If you haven't taken a drive lately to Fowler Avenue to see what's going on at the University of South Florida, it's worth even a $3.50 per gallon investment in gasoline.
There's the sparkling new baseball stadium that replaced dilapidated Red McEwen Field.
It's connected to the softball stadium that replaces the dirt patch Ken Ericksen's teams used to play on, a setting that was more befitting a beer league game than Division I-A competition.
Across the street from the baseball complex, construction is under way on a soccer bowl, dug into the ground. It should be grand.
The football team now prepares on three new practice fields that are as good as anything at Florida or Florida State, maybe better. One of the fields is covered by artificial turf, for when the Bulls need to prepare for that.
A dedicated practice facility for the men's and women's basketball teams is nearing completion.
Assuming all goes well Thursday in Tallahassee, a badly needed top-to-bottom renovation of the Sun Dome will soon begin.
The state board of governors is expected to give final approval for the project, which will complete the $33.5 million extreme makeover of the Bulls' athletic facilities.
