graduated. Before I retired a couple of years ago I was sitting in my office and UCF was playing a Thursday night game that week. A couple of them came in and ask if I minded if they left early on Thursday because they wanted to go to the game and tailgate. I told them no problem go enjoy the game. They responded that they weren't actually going to the game but just going to the tailgate festivities at the stadium and then going home. This is why you see a lot of empty seats at the stadium. I'm sure they will have a huge crowd for the game day folks but none will actually go to the game.==============================

I am going to chime in on all this UCF stuff since I have 2 children who graduated from there and have stayed in Orlando. My oldest began at UCF 10 years ago when yes,the tailgating was amazing(still is actually) and then everyone went home. As my second child started 3 years after him,the football team got better,all the sports programs there got better,and more and more people started going to the games. A few years ago,I decided to get season tickets since I love any type of college football and it was one more reason to go see my kids and spend time with them. They are now going on either their 3rd or 4 th sellout this season. Danny White has done such an incredible job marketing the school,the game time incentives are hands down fantastic and the stadium improvements and incentives are something that any athletic director should be looking at.

I had season tickets at UF for 16 years. Cost,travel,incentives,living in Miami with children in Orlando, caused me to drop those tickets. I was just speaking to a friend the other day who have had bull gator tickets for 30 years,no more for them.

While UF will always be #1 for me,other schools also deserve nice things and to be recognized. I am the first to tell my kids that until UCF is in a power 5 conference,nothing will happen such as playoffs,etc. that is out of their control right now. No one can take away the success these kids have had though. Nothing can take away the recognition that UCF is getting right now and rightly deserves. Danny White has put this school on the map and deserves recognition. My children received an excellent education,my daughter got a masters from there also. They both got terrific jobs in their field in a city they love while I know many UF grads struggling to find anything.

While I watch my Gators play in a stadium with 10000 empty seats,it’s hard to fault a school who is now filling their seats. If you have never been to a game there,they are fun,energetic,the tailgating in memory mall is something to be seen.

Just an opinion from a Gator(first) and Knight fan who has no problem with another school getting some recognition.

🧡💙💛🖤