Opened in December 1980, the recently named Yuengling Center serves as the home venue and facility for the USF men's and women's basketball teams as well as the volleyball program. On June 12, 2018, Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties, LLC (TBEP), acting as the agent for the University of South Florida (USF) and Sun Dome, Inc. (SDI) announced an agreement with D.G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. for the naming rights of the Sun Dome. As of July 1, 2018, and for the 10-year term of the contract, the official name of the facility is the Yuengling Center.
The Yuengling Center, previously known as the Sun Dome celebrated its grand opening following a $35.6-million renovation with a sold-out Elton John show on September 14, 2012. The arena has hosted an abundance and variety of other events both internal and external to USF including, commencements, concerts, sports and entertainment events, consumer shows, religious services, conventions, ethnic festivals, rodeos, wrestling, youth sports camps, gymnastics and cheerleading competitions, lectures, and political rallies among other corporate, community and USF events. The Yuengling Center is owned by USF and is managed and overseen by Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties.
Based upon total tickets sold and attendance from April 1, 2019-March 31, 2020, the Yuengling Center ranked 2nd among all University venues in Florida with a capacity of 10,001-15,000 according to VenuesNow.
In June 2011, the USF Board of Trustees approved a $35.6 million major renovation to the 250,000-square-foot Arena including, but not limited to, the complete reconfiguration of the approximately 10,000 seat bowl (to oval bowl seating setting), adding a state-of-the art center hung LED scoreboard, additional concessions and restrooms at the concourse level (by adding a concourse under and throughout the permanent second level seating), modifying and enhancing the southeast and southwest entries, and the restoration of existing exterior concrete among other cosmetic improvements.
The project included the creation of a hospitality and viewing club area along the north sideline immediately placed above the lower bowl seating area anticipated for a capacity of approximately 600-900 patrons depending on configuration and event type. Additionally, the project provided for 10 loge boxes with a total capacity of 60 seats to be sold by the USF Athletics Department. Basketball loge box holders have the first right of refusal to purchase tickets to other external events (e.g. concerts). The project, which was completed in May 2012, anticipated to extend the useful life of the Arena for a 30-year time period.
The Arena serves as the exclusive home for all USF men's and women's basketball games, in addition to, women's volleyball matches to be conducted in the adjoining Corral Gymnasium. The Corral Gymnasium has a capacity of 725 seats and 6,700-square feet with the bleachers extended vs. 11,500-square feet with the bleachers retracted.
The Arena serves as a strategic asset and iconic focal point of the University in engaging the Tampa Bay community to the Tampa campus through a mix of hosting internal and external events. The USF men's and women's basketball home-game schedules, typically 16 home games per each program for a total of 32 games per year, have priority in scheduling over other events.
From I-75
Get off at the Fowler Avenue exit and head west. Turn right on Bull Run Drive (MOSI will be on your left). The Yuengling Center will be visible on your left.
From I-275
Get off at the Fowler Avenue exit and head east. The University is about three miles from 275. Go past the main entrance to campus and then make a left at the next light (Bull Run Drive). The Yuengling Center will be visible on your left.