The Ultimate UCF Football Tailgate Guide: Traditions, Tips, and Game Day Essentials

The roar of the crowd, the sea of black and gold, the electric anticipation in the air - these are the hallmarks of a UCF Knights football game day. Tailgating at UCF is more than just a pre-game ritual; it's a celebrated tradition that brings together students, alumni, family, and friends. Whether you're a seasoned tailgater or a first-time visitor, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make the most of your UCF game day experience.

Embrace the Knight Nation Spirit

UCF is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for every visitor to campus. Whether you bleed Black and Gold or you root for the other team - hey, nobody’s perfect - UCF is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for every visitor to campus. We encourage all fans to be loud, and also expect our fans to represent UCF with integrity. As the Big 12 Conference’s flagship institution in the state of Florida, UCF is rising to the challenge of this new era with 12 NCAA postseason team appearances across all sports and conference championship titles in men’s soccer, women’s tennis and rowing. From the first kickoff on a converted cow pasture to buzzer-beater shots, grand slams and championship cheer routines, UCF Knights have been building momentum on the field and the court since our athletic debut. And whether we were underdogs or the overwhelming favorites, you’ve been cheering us on every step of the way. Being a part of the action is an important part of the UCF experience - because we’re never as strong alone as we are together. Every UCF student gets free tickets to home games just by showing their UCF ID, so why not take advantage? Here at UCF, we are new to high profile football accolades. Our team is young and full of talent. We are a part of one of the largest and fastest growing universities in the country. Expansion has led to so many opportunities throughout the years and football has been one of the most rapid successes in our community. One of the most vital aspects to this success has been the alumni and student body with its constant support. Spirit breeds pride and tradition. We are always welcoming students and fans alike to join the movement of Knight Nation and continue building this amazing community.

A Tradition of Excellence

Knights athletic teams have earned landmark victories on state and national stages - leading them to become the youngest Power Four institution in the country. The Charge On Fund is your way to provide unrestricted charitable support for UCF Athletics and maintain the significant momentum built over the past years.

The Evolution of UCF Traditions

The tradition building began in 1994 with Spirit Splash. This is where students line up around UCF’s iconic Reflection Pond and run to the center of the fountain in celebration of Homecoming. Today, it is being voted as one of the best college traditions in the country. Not long after, the athletic department coined “Charge On” as our catch phrase, and we’ve been storming ever since. And now in the year 2014, we just finished the best football season in our fifty year existence with not only an American Athletic Conference title, but a Tostitos Fiesta Bowl championship. Our star quarterback Blake Bortles was even drafted as the number one quarterback in the NFL draft, with several more of his former UCF teammates joining him throughout the NFL.

Game Day Central: Memory Mall and Beyond

Around here, tailgating is one of the most fun times you can have as a Knight. Some of my most memorable moments as a student at UCF have been spent on a Saturday in the Fall, tailgating for a football game. The anticipation, the energy, and the atmosphere are electric. Embrace the electric atmosphere with several official tailgating spots around campus - Memory Mall being the most iconic. Tailgates usually happen right before (and sometimes after) a sporting event. The exact time of a tailgate depends on when the sporting event itself will be taking place. For example, if a football game is at 6:00 PM, the official tailgate time might start at 12:00 PM and end right when the game starts. This depends on the campus. At UCF, the prime tailgating spots on Memory Mall are reserved to students and alumni. If you are one of those two, you can reserve your spot at 6 PM on the Sunday before the home game through their reservation system.

Read also: A Legacy of Excellence

Memory Mall: The Epicenter of Knight's Tailgating

There are a lot of ways you can celebrate before a game, but the most popular start to a game day for most UCF fans is Memory Mall. Sandwiched directly between the CFE Arena and the Student Union, Memory Mall is a quarter mile-long strip that turns into tailgate central on game days.

Beyond the Mall: Exploring Other Tailgating Hotspots

If you’re looking for a more low-key place to hang out before the games, you have plenty of options too. Directly on the route from Memory Mall to Bright House Networks Stadium, in UCF’s Athletic Village, is Burger U. A bar and grill with great atmosphere and lots of outdoor seating, it’s the perfect place to hang out before the games and take in all the sights and sounds of UCF’s campus. Additional favorite local spots that double as great pre-game stops are a little ways off UCF’s campus. First, the MOAT Sports Grille, official restaurant of UCF, is a full bar and grille within walking distance of the stadium. Right down the road from that is Lazy Moon pizza. The best pizza and craft beer around, where slices are the size of a platter and the beer is served in moonshine pitchers. And across the street from Lazy Moon is Jimmy Hula’s, a UCF staple.

Game Day Attire: Deck Out in Black and Gold

School colors. Always wear school colors. You’re there to have a good time and support your team so you want to be loud and proud about it. What you actually wear depends on you. You can find people in black and gold bodysuits, you can find people in DIY-ed tube tops made from cheap UCF t-shirts, there will be people just rocking UCF hats or plain t-shirts or just school colors as well. #UCFansWear encourages UCF fans to wear a certain color. For example, for the UCF vs. FAU Tailgate, fans are encouraged to wear black, and for the UCF vs. Pittsburgh tailgate, fans are encouraged to wear white. Find out what to wear for specific games on social media.

