UCF Knights Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Gus Malzahn

Team Mascot: Knightro

Year Opened: 2007

Capacity: 45301

City / State: Orlando / FL

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

UCF Knights vs ECU Pirates

Rival Team: ECU Pirates

ECU’s rivalry with UCF is one of the newer ones in college football. However, it is quickly becoming a very heated one as the two schools have played in the same conference 2005, first in Conference USA and then starting in 2014 the American Athletic Conference. The Pirates have had the edge on the Knights since the beginning of this rivalry having won the first matchup in 1991. However, UCF has won the last two meetings.

UCF Knights vs USF Bulls

Rival Team: USF Bulls

Each Thanksgiving weekend these two bitter instate rivals duke it out. The rivalry between UCF and USF dates back to 2005 and has been rekindled recently as both teams are now members of the American Athletic Conference. USF leads the all-time series 4-2, but the Knights have won the last two meetings between these Florida-based teams.

UCF Knights Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

UCF is one of the largest universities in the country and as a result, it has one of the biggest and best tailgates in the country. The fans here are pretty diehard when it comes to cheering on their Knights and they love to tailgate and let loose before watching the Knights take the field.

The heart of the tailgate scene at UCF is Memory Mall. Here you’ll be able to experience all the things that make tailgating at UCF a great experience. Memory Mall is home to the Marching Knights pregame band performance, free food giveaways, and loud music. You’ll also find the of the best tailgate set ups UCF has to offer on the mall, so make sure to stop by if you really want to get into the UCF game day spirit.

Here at UCF you’ll experience a great day of drinking and partying with friends as you let loose and prepare to cheer on the Knights to victory. There are a variety of drinking games as well as other pregame activities to take part in so don’t be shy and join in on the fun!

Traditions

The Charging Knight Statue

Located just outside of the stadium, this statue has become a “focal point” of the UCF game day experience. The statue was created by Don Reynolds and symbolizes UCF’s excellence in academics, partnerships, and athletics. Stop by and snap a picture with this statue as part of your UCF game day.

Knight Walk

A great part of tailgating at UCF is the Knight Walk, which occurs two hours before kickoff and gives fans the opportunity to greet the players on the way to the stadium. The walk starts in the plaza next to the Jay Bergman Field and ends at Bright House Networks Stadium. Make sure to stop by the Knight Walk for your chance to see the team up close.

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Spirit Splash

Homecoming is an excellent time to attend a UCF football game and Spirit Splash makes it even better. Bring your swimsuit and jump into the reflection pond outside Millican Hall.

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Memory Mall

Memory Mall puts you at the center of the UCF tailgating scene. Here at Memory Mall you can check out live entertainment, stop by some of Orlando’s best food trucks, and take part in some of the best tailgating UCF has to offer. Make sure to reserve your spot to get the most out of your UCF game day experience.

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Knight Plaza

Located in the UCF Athletics Village Knight Plaza is a great place to go before the game if you aren’t looking to deal with the hassle of setting up a tailgate. Here you’ll find Burger U where you can grab a few drinks and some food before heading into the stadium.

Where to tailgate

UCF Knights Stadium Guide

In Game

Despite not being a household name UCF has produced some of the best college and professional football players over the last couple decades. Some notable alumni include Daunte Culpepper, Brandon Marshall, and Asante Samuel. When attending a UCF game, you’ll be watching some of the premier talents in college, meaning you’ll be able to say you had seen these guys before they became household names.

Despite being a relatively new program compared to a lot of other schools, having been started in only 1979, UCF has an incredibly passionate and loyal fanbase. The student section, in particular, shows strong support for their team. Nicknamed the “Bounce House” due to the metal bleachers acting like a trampoline when the fans jump up and down, these fans give it their all when cheering on their Knights. All throughout the game opposing fans and players will feel the heat of the UCF fans.

Another great aspect about attending a game at Bright House Stadium is the fact the stadium is one of the newest in the country meaning you’ll have a great experience regardless of where you end up sitting. The stadium provides excellent sightlines that make sure everyone has a great view of the stadium and can see all the action first-hand.

