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A Great Knight for Football

Official Review by Jason Clary, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

Bright House Networks Stadium is the home of the University of Central Florida Knights. The Knights, a team on the rise, are in the mix this season to win a conference title in Conference-USA. Every year the Knights' fan base continues to grow, as UCF has a student body of over 50,000. The Knights have already been brought up in talks with the Big East Conference expansion, which would help this huge school gain national exposure. Every football game at Bright House Networks Stadium is better than the last.

Food & Beverage    3

Bright House Networks Stadium has its fair assortment of food, from pizza, to pork chops still on the bone, to Italian ice. While there are no food items that have become a stapled tradition at UCF, there are items that will satisfy, no matter the situation. There are also beverage carts around the stadium, along with water fountains.

Bright House Networks Stadium has one main concourse, on ground level, which features 11 permanent concession stands, along with many portable carts situated around the stadium.

Prices are a little below average compared to other schools, however, it would be in any fan's best interest to fill up on food and drink during the pre-game tailgate.

Atmosphere    4

For a school that is still on the rise, the Knights have a ton of support from its current student body and recent alumni. The student section, which is on the south side of the stadium, is always full with raucous fans.

It has become a popular tradition for the entire stadium to "bounce" to the song Zombie Nation. As seen in the clip, the entire stadium shakes. Don't worry though, the stadium has been deemed structurally sound several seasons ago when there was concern over the activity.

Another tradition is tailgating at Memory Mall, which is a huge grass strip that sits before the UCF Arena and Bright House Networks Stadium. Growing increasingly popular, Memory Mall fills up many hours before kickoff, so if you attend a UCF game, get there very early- at least 3-4 hours. UCF also has a wet campus, so you can drink alcohol on campus, if you are of age.

Overall, it is a great atmosphere that promises to only get better as time goes on.

Neighborhood    5

UCF has one of the most beautiful and modern campuses of any school in the nation. Everything is very well kept, and you can literally find anything either on campus or in the areas surrounding campus.

UCF sits right around three major roads - University Boulevard, Alafaya Trail, and East Colonial (Route 50). On these roads you can find anything ranging from restaurants, grocery stores, and anything else imaginable.

If you choose to go to tailgate many hours before the game, there are stores right by the UCF Arena
and Bright House Networks Stadium, as well as a restaurant and sports bar called Tailgaters. Tailgaters has an extensive menu, along with a great gameday atmosphere, and many choices of beer and liquor. The Tailgaters website has everything you need to know about the menu and upcoming events.

Fans    5

UCF hosts a group of fans that are passionate and energetic, yet respectful to opposing teams and
others around them. Students that attend the game have no problem losing their voice cheering for
their team, while alumni and other fans add to the noise.

Fans of the opposing team have a section opposite from the student section where they can sit as a
group. It is also a great place to bring the family and young children, as it is appropriate for all ages.

Don't worry about coming alone either; you will quickly make friends with the person sitting next to you, as this stadium has an incredibly positive energy to it.

Access    4

While campus does get hectic on gamedays, there are always places to park either on campus or in
areas surrounding campus. UCF has quite a few garages on campus, as well as areas to park in lots
around campus.

This next information is top secret - On the North side of campus, on McCulloch road, a church gives
out free waters and hot dogs. Just a little inside info to help you enjoy your time at UCF a little more!

Return on Investment    4

UCF tickets are very affordable. While it may not be your first team to see in Florida, it is definitely an enjoyable experience. Central Florida will continue to grow nationally, and it may only be a matter of time until this is the stadium to see in Florida.

Extras    4

This stadium is the best kept secret for football. Overall, it is a great place to be. Whether you are
tailgating, at a local bar or restaurant, or in stands, you will be having a great time. Do yourself a favor and attend a game at Bright House Networks Stadium this year.

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