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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Blue, Gold, and Red Zone LotsBright House Stadium offers three types of parking for football games. The closest Gold Lots are reserved for donors. However, the Red and Blue Lots provide free parking on game days. Despite the hike, the Red and Blue Lots offer a great value as you can tailgate here for free although they do put you a bit of way away from the action on the Memory Mall.
Knight PlazaLocated 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.
UCF Alumni Indoors TailgateIf you’re a UCF alumni and are looking for a family-friendly tailgating experience then the Alumni Tailgate is a great spot for you. There are lots of great games and activities for kids to take part in, and the indoor tailgate also provides a nice relief from the Florida heat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Half the stadium chants “Black!” and then the other half responds with “Gold!”
Black!
Gold!
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
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