We are America鈥檚 Space 海角直播. And we celebrate UCF Space Week to honor our origin as we dare to build what鈥檚 next.

Where Global Leaders Unite to Forge the Future of Space

Anniversaries remind us of everything we鈥檝e achieved, and of everything still possible. They tell us that to step forward, sometimes we must look back.

On the 10th anniversary of the Space Game, this year鈥檚 draw upon NASA鈥檚 beginnings and honor the courage it took to stand on the precipice of our greatest frontier.

The design was heavily influenced by the astronauts of NASA鈥檚 earliest human spaceflight missions Mercury, Gemini and Apollo during the 1960s when the university was founded.

John Young, an Orlando native, is the only astronaut to have flown during the Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle programs. He received an honorary degree as the featured guest speaker at the university鈥檚 first commencement ceremony in 1970, two years before he became the ninth person to walk on the moon.

Learn more details about the Mission X Space Game uniforms at .

The Space Game is now one of the signature events of a larger Space Week held at the university.

UCF Space Week

Oct. 25 marks the start of the second UCF Space Week, a university-wide celebration of all the ways Knight Nation boldly pushes space forward. The observance highlights UCF鈥檚 vital role in advancing space research, supporting Florida鈥檚 fast-growing space economy, and preparing the next generation of explorers, engineers and entrepreneurs.

This year’s space week features summits in partnership with the National Space Society and The Economist, a space-themed drone show, the inaugural UCF Innovate Day and more.

2026 Space Game Matchup

The football team will face Baylor in the 10^th anniversary of the annual Space Game on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. Tickets are available for purchase at .

UCF students can attend the game for free. A complete guide to student ticket information can be found at .

A double-barreled T-shirt launcher that can fire shirts higher than the 60-foot walls of Acrisure Bounce House.

A decked-out golf cart, rescued from its fate at the salvage yard and repurposed instead into Knightro鈥檚 preferred mode of transportation.

A 3D-printed, robotic Citronaut piloting a spaceship that blasts AC/DC鈥檚 Thunderstruck through surround-sound speakers.

And set to make its debut later this year, a powerful projection spotlight designed to summon Knightro onto the field 鈥� his own version of Batman鈥檚 iconic bat signal.

As the students explain the ins-and-outs of these custom innovations 鈥� all built in university labs with tools, technology and machines at their disposal 鈥� facility manager Pete Alfieris stands off to the side with a dash of pride on his face.

鈥淩emember what Pete stands for,鈥� the longtime UCF staff member calls out. 鈥�Preparing engineers through e诲耻肠补迟颈辞苍.鈥�

They collectively groan, but in a tone that clearly shows they cherish this man and his dad jokes.

鈥淚f you graduate from [UCF鈥檚] engineering college without meeting Pete, you didn鈥檛 really go to the engineering college,鈥� says Caden Peters 鈥�26, a computer engineering alum who co-created the Knight signal. 鈥淗e really shows that anyone can make an impact. You don鈥檛 have to be a professor. You don鈥檛 have to be an advisor. He鈥檚 the facilities manager of the engineering building. And he still has such a strong impact on the college and inspires so many students. There鈥檚 really no one like him.鈥�

Alfieris oversees daily operations, lab safety and security for UCF鈥檚 College of Engineering and Computer Science buildings since he took the role in 2008. Nowhere in his job responsibilities does it list mentoring and collaborating with students.

Yet for the past five years, since the football season ticket holder was first inspired to introduce a T-shirt launcher at UCF football games, Alfieris has been the driving force behind the growing partnership between the college and UCF Athletics, pitching his ideas to elevate the game-day experience for fans.

The partnership reflects what UCF does best: connecting classroom learning with real-world experience. As SpaceU, UCF Athletics provides a fitting stage for students from the College of Engineering and Computer Science 鈥� the nation’s No. 1 supplier of talent to the aerospace and defense industries, according to Aviation Week Network 鈥� to apply their academics and flex their skills.

鈥淔or years I have seen the potential in these students,鈥� Alfieris says. 鈥淎 lot of them go on to work at SpaceX, NASA, Blue Origin, L3 Harris, Northrop Grumman. They鈥檙e so smart and talented.鈥�

The students are always on board to oblige in bringing his visions to life because he believes in them; sometimes more than anyone.

鈥淭here are only a few people here that I would say even scratch the surface compared to Pete when it comes to their belief in students,鈥� says recent mechanical engineering grad Ayden Jordan 鈥�26, who also created Knightro鈥檚 signal. 鈥淧ete believed in us from day one.鈥�

Peters interjects: 鈥淒ay zero.鈥�

That belief and hard work have led to some of the most engaging moments in UCF football鈥檚 game day experience today.

The Idea That Started it All: A T-Shirt Launcher

Austin Harkins 鈥�24 鈥�26MS had listened through two weeks of senior design project ideas, waiting for one worth claiming. The year-long group projects require engineering students to design, build and present a functional prototype before graduation.

Then his professor said two words: T-shirt launcher.

鈥淵ou could just see everyone鈥檚 ears kind of perk up around the room,鈥� says Harkins on a call from Texas, where he鈥檚 currently working as a mechanical design engineer for L3 Harris. 鈥淚 grew up in Oviedo, Florida. My parents went to UCF. I couldn鈥檛 tell you how many UCF football games I鈥檝e been to. I thought, 鈥榊eah, I鈥檓 doing this.鈥� 鈥�

Harkins led one of the teams to score the project. Mechanical engineering graduate student Luciana Carreras 鈥�25 led another.

Over the next several months, both teams designed launchers capable of firing dozens of shirts into the stands during the brief 30-second window they鈥檇 have on the field between plays.

When the prototypes were ready, Carreras and Harkins brought them to the football stadium in the summer for a test run in front of UCF Athletics鈥� game day operations staff.

鈥淚 think [UCF Athletics] had some hesitations, which I understand because they didn鈥檛 know who we were,鈥� Alfieris says. 鈥淲e were launching [T-shirts] all over the field 鈥� one even went out of the stadium 鈥� and [UCF Athletics staff] all looked at me and said, 鈥極h, we鈥檙e definitely doing this.鈥� 鈥�

While the athletic department staff has worked hard to build and protect traditions that span generations of Knights fans, they always embrace trying new things.

鈥淚 think some of UCF鈥檚 best qualities have always been a spirit of collaboration and an attitude of, 鈥榳hat if we try鈥�?鈥� Pete and the engineering students embody that completely,鈥� says Alex Cesarano, associate athletics director for brand experience. 鈥淲hat they鈥檝e delivered over the last few years is a testament to what鈥檚 possible when we have a strong partnership between the university and athletic department. We are immensely grateful for all they鈥檝e added, and continue to add, in service of our fans and student-athletes鈥� experiences.鈥�

Beyond practicality, the teams took design aesthetic into account.