Tailgating Activities: More Than Just a Game

A tailgate is a big social event where people get excited to support their teams. Tailgates go on for a long time and it can be a bit boring to just stand around or eat chips the whole time, therefore you need games.

Food and Drink: Fueling the Knight Spirit

In terms of food, some people go all out while others stick with the basics. Some people bring out their grills to make food such as wings, burgers, and hot dogs. This is sort of a huge party so there will be alcohol. If you’re not of age or just don’t want to drink, people tend to bring a lot of water or soda.

Entering the Bounce House: Knightmare Awaits

Now comes the last and final piece to your game day: The game itself. You have tailgated for hours, played corn hole at Memory Mall, grabbed a Burger at Burger U, and are heading for Bright House Networks Stadium. Where do you enter? Gates 15, 16 and 17 will take you straight to the South end of the stadium. It’s here that you’ll find the student section, which is nicknamed “Knightmare.” In the student section, participation is sweeping and constant. Right before the game, the UCF Marching Band will play the UCF War Chant. Throughout the game you will be introduced to UCF’s chief song. Zombie Nation’s Kernkraft 400.

Experiencing the Knightmare

What is more enchanting than your first time stepping into a football stadium? Full of 45,000 screaming fans all chanting the same three letters U-C-F. Hearing your heartbeat in your ears while you rush to the far end zone to get to a seat you will likely not be using. If this is the experience you’re looking for as a new UCF student, then you have come to the right place. I’m here to tell you all you need to know in preparation for your first Saturday of the Fall football season.

Important Dates

Saturday September 20: UCF vs.Thursday October 9: UCF vs.Saturday October 18: UCF vs.Saturday October 25: UCF vs.

Tailgating Guidelines and Safety Regulations

UCF is pleased to host these gatherings and welcome all of our guests to campus. We expect all fans to celebrate responsibly and adhere to the rules while on campus. Whether you’re attending your first Knights game or have been a longtime season ticket holder, there’s a lot to know about game day on campus. Protecting campus is the UCF Police Department’s top priority, so if you see activity that looks suspicious, say something. Tailgating before Knights football games is one of the most celebrated traditions at UCF. It offers a special time for reunions of family, friends and alumni. UCF Alumni and their guests are also welcome to tailgate inside UCF Fairwinds Alumni Center located on Memory Mall. All you need is a valid driver's license or ID. We expect all fans to celebrate responsibly and adhere to the following rules while on campus. Failure to abide by these rules may, among other consequences, result in removal from campus, loss of season-ticket privileges, student disciplinary action or arrest. All fans are expected to be respectful to university property and all of the fans around them. No tailgating is allowed in any parking garage or campus roadway. The unlawful possession, distribution or use of any drug or controlled substance is prohibited on the UCF campus. No tow-behind trailers longer than 10 feet are allowed in non-RV parking lots. In addition, all vehicles and other tailgating items must fit within allotted parking space. Trailer, tents, etc. Propane cooking grills are highly recommended for tailgating. If using charcoal, carefully dispose of hot coals in designated barrels. Personal tents/canopies must be 10 feet x 10 feet or smaller and are only allowed directly behind the tailgating spot being used. Sidewalks must be kept clear of tents, grills, furniture, speakers and other tailgating items at all times. Animals, except for service animals, are not allowed on campus on game day. Gemini Boulevard North between East Plaza and West Plaza drives will be closed to vehicular traffic prior to and during tailgating each game day. Memory Mall tailgaters who wish to drop off their tailgating gear in that area can do so by the barricades on either side.

Tailgating Made Easy: REVELxp

Want to tailgate without the hassle of setup and cleanup? REVELxp offers premium full-service tailgates located steps away from the stadium. Whether it's friends and family gatherings, university department outings, or corporate events, they have you covered.

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Commercial Activity Restrictions

All corporate or commercial tailgating activities, including allocation of space and provision of services is managed by UCF Sports Properties. Tent canopies/covers are considered signage/displays. Tent canopies may not display corporate logos, advertising or signage (tent canopies should be plain/generic). Violators will be told to take down or remove corporate logos. Banners and signage recognizing businesses may not be displayed, nor may promotional commercial materials be distributed without prior approval by UCF . Non-commercial messages (that is, non-profit or political messages) are subject to reasonable restrictions to protect safety and pedestrian access. Solicitation of any kind, for commercial, non-profit, political or other purposes, within UCF facilities or on UCF premises is prohibited unless specifically approved by UCF. No food sales or vendors are allowed on campus without approval of UCF Athletics and its concessionaire.

Parking Information

Baseball Lot, Softball Lot; Lots E1-E8 and Garage F (Kenneth G. for the Jacksonville State game on Thursday, August 28th, and vs. Houston (Space Game) on Friday, Nov. for the Jacksonville State game on Thursday, Aug. 28, and the Houston game on Friday, Nov.

Space Game

A fan favorite since debuting in 2017, this matchup honors UCF’s origin story as SpaceU - founded to fuel our nation’s space program and help put humans on the moon.

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