Do you have a top-notch tailgate on UCF’s Memory Mall?

If your friends marvel at your game-day setup, you could be declared champion. Every home football game, a student whose tailgate on Memory Mall rises above the rest will be named Tailgater of the Week.

It’s more than just a title. The Tailgater of the Week is awarded a full UCF-themed setup that includes a UCF tent, two UCF chairs and a table – all of which they get to keep. They’ll also receive a reserved space on the mall for the next home game, and when they arrive they’ll find it already set up with their new gear.

The competition is part of the new Knights on the Mall reservation system, which allows students and alumni to go online and reserve prime tailgating spots on Memory Mall. The contest is a way to reward the Knights’ most enthusiastic and dedicated fans.

Game-day representatives will be on the lookout for tailgaters with over-the-top setups, unique decorations and fun, positive attitudes.

The first winner was 21-year-old Philip Axsom, who reserved a spot on the mall before UCF’s first home game for the organization he belongs to, Campus Crusade for Christ. Some of the estimated 40 tailgaters had their faces painted, and a hand-painted banner emblazoned with Knightro and “Charge On!” prompted passersby to stop for photos.

The group also handed out water and food – including about 200 hotdogs –to fellow fans.

Axsom, a senior majoring in industrial engineering, was shocked when he heard his group had won.

“When they came over to tell us I thought we were getting in trouble for something, and then they said I was Tailgater of the Week,” Axsom said. “I didn’t even know that was a thing.”

As you prepare for Saturday’s game against Furman University, here are some details to keep in mind:

  • Overnight parking is permitted in garages A, B and I, the Libra Garage and lots B5-6, B9, B12 and H4. But in Gold Zone parking areas, all vehicles without a valid game day permit will be subject to towing beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday. Overnight parking is also prohibited on East Plaza Drive. Those with a game day parking permit may remain parked in their designated football Gold Zone area as long as their game day permit is displayed.
  • Tailgating activities on most of the campus will begin at noon. All spaces on Memory Mall are now reserved, with most of the spaces allocated for students. Only spots on Memory Mall must be reserved. All other spots remain available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Some students and alumni who reserved spots may cancel their reservations in advance or may not show up on game day. Canceled spots will become available on a first-come, first-served basis for students and alumni starting at noon Saturday, and spaces that are no shows will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 3 p.m. Saturday.
  • The Student Government Association’s expanded entertainment options on Memory Mall, including food trucks and live bands, are open to all fans.
  • As a reminder, we will continue to offer $20 cash parking in Garage H on game days, which will be available to all fans. Since 2011, we have raised more than $200,000 for first-generation scholarships through Garage H proceeds.

    • Reservations open at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, for Memory Mall tailgating spots for UCF’s third home game, against the University of Connecticut on Oct. 10.

    Students and their families should check out several Family Weekend events on Saturday, including open houses for Multicultural Academic & Support Services and Career Services and a College Showcase. Visit http://fye.sdes.ucf.edu/familyweekend/schedule for a full list of weekend activities.

    Visit www.UCFGameDay.com for more information about game day policies.