Harkins鈥� launcher resembles a rocket, a nod to UCF鈥檚 SpaceU identity. Carreras鈥� team chose a double-barreled design that maximizes the number of shirts they could launch before leaving the field.

鈥淚 never went to a football game until I had to launch this thing,鈥� Carreras says. 鈥淏ut seeing it out there on game day and seeing the excitement from everyone, it鈥檚 great to leave something behind, especially when it鈥檚 a place that you鈥檝e gotten education from, and you鈥檝e found your friends and a life around the campus.鈥�

Knightro鈥檚 Wheels

Once word spread that Alfieris and the engineering students were behind the T-shirt launchers, the UCF spirit team wanted in.

Knightro head coach Michael Callahan 鈥�05 鈥�09MBA 鈥�17EdD, who also serves as director of knowledge management for UCF鈥檚 College of Medicine, invited Alfieris to tour the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village and discuss future collaborations.

As they drove around in a standard golf cart with Knightro on board, Alfieris couldn鈥檛 help but notice the mascot clinging to the seat.

鈥淜nightro was holding on for dear life, and I looked at Michael and said, 鈥楬ow come Knightro doesn鈥檛 have his own cart?鈥� 鈥� Alfieris says. 鈥淗e looked at me and said, 鈥楪ood question.鈥� 鈥�

Without a dedicated budget or funding, Alfieris has gotten good at being resourceful. He scoured the university鈥檚 surplus property system database, which offers discounted equipment and items in need of repair. One person鈥檚 trash is another鈥檚 treasure.

He found a cart in serious need of electrical work to run again. He turned to the looking for some talent.

Josh Alper, then a first-year mechanical engineering student, answered without knowing a single detail about what he was showing up for.

Alper, who is primarily self-taught, rewired the cart鈥檚 electrical system and fixed the battery charger. He installed LED lighting, four surround-sound speakers and a custom 鈥淏ounce Button鈥� horn to the tune of Zombie Nation鈥檚 Kernkraft 400. He even rigged a 鈥淜nightro phone鈥� that pauses the music for Team Knightro to interact with fans while tailgating. When the phone is placed back on the receiver, the music immediately resumes at maximum vibe levels.

鈥淚 was a new student who basically knew nothing about the school, and in my first few weeks, Pete was touring me around and introducing me to lab managers and faculty,鈥� Alper says. 鈥淚 was able to use 3D printers and tools in the . I鈥檝e gone to football games and shot the T-shirt cannon, which was a really cool experience for my first football season. Working with Pete has opened so many doors.鈥�

Here Comes Citronaut

Alfieris鈥� next big idea was a robot. Mechanical engineering student Andrew Anderson thought Citronaut seemed like a logical choice.

Anderson, who has completed professional internships with Pegasus Partner Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort refurbishing high-profile rides, spent a year creating what the team affectionately refers to as 鈥淐itronaut鈥檚 Thunderstruck鈥� 鈥� a 3D-printed Citronaut piloting a spaceship that rolls through campus blasting AC/DC鈥檚 hit song.

The project began as an oversized foam cube measuring roughly 5 feet on each side.

鈥淔iguring out how to safely cut the foam and see it take that saucer shape, it felt like I was working at Disney,鈥� says Anderson, who has dreamed of developing theme park rides since he was 9 years old.

The team equipped the spaceship with tilting and movement capabilities and an accelerometer to give it a sense of flight.

Meanwhile, computer science major Melanie Allen became Alfieris鈥� go-to team member for precision work. She designed, laser cut and 3D-printed the Citronaut figure to fit snuggly in his spaceship.

鈥淚鈥檝e taken advantage of our machine shop, our 3D printers, laser cutters [and] the 5-axis CNC machine to make aluminum parts. I didn鈥檛 think I would ever be good at painting, and now I know how to paint. So I think a lot of these experiences have given me skills that really make me stand out,鈥� Allen says.

Citronaut鈥檚 Thunderstruck debuted at the 2025 Mission IX Space Game as part of the pregame march to the stadium and was an immediate hit.

鈥淎 lot of kids were really excited when they saw it, and fans wanted to take pictures with it. It was fun to be part of the march and know that I helped create something that looks cool and something that people want to interact with,鈥� Allen says. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 feel like I was just another student commuting and taking classes. I felt like I was making a difference and actually contributing to the university.鈥�

Coming Soon: Knightro鈥檚 Own 鈥楤at鈥� Signal

One of Alfieris鈥� most theatrical, ambitious ideas yet is expected to debut this year thanks to Peters, Jordan and the other three engineers of their senior design project team.

Similar to Batman鈥檚 鈥渂at signal,鈥� the team designed a custom cylinder-shaped light projector capable of summoning Knightro into action to amp the crowd.

鈥淲e faced a lot of questions and doubt when we pitched this for senior design. Could the physics actually work out? Will [the light] actually project at that far of a distance?鈥� Jordan says. 鈥淲hen you have a good team, anything is possible. And we believed we could make the impossible happen.鈥�

The biggest hurdle came early.

The specialized lights required for the design cost $700, leaving Jordan unsure if the project would ever get off the ground.

A week later, his team got an email that the lights were in, purchased by the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the budget dedicated to supporting senior design projects.

鈥淧ete worked his magic,鈥� Peters says.

Engineering this from a concept drawing into an actual functioning contraption was no small feat.

The high-powered lights generated enough heat to require radiators and a water-cooling loop. The team also developed an innovative method to display the projected image by using a laser cutter to burn away the coating on mirror slides. And ensuring safety throughout their design, down to the emergency stop button, was paramount.

When their first successful test happened at 3 a.m. on the side of Engineering II, the first person they told was Alfieris.

鈥淚 remember walking up my apartment stairs that night thinking, I want this feeling for the rest of my life,鈥� Peters says.

Funds and hours in a day are the only things holding back Alfieris and the students at this point. They have a few more ideas and projects in the works that they鈥檙e eager to share with Knight Nation when they鈥檙e ready.

Alfieris says he鈥檚 grateful to his supervisor, College of Engineering and Computer Science Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and NCAA faculty representative Manoj Chopra, for allowing him to engage with the students in these ventures. It鈥檚 been one of the greatest gifts of his career.

