FBC Mortgage Stadium is a great place to catch a UCF Knights football game. I’ve been to a few games there and always had a blast. The stadium has a fun atmosphere and gets really loud when UCF is playing well.
The 45,000-seat stadium offers good views from most sections, though you’ll want to bring sunscreen for those hot Florida day games. I like sitting in the lower bowl near midfield, but the upper deck gives you a cool birds-eye view of the action too. The food options are pretty good, with some local vendors serving up tasty grub.
One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll have to go down stairs to use the bathrooms, which can be a pain. But overall, it’s a nice college football stadium that gets rocking on game days. The student section brings tons of energy, and the whole place erupts when UCF scores.
Key Takeaways
- FBC Mortgage Stadium seats 45,000 fans and offers good views throughout
- The atmosphere is electric, especially when the student section gets going
- Bring sunscreen for day games and be prepared to climb stairs for bathrooms
History of FBC Mortgage Stadium
FBC Mortgage Stadium has a rich history that spans over a decade. I’ve seen it grow from a dream to a reality, becoming a symbol of UCF’s rise in college football.
Foundation and Construction
I remember when UCF first announced plans for an on-campus stadium. It was exciting! Construction began in 2006, and the stadium opened in 2007. I was amazed by its location – the 50-yard line lines up with NASA’s Launch Pad 39A. How cool is that?
The stadium cost about $55 million to build. It seated around 45,000 fans at first. I’ve watched as they’ve added more seats over the years.
One of my favorite parts is The Cabana. It’s this awesome 10,000-square-foot social area between the 30-yard lines. They expanded it in 2017, adding nearly 3,000 chair-back seats.
Name Changes and Naming Rights
The stadium’s name has changed a few times since I’ve been following UCF football. It started as Bright House Networks Stadium. Then it became Spectrum Stadium when Bright House was bought out.
In 2022, things changed again. FBC Mortgage bought the naming rights. It was a big deal – $19.5 million for 10 years. Now we call it FBC Mortgage Stadium.
I think the new name suits it well. It shows how far UCF football has come that companies are willing to pay so much for naming rights.
Major Milestones
I’ve seen some amazing moments at this stadium. One of the biggest was when ESPN’s College GameDay came to visit. It was a huge deal for UCF!
The stadium has helped UCF grow in so many ways. It’s become a symbol of the university’s progress. I’ve watched as it’s helped attract better recruits and boost school spirit.
Game days are incredible now. The stadium is often sold out, with 45,000 fans making tons of noise. I love being part of that atmosphere.
UCF’s rise in college football rankings has gone hand-in-hand with the stadium’s growth. It’s been amazing to watch both evolve over the years.
Location and Access
FBC Mortgage Stadium is easy to get to and surrounded by great places to stay. I found it simple to visit for games and events. The area around the stadium has lots of options for fans.
Proximity to UCF Campus
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The stadium sits right on UCF’s main campus. I love how close it is to all the school buildings and dorms. It’s perfect for students who want to walk to games. The location makes it easy to feel the campus energy on game days.
When I visit, I like to explore UCF before kickoff. There are nice spots to grab food or hang out nearby. The stadium fits in well with the rest of campus.
Parking and Traffic
Parking can be tricky on busy game days. I recommend getting there early to find a good spot. There are lots of parking areas around the stadium, but they fill up fast.
Traffic can get heavy near kickoff time. I usually plan extra time to deal with congestion. Some tips:
- Use the shuttles from farther lots
- Carpool if possible
- Check for road closures before you go
Accommodation Nearby
I’ve found some great places to stay near the stadium. The Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East are both good options close by.
For a longer trip, Downtown Orlando is just a short drive away. I love exploring Lake Eola Park when I’m in town for a game. Cocoa Beach is also not too far if you want to hit the ocean.
There are lots of hotels and vacation rentals in the area. I recommend booking early for big games. The location is great for making a whole weekend out of your visit to FBC Mortgage Stadium.
Seating and Facilities
FBC Mortgage Stadium offers a variety of seating options to fit every fan’s needs. From general admission to luxury boxes, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect.
General Admission and Student Section
The stadium has over 45,000 seats for fans to enjoy the game. I’ve sat in different areas, and each offers a unique experience. The student section is always buzzing with energy. It’s located across the field from section 117, in the lower level of the end zone.
If you’re sitting in the general admission areas, keep in mind that some sections don’t have row A. For example, in section 117, you start at row B, which is actually the third row up.
