitely happen?

Wider seats from the current 16.9-inch snuggies. Wider aisles. More bathrooms and concessions, and expanded concourses. Upgraded video and sound systems.

Stadiums must meet American with Disabilities Act requirements when they’re built. That alone will require the removal of thousands of seats.

How big will the reduction be?

Expect something in the mid-70,000 range.

But isn’t bigger better?

Not anymore. More fans are choosing to watch games on big-screen TVs from the comfort of their homes. The industry trend is smaller, snazzier stadiums.

What is “snazzy?”

More hors d'oeuvres, clubhouse seats and skyboxes. The Jaguars have 30% “premium” seats. It’s currently 9% at Ben Hill Griffin. That will be about 20% when the project’s completed.

Oh, one more definite: It won’t be long before supporters start getting letters, emails and phone calls asking for financial support.

What is the price tag on this makeover?

Only slightly less than what Kenny Rogers has spent on facelifts.

No, for real.

It all depends on the final model. UF floated $400 million in this week’s announcement. It will probably be at least $600 million. If a completely new stadium is chosen, prepare for sticker shock.

“We’re talking a billion-plus,” Howard said.

So there’s a chance UF will build a stadium from scratch at a new site?

It hasn’t been ruled out, though the current site is considered hallowed ground. Gator games will likely remain where they’ve been played since 1930.

“We want to enhance the current side but keep that iconic feel,” Howard said.

Where would a new stadium be built?

Howard wouldn’t specify any options. But be forewarned: If UF ends up bulldozing nearby Mark Bostick Golf Course, the golf gods might put a curse on Billy Napier’s next five recruiting classes.

How will the rebuild impact UF’s home-field advantage?

That remains to be seen and heard. Front-row seats are just 30 feet from the field in most places, and the bottom 32 rows are below street level. The steep concrete stands and overhangs turn The Swamp into an ear-splitting echo chamber.

That configuration isn’t likely to change much. But losing 15,000 or so screaming voices will have some impact on the decibel level.

Are the days of sitting on iconic metal bleachers in many sections finally numbered?

Afraid not. The steep grade of the stands prevents putting in chairback seats.

Are the days of waiting 15 minutes at halftime for an iconic hotdog finally numbered?

Yes! Not that UF needed a study, but Lambeau Field has 900 points of concession sales for 81,000 fans. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium has 200 points of sale for 88,000. Expect a lot more in the new digs.

Will games have to be moved during construction?

No. Howard said UF is committed to playing all its home games at home. There will be inconveniences, but it’ll beat playing at Citizens Field.

What happens next?

The architectural firm should be chosen within two months. The parties will hash through the model options and costs and eventually settle on a plan.

The first shovel of dirt probably won’t be turned for 12-18 months. The ultimate plan and start date will largely depend on fundraising. The money doesn’t have to be in the bank, but financing needs to be in place.

“We don’t want to get out over our skis,” Howard said.

When will the ribbon be cut on the next version of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?

The best guess is 2026 at the earliest.

Will it be worth the wait?

If it takes less time to use the women’s bathroom than it does to find a parking spot, the answer will be a resounding yes.

David Whitley is The Gainesville Sun's sports columnist. Contact him at dwhitley@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @DavidEWhitley

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida football's 'Swamp' is in for a massive makeover. Here's why