鈥淎ll [the] stuff that I wanted to do is coming to life, and it鈥檚 so much fun,鈥� Alfieris says. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 have any kids, so they鈥檙e like my kids. I get that proud parent moment when they come to me and say, 鈥楾hank you.鈥� And I’m like, 鈥榃hat are you thanking me for?鈥� And they say, 鈥榊ou helped me. You were just always there.鈥� And it just makes me feel really good. It really does.鈥�

There鈥檚 a moment during every game day at Acrisure Bounce House that David Hansen pauses for a little perspective.

For the last two decades since he helped open the gates and usher in the sell-out crowd for the stadium鈥檚 opening day in 2007, he has climbed to the highest row in a corner next to the student section to take in the view of the 40,000-plus in front of him.

鈥淚 wanted to see the big picture,鈥� says Hansen, who served several roles key for UCF Athletics from 2006-24 and now is the director of the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village and general manager of Knights Plaza Retail and Entertainment District. 鈥淕ame day brings people together. I鈥檝e heard so many stories of alums that live 10 minutes from each other, but their lives are busy 鈥� kids are going to school, they鈥檙e going to work, they鈥檙e traveling and never get to see each other than game day.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the one time that we put everything else aside. That鈥檚 the great thing about sport and why the stadium and our athletics village have been so instrumental to our culture and rise as a university.鈥�

Hansen joined UCF in 2006 as senior associate athletics director for internal operations and was responsible for executing the stadium operational plan to bring game day to life on campus for the first time.

As the Bounce House celebrates its 20th season, Hansen reflects on the impact it has had on Knight Nation and the community at large.

Sprint to the Start

On Sept. 15, 2007, the stadium welcomed 45,622 through its gates for the kickoff against 海角直播 of Texas. Hansen, who had been in constant motion since before sunrise, rushed to the field just in time for the national anthem and flyover.

He recalls seeing longtime athletics administrator Art Zeleznik with tears streaming down his face.

鈥淚 know everyone felt that way in the stadium at that moment. This university had been wanting this day for years, and we were all hit with the realization that it was finally really happening,鈥� Hansen says. 鈥淲e’re about ready to kick off game No. 1. That was special.鈥�

Beyond constructing the stadium, the operational blueprint was just as crucial to make game day on campus a reality. From parking logistics to implementing a credentialing system to managing traffic flow to public safety and everything in between, UCF personnel were navigating uncharted territory.

鈥淲e had a really good, young stadium operations support staff, but we had never hosted a major college football game before,鈥� Hansen says. 鈥淎 lot of places get a several year runway for this. We had barely a year to put it together.鈥�

After the game, Hansen put together a five-page list of items that would need to get addressed or corrected before game two.

鈥淚 never had a list that long again,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t was impossible to fully rehearse ahead of the opener, and there were several unknowns. But we knew it was going to be that way. We just had to work together and do our best. We鈥檝e learned a lot in the last 20 years of executing game days at the scale and magnitude of the Bounce House, and it has been a truly collaborative effort between athletics, the university and community partners to build Orlando into a Power 4 town.鈥�

An Interactive Stadium

The legend of the 鈥淏ounce House鈥� was born as the seconds ticked off the scoreboard clock in the lead up to kick off while fans bopped to Zombie Nation鈥檚 Kernkraft 400.

Hansen felt Roth Tower moving. He saw people having fun with it. He also saw questions in their eyes.

鈥淚 made some engineering friends real quick who said, 鈥楾his is normal. This is really more of a bridge than a building structurally, so it’s designed to move like this.鈥� That made me feel better,鈥� he says.

The stadium has evolved through the years, but it continues to be the Bounce House 鈥� so much so that is has now become a part of the stadium鈥檚 official name.

鈥淚 call it an interactive stadium. Fans can actually get it to move and most stadiums you can鈥檛 do that,鈥� he says. 鈥淗aving the home field advantage played a big part in the team earning multiple conference championships, a series of elite bowl games and ultimately inclusion in one of college football鈥檚 premier leagues. Our fanbase has grown into one of the most passionate and disruptive in the country. And the on-campus stadium was a big facilitator of that.鈥�

Athletics Village Is Born

Most places would consider opening one stadium enough of an undertaking. Most places are not UCF.

In the same week the football stadium opened, the 10,000-seat basketball and event facility, Addition Financial Arena, living spaces for 2,000 students and the surrounding Knights Plaza with 80,000 square feet of retail space opened their doors, too.

鈥淭he Athletics Village has become a true entertainment and retail district and a great destination and asset for the university,鈥� Hansen says. 鈥淭oday, a lot of universities are building those for the first time. We launched ours 20 years ago.鈥�

Now that the Roth Tower project is complete thanks in large part to Orange County鈥檚 $90 million investment, Hansen鈥檚 top priority is revamping the Knights Plaza district.

鈥淲e are working to noticeably enhance that area and make it more of a destination, not just for game day, but for every day,鈥� Hansen says. 鈥淲e鈥檝e got some special plans for that.鈥�

The Vision

When the stadium opened, UCF was in its infancy of Conference USA, but the university and athletics department envisioned one day reaching the top echelon of collegiate athletics. So the stadium and Athletics Village were strategically planned to evolve as UCF did.

Over the years, we鈥檝e seen transformations to match our rise to the Big 12 with the addition of the Carl Black and Gold Cabana, field cabanas, the Stadium Club, west stadium loge seating, the new Nicholson Plaza and more.

鈥淎 lot of stadiums around the country can鈥檛 do those things because they are older concrete structures that just can’t change without massive cost or overhauls,鈥� Hansen says. 鈥淗ere we can. We just proved it again with the new Roth Tower.鈥�

Game Day and Career Ready

Over the last 20 years, the Athletics Village has built community and provided student-athletes with opportunities to showcase their talent while representing UCF worldwide. The village has also served as an extension of UCF鈥檚 mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills and aptitudes that align with the workforce of the future, offering paid opportunities to gain industry experience.

Ryan Gustafson 鈥�25 is just one of many success stories. He was a freshman majoring in biology who needed extra cash when he applied to a part-time job for the athletics facilities, events and operations team. The decision radically shaped his future.

He found purpose and switched his major to event management. In addition to learning from a , he gained practical experience in producing UCF Knights鈥� events and coordinating with some of the biggest brands in athletics.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a culture here that people want to stay and do their part to make it the best.鈥� 鈥� Ryan Gustafson 鈥�25

He has supported the Roth Tower project since it broke ground. He has worked hand in hand with the United States Tennis Association at its national campus in Lake Nona where UCF鈥檚 men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 tennis teams compete. When FIFA needed training sites in Orlando for its 2025 Club World Cup, Gustafson was one of the go-to personnel on hand to support the elite international soccer clubs using our facilities.