One tip: for noon games, bring sunscreen and water. There’s not much shade, so you’ll want to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Luxury Boxes and Club Lounge
For a more upscale experience, I recommend checking out the luxury boxes or club seats. These are located in the Roth Tower, a four-story structure that houses 24 luxury suites and 822 club seats.
From my visits, I can tell you that the views from here are fantastic. You get a great perspective of the entire field. Plus, the amenities are top-notch. It’s a comfortable way to watch the game, especially on those hot Florida days.
Carl Black and Gold Cabana and Sun Deck
My favorite spot in the stadium might be the Carl Black and Gold Cabana. It’s a 10,000-square-foot area with a cool Florida theme. The lounge sits between the 30-yard lines and has 2,921 chair-back seats.
What I love most is the open-air sun deck. It’s a great place to enjoy the game and the Florida weather at the same time. The whole area has a relaxed, social vibe that makes the game-day experience even more fun.
In 2017, they expanded this section, adding more seats and amenities. It’s become a real signature part of watching a game at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
Game Day Experience
FBC Mortgage Stadium offers an exciting game day atmosphere for UCF football fans. From tailgating to the vibrant energy inside the stadium, there’s something special about cheering on the Knights.
Tailgating Traditions
I love arriving early to take part in the tailgating scene. The parking lots around the stadium come alive hours before kickoff. Fans set up tents, grills, and tables loaded with food and drinks.
The smell of barbecue fills the air as I walk through the lots. Many tailgaters decorate their spaces in black and gold UCF colors. Cornhole games and music add to the festive vibe.
Student groups often host large tailgates with DJs and activities. It’s a great way to build excitement before the game. I always enjoy mingling with fellow Knights fans and soaking in the pregame atmosphere.
The Bounce House Atmosphere
FBC Mortgage Stadium really comes alive once inside. The energy is electric, especially for big games. With over 45,000 fans packed in, it gets incredibly loud.
The student section is always rowdy, leading chants and keeping the energy high. When the Knights score, the whole stadium literally bounces – hence the “Bounce House” nickname.
I love the tradition of the pregame march led by the UCF Marching Knights band. The knight mascot riding in on a horse is another cool touch that pumps up the crowd before kickoff.
Food and Beverage Options
There are plenty of tasty food options to choose from at the stadium. Some of my favorites include:
- Four Rivers BBQ
- Knights Dog (loaded hot dog)
- Nachos
- Chicken caesar wraps
- Giant pretzels
For drinks, I can grab:
- Souvenir sodas
- Truly vodka sodas
- Beer
- Bodyarmor water
- Bottled water
- Soft drinks
The lines can get long at halftime, so I try to time my food runs strategically. While prices are typical for stadium fare, the variety of options helps satisfy different cravings during the game.
Entertainment and Fan Services
FBC Mortgage Stadium offers exciting entertainment and top-notch fan services. I love how they create an electric atmosphere for UCF Knights games.
The Marching Knights and Pregame Shows
The Marching Knights are the heart of pregame excitement. I always get chills when I hear their energetic performances. Before kickoff, I make sure to catch the Golden Knight’s dramatic entrance. He rides in on a horse, sword raised high, rallying the crowd.
The band’s halftime shows are a highlight too. Their formations and music selections never fail to impress me. I especially enjoy when they spell out “UCF” on the field.
In-Stadium Technology and Displays
The stadium’s tech upgrades have really enhanced my game day experience. The massive video board from Daktronics is a game-changer. I can easily see replays and stats from anywhere in the stands.
The LED ribbon displays circling the stadium add to the visual excitement. They show fun animations and pump up the crowd. I’m also a fan of the advanced sound system. It makes every cheer and announcement crystal clear.
At night games, the new LED lighting creates an awesome atmosphere. The lights can change colors and patterns, adding to big moments.
Local Attractions
FBC Mortgage Stadium is surrounded by fun places to visit. I love exploring the area before and after games. Here are some of my favorite spots nearby.
Campus Bookstore and Dining
I always stop by the campus bookstore to grab some UCF gear. It’s packed with Knights shirts, hats, and souvenirs.
For food, I have a few go-to places. Starbucks is perfect for a quick coffee. Burger U makes amazing burgers and fries.
When I’m craving pizza, Blaze Pizza hits the spot. They have tons of toppings to choose from. Tijuana Flats is my pick for tasty tacos and burritos.
These spots are all super close to the stadium. I can grab a bite before kickoff or celebrate a win after the game.
Kennedy Space Center and Beaches
The Kennedy Space Center is about an hour’s drive from the stadium. It’s a must-see for space fans like me.
