The UCF Student Government Association and UCF Athletics are partnering up to present Friday Knight Lights, UCF’s new annual football season kickoff party. The event, which is open to all UCF students, alumni and fans in the community for the first time, will be held Sept. 2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bright House Networks Stadium. Friday Knight Lights is the first SGA-sponsored event to be held in the stadium since its construction in 2007.
“SGA appreciates all the support from UCF Athletics throughout the planning process,” said SGA Athletics and Traditions Coordinator Arielle Bardzell. “We are happy to have the opportunity to partner with them on a brand new event that will build school spirit, create excitement for the new season and showcase the success our football team has had in previous seasons.”
During the event, SGA will be handing out free promotional materials, as well as food catered by Wackadoo’s Grub and Brew. Students will also have a chance to win game day parking passes and season tickets for the 2011 football season. The UCF football team, Coach George O’Leary, representatives from UCF Athletics, the UCF Spirit Squad and KnightMoves are expected to be in attendance, as well.
Friday Knight Lights is replacing Freshman Frenzy, a pep rally designed to teach freshmen about UCF football games and traditions, such as Zombie Nation and the fight song. With the institution of Friday Knight Lights, all students will now be able to attend UCF’s annual football season kickoff party and freshmen will have the opportunity to earn 1,500 LINK Loot points. Friday Knight Lights, which will be held before each year’s opening football game, is the first in a long line of new traditions SGA plans to institute this year.
“SGA is very excited to implement new athletics traditions at UCF, from Friday Knight Lights to tailgating on Memory Mall during away games,” said SGA Director of Campus Life Chris Pombonyo. “Our goal is to continue to build on the students’ school spirit and UCF’s long-standing traditions so that these new traditions will last for years to come.”
The Student Government Association is a representative body modeled after the United States government. Through the three branches, executive, legislative and judicial, the Student Government Association represents student issues and concerns at all levels of University decision-making. In addition, the Student Government Association is constantly creating new services and initiatives aiming to make campus life better for all UCF Knights.