By the time he graduated in December 2025, he had made the most of the opportunities he experienced as a student and earned himself a full-time position as a UCF facilities, events and operations coordinator.

鈥淭here鈥檚 a culture here that people want to stay and do their part to make it the best,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 always told myself I would end up at UCF, and getting an opportunity right out of college was a dream.”

鈥淚t鈥檚 a perfect day to bounce in Orange County, Florida.鈥�

The Roth Tower project, made possible by a $90 million commitment of Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, represents a pivotal addition to the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village that strengthens Orange County as a premier destination for sports tourism and community engagement.

When the investment was greenlit in 2023, university and athletics administration knew they wanted to add to the stadium鈥檚 art collection, which already features several installations around the concourse that include Knightro, wings of Pegasus (the university鈥檚 official seal), UCF鈥檚 Big 12 ties and Orlando.

UCF commissioned Harry Foreman 鈥�18 to deliver two murals that pay homage to the UCF story and the university鈥檚 relationship to Orlando and Orange County. To execute the installation in the week leading up to the tower鈥檚 unveiling, Foreman utilized virtual reality technology as part of his process and enlisted the help of fellow alumni: Nicole Lind 鈥�11, a Burnett Honors Scholar who graduated with a degree in an elementary education, and Paulaiden Minerva 鈥�15, who earned his bachelor’s in marketing through the program.

Foreman studied graphic design and emerging media management and previously completed murals for the UCF Downtown and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management campuses.

鈥淲hen I was a student I always had so much fun on games days,鈥� Foreman says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 magic being back here.鈥�

The Florida native, who now splits his time between Orlando and Denver, has been an active contributor to the Central Florida鈥檚 arts scene for years. He recently was selected to be part of the City of Orlando鈥檚 Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge, Art Pollination 鈥� a prestigious opportunity as Orlando was one of eight cities selected for the $1 million grant out of more than 150 submissions from around the country.

Acrisure Bounce House is his third football stadium mural project. He previously completed installations for the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.

鈥淚 always knew I wanted to paint big,鈥� he says.

Here he shares more about his latest creation.

What excited you about this project?

The campus personnel were so willing and excited about my ideas and style that I brought into this that it was almost a perfect match. I led with fun first and then presented some safer ideas. And they said, 鈥淣ope. We want the fun.鈥�

I鈥檓 grateful and appreciative that I鈥檓 creating in a way that is so well received by so many people. Especially with the way we鈥檙e doing these murals with minimal color and a gold approach, I think it鈥檚 a style that has an elevated look while also having this fun, bubbly, childlike feeling, which is perfect for a football stadium on game day.

Where did you pull inspiration from for the two murals?

A staple in a lot of my mural work is my 鈥渙range blossom gang.鈥� They are fun, smiling orange characters that I will sprinkle in throughout a lot of my murals. They act almost as the glue that keeps other imagery and assets like together. They appear in both murals.

For the UCF-themed mural, we have my signature doodle collage style. We鈥檙e in the Bounce House, baby. So I tried to have this flowy, bubbly movement with the clouds. I wanted it to feel like it was light and airy.

With regards to Easter eggs, when I was a student, I did artwork around Orlando and I would do this little emanating whoopsie daisy flower. I snuck it into a postcard stamp. The manatee celebrates Central Florida鈥檚 natural springs, which is in my opinion, one of the most magical parts about the entire state. I also snuck in a variation of the rubber duck for Spirit Splash.

For the Orange County mural, it is centered in an Art Deco theme and is an ode to how the university is entwined with Orlando. From the downtown corridor to our relationship with the hospitality sector around I-Drive to space and UCF鈥檚 engineering and technology roots. And we wanted to include a message to what helped make this possible: 鈥淚n appreciation of Orange County, Florida, whose continued belief, support and investment will welcome millions through these gates to bounce.鈥�

How do you apply virtual reality technology in your process?

I first started using the VR headset to project my artwork on walls last year. There are many different ways to get your art on your walls through grid systems, sketching freehand, projectors and now through headsets. In this circumstance, I have another mural next week. I鈥檝e got to get in and out. I didn’t want to wait till the nighttime to use a projector. What鈥檚 great about the headset is no matter the time of day, you are able to work and operate, and forecast your artwork on a wall.

It鈥檚 a really weird, immersive and amazing technology. If you got vertigo like I do, tread lightly. As I鈥檓 wearing it, I’m constantly thinking, 鈥榃e are in the future.鈥� 鈥�

How did your UCF experience help you hone your craft?

鈥淏eing at UCF pushed me to be great.鈥� 鈥� Harry Foreman 鈥�18, muralist

My UCF experience was not just a four-year degree. I used nearly every offering UCF had 鈥� I was in different clubs, at the gym all the time. I was in the engineering lab using the laser cutter for a lot of my school projects. My experience was almost competitive nurture in a sense, learning in a school setting with so many talented creatives around me. Being at UCF pushed me to be great and taught me how to be a shape shifter.

I already was running a business while in school. I immediately graduated and went right into freelancing, and the Orlando community and UCF network at large welcomed me right when I needed it. I booked amazing jobs right out of school. The UCF Downtown project, I would say, is still some of my most impactful work that gets me jobs to this day.

I never in a million years thought murals would allow me to be traveling all over the nation. I鈥檓 about to buy my wife a house. It鈥檚 a great time to be a muralist. It鈥檚 the best job in the world.

What does it mean to you to be able to give back to your alma mater and Orlando in this way?

It鈥檚 so special. As a student, and even as an artist, there鈥檚 no textbook for success, no single game plan for how to do things. The fact that I get to paint and create in spaces like this, I hope it can inspire the next student. I hope they see this and they say, 鈥淭hat is so cool. I want to do that,鈥� because whenever I saw someone doing it, that was my first response.

If you鈥檙e a student that is worried about the creative world that we鈥檙e entering into, as long as you鈥檙e pushing yourself to make great work, everything you could ever want is already there waiting for you. Orlando as a canvas is the best place to blossom. It was for me.

UCF and the Big 12 unveiled the 2026 conference slate in January, with every game initially scheduled on Saturday. Two of those games are now shifted to Friday:

• Oct. 30 vs. Baylor (Mission X Space Game)
• Nov. 20 vs. Iowa State (Senior Knight)

TV and streaming designations and kickoff times will be added as announced.