You’ll have a great time at UCF as you’ll be able to not only take in one of the up and coming teams in college football, but you’ll also be surrounded by some incredibly passionate and loyal fans.

Things to check out

Knightro

Knightro is the official mascot of the UCF Knights and has attended every UCF home and away game since 1994. He is always the life of the party and will surely keep adults and children alike entertained. Look for Knightro to really energize the crowd even when the action on the field isn’t at its best.

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Pegasus

Before every home game the UCF Knight rides Pegasus into the stadium. This tradition is quite the sight to behold and creates a great atmosphere inside Bright House Stadium that lasts throughout the game.

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Marching Knights

The 300+ member UCF marching band puts on a great display on game days. The band’s high-energy displays really rev up the crowd and work everyone into a frenzy, so make sure to take in their excellent performances throughout the game.

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Knightmoves

The dance squad at the University of Central Florida is one of the best dance squads in the country. The team consistently finishes in the top 10 in the country, so keep your eyes peeled for them as you wouldn’t want to miss one of their wonderful in-game performances.

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Fight Songs

  1. Black! Gold!

    Half the stadium chants “Black!” and then the other half responds with “Gold!”

    Black!
    Gold!

  2. Charge On

    Official school fight song

    UCF charge onto the field,
    With our spirits we’ll never yield.
    We’re singing Black and Gold,
    Charge right through that line.
    Victory is our only cry, V-I-C-T-O-R-Y!  Tonight our Knights will shine!
    (YELL)
    U-C-F Knights!
    U-C-F Let’s go Knights!
    REPEAT

  3. War Chant

UCF Knights Bars & Restaurants

  1. Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza

    Blaze Fast Fired Pizza

    Exceptional quality at lightning fast speed is what we're all about. Blaze Pizza.

    4100 N Alafaya Trail #113, Orlando, FL 32826, USA

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  2. Stagger Inn UCF

    Stagger Inn UCF

    We are UCF's only country bar. Sorry not sorry, we like to party.

    12190 Collegiate Way #140, Orlando, FL 32817, USA

    402-270-9604

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  3. World Of Beer

    World Of Beer

    At World of Beer, we've got over 50 craft beers on tap, 500 in the cooler, and a menu of mouthwatering Tavern Far crafted to go perfectly with beer.

    3402 Technological Ave, Orlando, FL 32817, USA

    321-235-9741

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. New Knight Library

    New Knight Library

    We are known nation wide for our Block Parties, Free Drinks, and Gorgeous crowd of Scholars!

    11448 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817, USA

    407-704-7477

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  5. Lazy Moon

    Lazy Moon

    Eat, Drink, and Be Lazy

    11551 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817, USA

    407-658-2396

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  6. The Public House

    Public House

    The Public House boasts a selection of 24 draughts and a full liquor bar, in addition to many wines and craft beers.

    12046 Collegiate Way, Orlando, FL 32817, USA

    407-658- 0888

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Bar Louie

    Bar Louie drinks

    Bar Louie is an urban bar made famous for our signature martinis, cocktails and dynamic beer selection.

    4100 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826, USA

    407-428-2980

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. Knights Pub

    Knights Pub

    Great food, good music, fantastic drinks and nice service.

    3910 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  9. Burger U

    Burger U

    At Burger U, we're all about fresh ingredients and incredible food, wrapped in a fun atmosphere.

    4233 E Plaza Dr, Orlando, FL 32816, USA

    407-882-0450

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. BurgerFi

    BurgerFi

    BURGERFI is better to people: serving only the finest natural, certified angus burgers, dogs, hand-cut fries, frozen custard and more.

    4100 N Alafaya Trail #125, Orlando, FL 32826, USA

    407-282-4010

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. 4 Rivers Smokehouse

    Rivers Smokehouse

    4 Rivers is a family-owned smokehouse specializing in 30-day aged brisket, homemade southern sides and fresh bakery items.

    11764 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817, USA

    844-474-8377

    Bar website

    bbq - $$

  12. Azteca D’Oro

    Azteca D Oro

    Cheerful Mexican franchise offering a big menu of hearty classics, plus specialty margaritas.

    11633 University Blvd, Orlando, FL 32817, USA

    407-737-8388

    Bar website

    mexican - $$