UCF's New Roth Tower: Elevating the Game Day Experience and Beyond

The University of Central Florida (UCF) is undertaking a transformative project to renovate and expand Roth Tower at FBC Mortgage Stadium. This ambitious endeavor, supported by Orange County's tourist development tax revenue, is set to significantly enhance the game day experience for fans, increase premium capacity. The project broke ground in December 2024 and is expected to be completed ahead of the 2026 UCF football season.

A Vision Unveiled: The Genesis of the Roth Tower Project

The vision for the new Roth Tower was unveiled in the Mission XII Initiative. Following this, UCF presented its plans to the Orange County Tourist Development Council and County Commissioners. In October 2023, UCF received approval from Orange County for $90 million in TDT funding for the Roth Tower Expansion. By Spring 2024, UCF Athletics secured approval from the UCF Board of Trustees to move forward with the funding plan and tower development project. The Florida Board of Governors then approved the Tower project and funding plan in June 2024.

Groundbreaking and Construction Milestones

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Roth Tower took place in December 2024, marking the official commencement of the project. In August 2025, UCF held a topping off ceremony as the final steel beam was raised atop the exterior structure of the new tower. The original structure remained in place for the 2025 football season. UCF played its final game of the 2025 season in late November.

Enhancing the Game Day Experience

The primary goal of the Roth Tower expansion is to elevate the game day experience for UCF fans. As UCF Athletic Director Terry Mohajir stated, "You have to provide really awesome premium products for people to experience college football live." The new tower will offer a range of premium amenities and experiences, catering to a diverse audience and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the stadium.

Key Features and Enhancements

The Roth Tower expansion boasts several impressive features and enhancements, including:

Increased Club Space: A 256% increase in square footage of useable club space, expanding from 4,400 SF to 15,650 SF. This provides ample room for fans to socialize and enjoy the game in a comfortable and spacious environment. Of this, 11,000 sq ft will be conditioned space.
More Club Seats: A 42% increase in the number of club seats, offering more fans the opportunity to enjoy premium seating options.
Luxury Suites: The addition of 28 luxury suites, providing an exclusive and upscale game day experience for individuals and groups.
Outdoor Sky Suites: The creation of 34 new outdoor sky suites, offering a unique and open-air viewing experience.

Community Impact and Economic Benefits

The Roth Tower expansion is not only beneficial for UCF and its fans but also for the surrounding community. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings emphasized that the project is a worthwhile investment, stating, "There's no question these dollars are well spent. UCF will be bringing in tourists into our community." The new tower is expected to attract more visitors and events to the area, generating economic benefits for local businesses and the tourism industry.

Phased Construction Approach

The construction of the Roth Tower expansion is being carried out in phases to minimize disruption to ongoing operations. During the first year of construction, the focus is on the North and South expansions while keeping the existing stadium tower operational for the 2025 football season. At the conclusion of the 2025 season, the existing tower will cease operations to complete the remaining structure and interior buildout.

Navigating Gameday Logistics

Barton Malow is no stranger to working on active campuses and navigating gameday logistics, with deep experience on projects like Camping World Stadium, Daytona International Speedway, and Vanderbilt University. In Fall of 2025, work will begin on the North and South expansion structure and roof, taking shape around the existing tower while the existing tower and club remain operational.

Premium Amenities and Services

The Roth Tower will offer a wide array of premium amenities and services to enhance the game day experience, including:

All-inclusive premium food and non-alcoholic beverages: Fans can enjoy a variety of complimentary food and beverage options, making their game day experience more convenient and enjoyable.
Upscale cash bars: Access to upscale cash bars with premium mixologists and multiple televisions, providing a sophisticated and entertaining atmosphere.
Conditioned private suites: Private suites for 22 people, offering a customizable and exclusive space for groups to enjoy the game.
Customizable upscale food menu: The option to pre-order limited menu items and customize the food selection in private suites.
Pre-stocked beverages: The option to have alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages pre-stocked in suites for added convenience.
Complementary snacks and treats: A variety of complimentary snacks and treats, including Coca-Cola products, ice, snack mixes, fruit trays, veggie trays, mobile candy carts, mobile dessert/ice cream carts, and cocktail carts.
Year-round programming: Premium seat purchase includes access to year-round programming in the Roth Tower, extending the benefits beyond game days.
Parking included for Suites

The Hagel Gateway and Promenade

The Hagel Gateway will lead from the new premium parking area past the future Taylor A. The Promenade which will lead fans from the entrance of the Hagle Football Gateway past the future Taylor A.

Project Timeline

The Roth Tower project follows a well-defined timeline to ensure timely completion:

Spring 2023: Tower vision unveiled in Mission XII Initiative
Summer 2023: UCF presentations to Orange County Tourist Development Council and County Commissioners
October 2023: UCF receives approval from Orange County for $90M in TDT funding for the Roth Tower Expansion
Spring 2024: UCF Athletics receives UCF Board of Trustees approval to move forward with funding plan and tower development project
June 2024: Florida Board of Governors approved Tower project and funding plan
December 2024: UCF holds groundbreaking ceremony for the new Roth Tower.
August 2025: UCF holds topping off ceremony as the final steel beam was raised atop the exterior structure of the new tower. The original structure remained in place for the 2025 football season.
November 2025: UCF plays its final game of the 2025 season in late November.

The scope includes partial demolition, expansion and rebuilding the a new tower in its place with an overall construction duration of 20 months, from December 2024 - July 2026.

Barton Malow's Role

Barton Malow is serving as the construction manager for the Roth Tower expansion project. With over 100 years of experience in the construction industry, Barton Malow has a proven track record of delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget. The company's expertise in stadium construction and renovation makes it an ideal partner for UCF in this ambitious endeavor.

Read also: A Storied Legacy: Stanford Stadium

tags: #ucf #new #football #stadium #plans