2026 Schedule & Game Day Themes

-Home games in bold-

9/3 vs. Bethune-Cookman, 7 p.m., ESPN+ (Season-Opener)
9/12 at Pittsburgh, 3:30 p.m., ESPN2
9/19 vs. Georgia State, 7 p.m., ESPN+ (Family Weekend)
9/26 vs. TCU, 3:30 p.m., FS1 (Big 12 Opener)
10/3 at Houston, noon, ESPN2
10/10 at Oklahoma State, noon, ESPN or ESPN2
10/24 vs. BYU (Homecoming)
10/30 vs. Baylor, 7:30 p.m., ESPN (Mission X Space Game)
11/7 at Kansas
11/14 vs. Arizona State
11/20 vs. Iowa State, 6 p.m., FS1 (Senior Knight)
11/28 at Colorado

The Big 12 Championship Game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, and will once again be played at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Dallas, Texas.

Tickets

Season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets for the 2026 campaign can be purchased at .

STUDENT TICKETS

• A complete guide to student ticket information can be found at .
• Free tickets for actively enrolled UCF students can be claimed in the UCF Gameday app or online at .
• Student tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. All students holding a student ticket must be in the student line no later than 30 minutes before kickoff to ensure entry. Students arriving after that time will no longer be guaranteed a seat. They may join the general standby-pass line and will be admitted only if the student section has not reached capacity.
• The student-section line entrance is located on East Plaza Drive across from Garage F.

What’s New for 2026

From a newly reimagined Roth Tower to fresh food and beverage options across the concourse, at Acrisure Bounce House.

Seattle offensive tackle Amari Kight 鈥�24 and defensive back Shaquill Griffin 鈥�16 or New England safety Richie Grant 鈥�20 could become the latest Knights to claim Super Bowl rings when the two squads square off on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. on NBC in Levi鈥檚 Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

To date, 13 former Knights have hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, most recently integrated business alum Jordan Franks 鈥�18 with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII in 2023.

After joining the Knights in 2023 as a graduate transfer, Kight was a two-year starter on the offensive line for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in sport business management.

During his freshman year as a defensive back at UCF, Griffin helped clinch the program鈥檚 first New Year鈥檚 Six bowl championship (2014 Fiesta Bowl) and went out to finish his career as an all-conference standout. The 9-year NFL veteran and 2019 Pro Bowl selection was initially drafted in 2017 by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round and has been affiliated with several NFL teams. He resigned with the Seahawks last June and is currently on the practice squad. Griffin earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in human communication.

Grant, who signed with the Patriots’ practice squad in October, was an all-conference selection who helped lead the Knights during their historic 25-0 unbeaten streak in 2017鈥�18 before he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sport and exercise science and a minor in medical sociology.

鈥� The 2017 American Athletic Conference Championship game when he knew he was on borrowed time and just wanted to celebrate with his guys.

Today is a homecoming moment just for him and his wife, Ashley, as they check off their final task (a five-minute photoshoot) of this momentous day.

He loosens his tie. It鈥檚 been four straight hours of hugs and smiles and shaking hands and speeches and interviews and tours and pompoms and standing ovations and fight songs.

He soaks in the silence.

He glances up at the 2017 National Championship signage. UCF Chief Branding Officer Jimmy Skiles 鈥�06 paints a picture of what has sustained in 2024 from the game day atmosphere Frost鈥檚 2016-17 teams helped mold.

鈥淵ou know what I鈥檓 looking forward to as much as almost anything?鈥� Frost says. 鈥淲awa. I wanted to say that in the press conference, but I didn鈥檛 think it was appropriate.鈥�

A chuckle. Skiles replies: 鈥淭hey鈥檙e a sponsor. They would have loved that.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檒l say it at the next one,鈥� Frost says with a smile.

Familiar comforts.

This place.

He鈥檚 home.

You Can Go Home Again

In nine years, a month hasn鈥檛 passed without Sean Beckton 鈥�93 speaking to Frost.

The pair did not know each other before Frost arrived on campus in 2015 to replace retiring head coach George O鈥橪eary following a 0-12 season.

Fans, former players and donors were all in Beckton鈥檚 corner 鈥� a star wide receiver for the Knights from 1987-90 and UCF Athletics Hall of Famer with a combined 20 years as an assistant coach for his alma mater.

The two chatted. At the end of the meeting, Frost said he could see why he kept hearing endorsements on Beckton鈥檚 behalf. He offered a job to coach the tight ends.

鈥淗e said, 鈥業 know you haven鈥檛 done that before, but I know you will do a great job coaching,鈥� and I just thought that this was a person who believed in me,鈥� Beckton says.

Since then, they鈥檝e won games and championships together. They鈥檝e also experienced the other extreme together. Through the ride, they鈥檝e created a bond and a friendship that is fit for a lifetime.

The two were in contact through Frost鈥檚 interview and vetting process for his second tenure at UCF. And then over the weekend Beckton started hearing it was a done deal.

鈥淚 texted him, 鈥楬ey, I鈥檓 hearing a lot that you鈥檝e gotten the job. Are you coming?鈥欌�� Beckton says. 鈥淔rost said, 鈥榊eah, get ready to go. I need your help to get rolling.鈥� I said, 鈥榃ell I鈥檓 already rolling.鈥欌��

Beckton, above all, is a UCF man. After he followed Frost to Nebraska 鈥� he never gave up his UCF season tickets 鈥� he returned to the Knights鈥� staff for the 2024 season.

He, perhaps more than anyone, knows what makes Frost the right fit for UCF.

鈥淗is love for this place,鈥� Beckton says without pause. 鈥淚鈥檓 going to tell you, it was hard for him after we went 13-0 to make that decision to go to Nebraska. He genuinely did not want to leave 鈥� all the way up to the championship game against Memphis that morning. In a staff meeting, he broke down and said, 鈥楳an, I don鈥檛 want to leave this place.鈥�

鈥淭hat鈥檚 one of the things that makes me feel that he鈥檚 going to do whatever he can to stay here for the rest of his career.鈥�

The standout quote from Frost鈥檚 press conference Sunday has resonated with so many because it鈥檚 true: 鈥淲hen you鈥檙e climbing the ladder of success in life, sometimes they forget to tell you to stop when you鈥檙e happy.鈥�

A Reset

Frost coached the Cornhuskers for a little more than four seasons. He left Lincoln in 2022 and remained off the grid and away from the game.

He moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. He and Ashley focused on their kids. They rallied around her younger brother, who was diagnosed with cancer and thankfully today is in recovery.

鈥�We went there to be in a family bubble,鈥� Ashley says. 鈥淭he kids loved having him home. It was an awesome decision. Scott got to get a reset from everything.鈥�

But the calling to the sport never totally faded. He just needed to wait for the right opportunity. There was only one in college he was willing to return for.

Frost dipped his toe back into football this season as a coaching consultant with the Los Angeles Rams. He was happy. His family was happy.

