Central Florida imagineda great university.Then it built one.
In just over 60 years, UCF has grown into one of the nation’s largest universities, a major research institution, a member of the Big 12 Conference, and an $8.1 billion economic anchor for this region.
We began without centuries of inherited wealth or generations of facilities and donors behind us.
What we did have was a community with a bold vision for what could be.
That same spirit inspires us to dare to build what’s next.
More Thana Visit
Every year, thousands of students and families come to UCF for Orientation, Commencement, athletics events, performances, conferences, and other university traditions. They stay in Orange County hotels. They visit local restaurants and attractions. They experience the very best of this community.
At UCF,
- A campus tourbecomesa life-changing degree
- A gamebecomesa tradition
- A graduation ceremonybecomesa family milestone
- A first visitbecomesa lifelong connection
Commencement, families, arrivalPortrait crop. Source: UCF Photo Library / Commencement 2026.
Tourism investment gives people a reason to visit.UCF gives them an experience to remember and a reason to return.
Meet the families
UCF is one of Central Florida’s greatest homegrown success stories.
With continued partnership, we can build a more complete year-round athletics destination that brings people together, attracts visitors, and creates lasting value for Orange County.
Don’t just take our word for it.
UCF, Orlando, and Orange County have quickly become the must-visit road trip destination in the Big 12. When schedules are released, fans from across the conference are already circling their trip to Orlando to cheer on their team — and enjoy everything our destination has to offer.
Economic Impact
Powering CentralFlorida’s Economy
UCF supports Central Florida’s tourism economy from both sides. We prepare the people who lead and sustain the industry. We also generate business for the hotels, restaurants, attractions, and event venues that employ them.
We Develop the People
Through Rosen College of Hospitality Management, UCF prepares hospitality leaders for one of the world’s most important tourism economies. More than 78% of these graduates remain in Central Florida, strengthening the hotels, attractions, events, and destination organizations that serve millions of visitors each year.
Universal Destinations & Experiences’ recent $10 million investment in Rosen College reflects how directly the industry sees UCF connected to its future.
UDX at Rosen CollegeGift announcement or students in the teaching hotel.
We Generate the Business
UCF’s conferences, ceremonies, recruiting visits, athletics and university events bring people into local hotels, restaurants and venues throughout the year.
- More than1,170attendees at UCF’s 2026 Teaching and Learning with AI conference at Gaylord Palms
- More than830attendees at the 2026 College of Business Hall of Fame at Rosen Shingle Creek
- More than500events and 20,000 group room nights at The Celeste over the past 18 months
- More than$7.4 millionin university business spending in Orange County since 2023
The Kenneth G. DixonAthletics Village
The Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village is a long-term vision to create a more complete, competitive, and connected destination at UCF – one that serves student-athletes, attracts visitors, strengthens the fan experience, and creates new opportunities for Orange County.
Athletics Village — aerialDusk aerial or master-plan rendering.
With support from $90 million in TDT investment, UCF is set to open the new Roth Tower at Acrisure Bounce House, the first major step in transforming the Athletics Village and the first project from the 2023 TDT funding cycle to break ground and open.
Now, UCF is seeking to build on that momentum with the next set of projects that would help complete the village and expand what it can become.
The next projects
Concept — rendering to follow
Stadium Technology
Elevating the Acrisure Bounce House Experience
Acrisure Bounce House is UCF’s most visible destination. The next phase of investment would modernize the event and technology infrastructure needed to support a Power Conference venue and expand what the stadium can host.
Project Highlights
- Modernized video and LED systems
- Upgraded broadcast infrastructure
- Power and fiber improvements
- Regional production asset
- Improved fan and visitor experience
Total Cost$51,135,000
Concept — rendering to follow
Soccer & Track Complex
A New Home for Soccer and Track & Field
UCF’s current soccer and track facilities are active but limited. A new purpose-built complex would create a stronger home for competition while giving UCF and Orange County venues designed for a broader range of events and experiences.
Project Highlights
- New soccer stadium
- New competition track
- Improved seating and visitor experience
- Greater versatility for dynamic year-round use
Total Cost$43,624,399
Concept — rendering to follow
Softball Stadium
A Stage for Softball’s Rise
Softball is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing areas of collegiate sports, and UCF’s program deserves a venue that matches that momentum. A new stadium would be designed to enhance the game-day atmosphere, support larger events, and create a stronger experience for student-athletes, fans, and future visitors.
Project Highlights
- Expand seating capacity from 600 to 2,500+
- Championship-caliber competition environment
- More flexible hosting capacity
- Venue designed to match the growth of the sport
Total Cost$24,255,558
What Comes Next
What We Build Here Reaches Far Beyond UCF
UCF has always had to move faster, think differently, and make the most of every opportunity.
We refuse to see our youth as a limitation – it is permission to imagine more.
To challenge convention.
To build with purpose.
And to create an institution worthy of the people and possibilities of Central Florida.
The UCF Story has always been about what we are bold enough to build next.