I love checking out the massive rockets and learning about NASA missions. The astronaut encounters are so cool – I get to meet real space explorers!
Cocoa Beach is right nearby. It’s a great place to relax after a game day. I enjoy soaking up the sun and splashing in the waves.
The beach has a fun, laid-back vibe. There are plenty of spots to grab a drink or snack along the shore.
Cultural Sites in Orlando
Orlando has some awesome cultural spots to check out. The Orlando Museum of Art is one of my favorites. They have cool exhibits that change often.
I also like visiting the Harry P. Leu Gardens. It’s a beautiful place to stroll around and see Florida plants.
For history buffs, the Orange County Regional History Center is really interesting. I learned a lot about Orlando’s past there.
These places are all within a short drive from FBC Mortgage Stadium. They’re perfect for a pre-game culture fix or a post-game wind-down.
Economic and Community Impact
FBC Mortgage Stadium has been a game-changer for UCF and the surrounding area. It’s brought in money and sparked growth in local businesses.
Financial Contributions to UCF Athletics
The stadium has been a big boost for UCF’s sports programs. I’ve seen how it’s helped the UCF Athletic Association raise more funds. This extra money has made a real difference. It’s allowed UCF to improve its facilities and attract top talent.
The Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village has also grown thanks to the stadium’s success. I think it’s amazing how one building can have such a big impact. It’s like a domino effect, with the stadium’s popularity leading to more donations and better resources for all UCF athletes.
Local Business Growth
I’ve noticed a lot of changes in the area since the stadium opened. On game days, the whole neighborhood comes alive. Restaurants and shops near campus are busier than ever. It’s great to see local businesses thriving because of the stadium.
The stadium expansion is exciting too. I think it’ll bring even more people to the area. This means more customers for local businesses. It’s like the stadium is a giant magnet, drawing in fans and their wallets to support the local economy.
Future Developments
I’m excited to share some big changes coming to FBC Mortgage Stadium. The plans aim to make watching UCF football games even more fun and comfortable for fans like us.
Planned Expansions and Renovations
The stadium is set to grow in a big way. A new $90 million tower addition will expand the Roth Tower by about 58,000 square feet. This will add 1,236 club seats, giving more fans a chance to enjoy premium views.
Construction is planned to start in December. The goal is to finish before the 2026 football season kicks off. I can’t wait to see how it looks!
There’s also talk about putting in a natural grass playing surface. This could make the field look and feel more like a pro stadium.
Investment in Fan Engagements
UCF is putting money into making game days more fun for all of us. The new stadium club and J and J Rosengren Lounge will offer cool spaces to hang out before and during games.
These areas will have comfy seating, good food, and great views of the field. It’s all about giving fans like me more ways to enjoy being at the stadium.
I’m looking forward to trying out these new spots and seeing how they add to the game day experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
FBC Mortgage Stadium offers fans a great game-day experience with various seating options and unique features. I’ll answer some common questions about the stadium to help you make the most of your visit.
What are the seating and viewing options like at FBC Mortgage Stadium?
FBC Mortgage Stadium has a range of seating choices for fans. There are standard bench seats, chair-back seats, and premium seating options. The stadium’s design allows for good views from most areas.
I’ve found that the upper deck offers a nice overall view of the field and surrounding campus.
How is the overall game-day experience at FBC Mortgage Stadium?
The game-day experience at FBC Mortgage Stadium is exciting and fun. Tailgating is a big part of the festivities, with fans filling up parking lots and green spaces hours before kickoff.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere is electric. The crowd gets loud, especially when it’s full.
What is the official capacity of the FBC Mortgage Stadium for UCF football games?
FBC Mortgage Stadium can hold about 45,000 fans for UCF football games. When it’s packed, the noise level can get pretty intense.
What type of playing surface does FBC Mortgage Stadium feature?
The stadium has a natural grass playing surface. This gives the field a classic look and feel for football games.
What are some of the unique traits of FBC Mortgage Stadium that contribute to its atmosphere?
One of the coolest things about FBC Mortgage Stadium is its nickname: “The Bounce House.” The stadium can actually shake when fans jump and cheer!
This unique feature has become a symbol of UCF’s spirit. It really adds to the excitement during big plays.
Where can I find the best seats in FBC Mortgage Stadium?
The best seats depend on what you’re looking for. If you want to be close to the action, the lower sideline seats are great.
For a better overall view, I like the upper deck seats near midfield. Club seats offer extra comfort if you’re willing to spend more.