鈥淚n my mind, I thought this is it 鈥� NFL,鈥� Ashley says. 鈥淲hen this opened up, and there was talk about coming back, I started praying. I was like, God if this is meant to be, I trust you to lead it. If it鈥檚 not, please slam the door shut. He would never take a job if he didn鈥檛 feel like he was called to be there. We learned that lesson. Truly.鈥�

Culture Keeper

Following Gus Malzahn鈥檚 departure from the program on Dec. 1, UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir called a meeting the next morning with the football student-athletes.

He asked them to speak candidly about what characteristics they wanted to see in their next head coach. They mentioned discipline, accountability and culture among their list.

Mohajir says that gave him his marching orders. He got to work on a national search.

鈥淣o one wanted to lead our program more than Scott, and that commitment speaks volumes about his character, his dedication, but most importantly, his love for UCF,鈥� Mohajir says. 鈥淗e doesn鈥檛 just want to coach football here. He wants to be a part of the community. He wants to inspire student-athletes. He wants to carry forward the momentum that defines UCF football.鈥�

Six days later, Mohajir was once again in front of a small group of student-athletes and others Zooming in from their homes on holiday break to introduce their new head coach.

Frost addressed the team in a concise, impactful speech. He spoke of working hard, but having fun while doing it (a staple of the 2017 undefeated team). Doing the little things right. A charge to build something and be part of something bigger than themselves. And a commitment to keep the core group of players at UCF.

Redshirt senior offensive lineman Paul Rubelt 鈥�23 walked away 鈥渞eady to run through a brick wall鈥� for Frost.

鈥淓verything he said in that meeting I agree with. I鈥檓 already 100% bought in,鈥� says Rubelt, who has been a part of the program since 2020. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited for change; what鈥檚 to come. I鈥檓 thankful for coach Malzahn and the opportunities he gave me. But on the other side, I already regret only playing one year for coach Frost.鈥�

On The Job

Within two minutes of his re-introduction to the world as the Knights鈥� head coach on Sunday, Frost addressed the expectations of Knight Nation.

鈥淚 hope everybody doesn鈥檛 think we鈥檙e going to go undefeated immediately,鈥� Frost said, eliciting laughter from everyone in attendance at his press conference.

Yes, there is work to do 鈥� especially to reach the aspirations he and others have for the team and the athletic department as a whole.

Mohajir鈥檚: 鈥淪cott鈥檚 return signals a bright future 鈥� one where we can continue to dream big and achieve even bigger,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 really believe we can be a national champion program.鈥�

Rubelt鈥檚: 鈥淚n my final year, I want to help UCF be in the best possible spot. The best possible spot would be to go to the College Football Playoff. In 20 years, I want to look back and say, look where this place has gone to and I was part of that.鈥�

Beckton鈥檚: 鈥淔or me, on the back end of my career and being associated with the program, I want to see it to continue to grow for not only football, but all the sports. We have some elite programs, and we want to continue to win championships and really show the country where this place is headed. I want us to be in a situation where, five, six, seven years from now we鈥檙e saying that UCF is playing for the national championship 鈥� not only in football, but basketball and some of the other sports also.鈥�

Everyone is betting on UCF with Frost at the helm.

And Frost is betting on himself.

鈥淚 know what I鈥檓 capable of and I know what we can get done here,鈥� Frost says. 鈥淯CF can become great if we do things the right way. There鈥檚 a little bit of me that wants to prove the type of coach that I think I am. I鈥檓 going to get the chance to do that in a special place.鈥�

Alongside his family, who he is eager to share this experience with. He鈥檚 looking forward to his children seeing their dad coach on the sideline and building their own relationships with his players. He鈥檚 eager to coach football again at a high level and impact the lives of young people. He鈥檚 happy to be putting down roots with Ashley in a place they love to live.

鈥淟iving here was probably one of my favorite times of life, and I鈥檓 happy to be back,鈥� Ashley says. 鈥淚 just want happiness for the players and coaches. I want success. And culture in the midst of NIL. I think it can be done. Especially here.鈥�

His first days on the job he鈥檚 doing everything, everywhere all at once. Assembling a coaching staff. Player meetings. Navigating the transfer portal, which opened this week. Acclimating to the evolution of NIL. Figuring out moving his family across the country. He鈥檚 announcing the return of McKenzie Milton 鈥�19 鈥�22MA as his quarterbacks coach. Embracing Shaquem Griffin 鈥�16 in the parking lot. Talking bass fishing and kids with Michael Colubiale 鈥�17.

And sitting there, among the chaos, is a gray, plastic Wawa takeout bag on the desk outside his office doors.

This place.

He鈥檚 home.

Electrical engineering doctoral student Ganesh Marasini tests real-life grid control operations in UCF鈥檚 鈥� a training ground for rising engineers to collaborate, learn and help reimagine the energy grid of the future.

Hundreds of fans celebrated UCF men’s basketball’s upset win over No. 3 Kansas at Addition Financial Arena.

UCF broke ground on the transformational Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion at Lake Nona, which is anticipated to open in 2025-26. The new 90,000 square-foot home of the College of Nursing will help UCF graduate more highly qualified, compassionate nurses for the future.

A student practices with a manikin hand at UCF鈥檚 state-of-the-art in the College of Nursing, which is equipped with advanced medical devices and technology to train nursing students for clinical practice.

Since kicking off the outdoor season with a top 10 national ranking, the UCF women鈥檚 track and field team has clocked some of the world鈥檚 fastest times this year.

During the 10th anniversary of UCF Celebrates the Arts 鈥� a聽multi-day festival honoring creative expressions 鈥� artists competed in Creative Clash, a live art event where they raced against the clock to create large-format artwork with markers in front of spectators at Seneff Arts Plaza.

A graduate walks across the stage during a Spring 2024 commencement ceremony that took place in Addition Financial Arena.

Three students dove into their studies while hanging out in their dorm room at the .

A Summer 2024 graduate beams with pride, holding his diploma as he walks across the commencement stage.

Knightro shows off a UCF specialty license plate while filming a new at Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy鈥檚 Studio 500. To Knight Your Ride, click here.

UCF students are conducting groundbreaking research at labs, paving the way for the future of space exploration and innovation.

Two fighter aircrafts flew over FBC Mortgage Stadium during the pregame ceremony for the Family Weekend football game, where the Knights defeated the Sam Houston State 海角直播 Bearkats, 45-14.

Running back RJ Harvey crossed into the end zone for a touchdown during the Knight’s second home game of the season against Sam Houston.

A student guides TapeMeasure, UCF鈥檚 semiautonomous dog-like robot, up the steps of the John C. Hitt Library, demonstrating its advanced navigation capabilities for innovative research by students and faculty.

A member of UCF Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 salutes while being filmed on campus for , showcasing UCF as a place for those who dare to invent the future.

Annika Emmert, a health sciences student, and Limbitless Solutions intern and past bionic arm recipient, tries on a bionic arm, showcasing its advanced technology that empowers children with limb differences.

This year, UCF Downtown, in partnership with Valencia College, celebrates five years of educational excellence. The campus has welcomed more than 7,000 students and awarded 10,300 degrees since opening in 2019.

Two space scientists operate a rover on the world鈥檚 largest simulated lunar surface, located in UCF鈥檚 Exolith Lab. The lab鈥檚 Lunar Highland Regolith Test Bin was developed in partnership with the Florida Space Institute to support space exploration research.

Before the UCF Knights took on the Colorado Buffaloes, two cheerleaders interacted with a young UCF fan during Knight Walk at IOA Plaza, the lively pregame tradition where fans, the marching band, and the cheer and dance teams rally together to welcome the football team before kickoff.

UCF鈥檚 cheer team amped up the crowd as the Knights took on the 海角直播 of Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Rapper NLE Choppa performed at Concert Knight presented by UCF Homecoming at Addition Financial Arena.

The cheer team hyped up the crowd with a high-energy stunt routine before students charged into the Reflecting Pond to catch homecoming rubber ducks at Spirit Splash.

Knightro surfed over a crowd of students at Spirit Splash, UCF鈥檚 biggest homecoming tradition.

During Spirit Splash, Knightro even secured a cowboy-themed rubber duck, celebrating this year鈥檚 theme: Cowboys vs. Aliens.

Knightro posed with a constellation-themed SpaceU cape in front of a giant moon backdrop at UCF鈥檚 2024 SpaceU Luncheon, honoring the university鈥檚 ties to space exploration and innovation.

UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright stands next to rocket engines while touring facilities during a visit to NASA鈥檚 Kennedy Space Center.

鈥淭oday marks an exciting reunion for UCF Football as we welcome back Scott Frost, a coach who ignites the spirit and passion of Knight Nation,鈥� Mohajir says. 鈥淪cott鈥檚 love for his players along with his leadership, enthusiasm and vision were pivotal in making the decision to bring him back to UCF. Throughout this national search, his passion for UCF was clear. I believe no one wanted to lead our program more than Scott.鈥�

Frost originally served as UCF鈥檚 head coach from 2016 to 2017, culminating in a historic 13-0 season, an American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship and a national championship that captured the nation鈥檚 attention. In his final game, Frost guided UCF to a victory over No. 7 Auburn in the 2018 Peach Bowl, securing the program鈥檚 first undefeated season in school history.

Frost posted the greatest two-year turnaround in college football history at UCF, inheriting a 0-12 team in 2015 and taking the Knights to a perfect season in his second and final year, when he was named the national coach of the year.

鈥淚鈥檓 deeply honored to return to UCF, a school that has always held a special place in my heart,鈥� Frost says. 鈥淭he foundation we built here has only grown stronger, and I am thrilled to continue shaping this program鈥檚 legacy. As we prepare for year three in the Big 12 Conference, I look forward to working alongside our dedicated student-athletes, talented staff and passionate fans to reach new heights together.鈥�

Frost went a combined 19-7 in two seasons at UCF, helping turn an 0-12 team into a 13-0 squad in just two years. In Frost鈥檚 first season, he took the Knights to a bowl game and finished with a 6-7 record. The turnaround was historic, as Frost became the only first-year coach in FBS history to make a bowl game with a team that was winless the previous season. UCF led the nation with a six-win improvement in 2016 and exceeded that mark in 2017 as the nation鈥檚 only undefeated team. The Knights put together the first undefeated regular season in UCF and AAC history in 2017, posted the longest winning streak in school history at the time of his departure (13 games), achieved the highest in-season ranking in program history (10th), highest final ranking (sixth) and set an AAC record with 16 all-conference selections.

UCF was led by its high-powered offense and improved defense under Frost. The Knights led the nation in scoring at 48.2 points per game and were the only FBS team to score at least 30 points in every game in 2017. Defensively, UCF improved its scoring defense by 65 spots in Frost’s two seasons.

In addition to being the unanimous choice as the 2017 AAC Coach of the Year, Frost was honored as the national coach of the year by the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, the Touchdown Club of Columbus, the Lombardi Award and FCA in addition to winning the Home Depot, Paul “Bear” Bryant and Eddie Robinson coach-of-the-year awards.

Frost began his coaching career at Northern Iowa in 2007 as a linebackers coach and was promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2008. That season, his defense excelled, tying for third in the FCS with 40 takeaways and ranking ninth in scoring defense, allowing just 17.7 points per game. The 12-3 Panthers also led the Missouri Valley Football Conference in both rushing defense (107.1 yards per game) and scoring defense.

In 2009, Frost joined the Oregon coaching staff as the wide receivers coach under head coach Chip Kelly and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich. Frost helped Oregon post a 79-14 record in his seven seasons, during which time the Ducks won four conference titles and twice played for the national championship.

Oregon never ranked lower than eighth nationally in scoring offense during Frost’s seven seasons on staff, and the Ducks led the nation in scoring in 2010. Frost was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2013, and Oregon ranked in the top five nationally in both scoring and total offense each of his three seasons calling plays. The Ducks scored 681 points in 2014, the second-highest total in NCAA history. Oregon made it to the College Football Playoff Championship Game that year, when Frost was one of five finalists for the Broyles Award, presented annually to the nation’s top assistant. Frost’s quarterback, Marcus Mariota, won the Heisman Trophy and was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

After Kelly left for the Philadelphia Eagles, Oregon promoted Mark Helfrich to head coach and named Frost offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2013. In this role, Frost guided Marcus Mariota to a Heisman Trophy win and a berth in the national championship game. During Frost鈥檚 tenure as offensive coordinator, Oregon recorded a 33鈥�8 record and consistently ranked among the nation鈥檚 top teams in scoring and total offense. His standout performance in 2014 earned him a finalist spot for the prestigious Broyles Award, recognizing the nation鈥檚 top assistant coach.

Following his two years at UCF, Scott Frost served as the head football coach at the 海角直播 of Nebraska for four-plus seasons from 2018 to 2022, coaching the first three games of the 2022 season. Frost posted a 16-31 record with the Cornhuskers. His tenure was defined by close losses, as 23 of his 31 losses were by single digits, including each of his final 13. Nebraska lost 22 one-score games during Frost’s career, including 12 games by five or fewer points.

This season, Frost has been serving as a coaching consultant for Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams.

FROST CAREER COACHING ACCOLADES:

• Consensus National Coach of the Year (2017)
• AFCA Coach of the Year (2017)
• Bear Bryant Coach of the Year (2017)
• Home Depot Coach of the Year (2017)
• Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year (2017)
• FCA Coach of the Year (2017)
• AP Coach of the Year (2017)
• American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year (2017, Unanimous Selection)
• Broyles Award Finalist (2014)
• Led UCF to a 13-0 record in 2017, when the Knights were the nation’s only undefeated team
• Led UCF to the first perfect regular season in school and American Athletic Conference history in 2017
• Head coach of the greatest two-year turnaround in college football history (0-12 to 13-0)

Check out the timeline of exciting on-campus events鈥痩eading up to Saturday鈥檚 game 鈥� each a great opportunity to welcome the FOX crew, show them the energy and enthusiasm of Knight Nation聽and showcase our Black & Gold pride.

Plus, get all the logistical information on game day parking, road closures, tickets and more.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, Sept. 28聽

8 a.m. 鈥� Parking Opens

All game day parking lots are open. Fans are encouraged to arrive in time to enjoy the festivities, including live music, interactive games and special guest appearances.

8:30 a.m. 鈥� Fan Pit Opens

The Big Noon Kickoff fan pit opens, and the pre-show begins. Bring the energy and deck out in your best Black & Gold to show television audiences around the country a glimpse of what to expect when they tune into FOX on Saturday morning.鈥疶he show鈥檚 staging area will be located next to the Veterans Commemorative Site on the Student Union side of Memory Mall.

Big Noon Kickoff will be awarding $500 for the best sign as well as free tickets to the Colorado game.

10 a.m. 鈥� It鈥檚 Showtime for鈥�Big Noon Kickoff

FOX鈥檚 iconic college football pregame show, airing from 10 a.m. to noon, will make its debut at UCF 鈥� marking the first time in program history that this star-studded show broadcasts from Orlando.

Big Noon Kickoff will be hosted by Rob Stone with analysts Mark Ingram II, Matt Leinart, Urban Meyer and Brady Quinn, reporters Bruce Feldman and Tom Rinaldi and wagering expert Chris 鈥楾he Bear鈥� Fallica. Legendary DJ and record producer DJ Khaled will also make a special appearance.

3:30 p.m. 鈥� Kickoff: UCF vs. Colorado at FBC Mortgage Stadium

UCF Football takes on first-time opponent Colorado at 3:30 p.m. 鈥� aiming for their first 4-0 season start since 2018. The game, which is sold out for fans, will air on FOX.

Students聽who claimed聽digital tickets (pink) for the Colorado game will be ensured entry 鈥� but they MUST be in the student line on the northwest side of the stadium at least 30 minutes before kickoff.

Gates six through nine open for students 90 minutes before kickoff 鈥� at聽2 p.m.

Student digital tickets for Colorado have all been claimed. However, students can still claim聽standby passes (blue) for the game. If the student section has not reached capacity, students with a standby pass will be admitted into the stadium starting 30 minutes prior to kickoff.

Pit and Sign Rules

笔颈迟听

• By entering the pit, fans are agreeing to allow FOX to use captured media such as video or images without compensation in their broadcast and marketing of their show.

• No food or drinks are allowed in the pit. Please plan to dispose of them before entering.

• No bags are allowed in the pit. This includes but is not exclusive to backpacks, book bags or purses.

• No markers, pens, pencils or dry erase boards.

• Signs in the pit may not be attached to poles, sticks or other extensions.

• Signs are subject to approval by FOX and UCF personnel. Those attempting to enter the pit may be denied entry should their sign be deemed inappropriate. The individual must discard the sign at their own risk.

• All persons entering the pit are assuming risk and are subject to search or removal by security personnel.

Signs

• Fans may bring their own signs.

• No derogatory, vulgar or political messages are allowed. Signs may be removed at the discretion of FOX or UCF personnel.

• No sponsored signs or any references to .com鈥檚 or other websites.

• While signs with poles, sticks or other extensions are permitted behind the pit, those extensions will NOT be allowed in FBC Mortgage Stadium.

Parking, Road Closures and Shuttles

Parking

On Saturday, free parking is available in Garages A, B and I, and parking lots B5, B6, B9 and H4 starting at 8 a.m. when game day activities begin.

Gold Zone Parking Passes

On Saturday, Athletics Gold Zone parking passes are required for garages C, D and F, parking lots C1-C3, D1-D2 and E1-E8, and the baseball lot. Vehicles in those areas without the required game day permits are subject to towing at 5 a.m. Overnight parking also is not allowed in Garage H.

Accessibility Parking

For the鈥疊ig Noon Kickoff鈥�broadcast, individuals with disabilities can use accessible parking spaces by displaying a valid ADA hang tag or license plate. Parking for guests with disabilities is available on the first level of Garage C with a proper Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles permit on a first-come, first-served basis. The individual who was issued the permit must be with the vehicle.

Student Shuttles

UCF will operate game-day buses for all normally serviced apartment complexes with the exception of Northview, Tivoli and Northgate due to their close proximity to the stadium. Service to those communities begins at 8 a.m. and concludes two hours after the game ends.

The Rosen College and UCF Downtown shuttles will depart their respective campuses at 8 a.m. with an additional run at 11:30 a.m. They will depart the main campus at 7:30 p.m. A valid UCF ID is required to access all student shuttles.

Game Day Road Closures

Gemini Boulevard North will close from West Plaza Drive to North Orion Boulevard at 7 a.m.

Starting at 5 p.m., all lanes of North Orion Boulevard will be dedicated to traffic exiting campus, meaning no traffic can enter campus via North Orion Boulevard.

Knights Victory Way closes at 5 a.m. until about 90 minutes after the game.

East Plaza Drive will be closed between Knights Victory Way and Gemini Boulevard聽starting at 2 a.m. on game day.

Clear Bag Policy

If you鈥檙e attending the game, don鈥檛 forget, a clear-bag policy is in effect to provide a safer environment and more expedited entry for fans. This policy limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into all sporting events at FBC Mortgage Stadium. There is no place at the stadium for fans to check bags. While fans are encouraged to not bring any bags, those that do can鈥�. For more information, visit the UCF Game Day Guide.

What to Wear

Fans going to the game are encouraged to 鈥渂lack out鈥� FBC Mortgage Stadium.鈥痀ou can find apparel through鈥痵hopucfknights.com.