Spectrum Stadium, home of the UCF Knights football team, has specific opening times on game days to allow fans to enter the stadium before kickoff. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of when Spectrum Stadium opens on game days for fans.
Overview
On game days, Spectrum Stadium opens to fans 4 hours prior to kickoff. This allows fans time to enter the stadium, find their seats, visit concessions and merchandise stands, and be ready for pre-game activities like the Knight Walk and warmups.
For a standard 7:30pm kickoff, Spectrum Stadium’s gates would open at 3:30pm. For a noon kickoff, gates would open at 8am. Kickoff times can vary based on television schedules and other factors, so the opening time shifts accordingly to maintain the 4 hour window.
Parking lots for Spectrum Stadium generally open 6 hours prior to kickoff. This gives fans time to park, tailgate, and still enter the stadium within the 4 hour pre-game window.
Game Day Timeline
A typical timeline on UCF game days at Spectrum Stadium is:
- 6 hours before kickoff – Parking lots open for tailgating.
- 4 hours before kickoff – Spectrum Stadium gates open to fans.
- 3.5 hours before kickoff – UCF Marching Knights perform on the plaza.
- 3 hours before kickoff – Players arrive for Knight Walk through the fans.
- 2.5 hours before kickoff – Knight Walk ends and teams return to facilities.
- 2 hours before kickoff – Players begin warmups on the field.
- 1.5 hours before kickoff – Warmups end, field cleared.
- 1 hour before kickoff – Pregame ceremonies and player introductions.
- Kickoff – Game starts.
This timeline will shift slightly for noon games or other non-standard kickoff times, but in general follows this schedule to build excitement and allow fans to experience all the Gameday atmosphere and traditions.
Early Entrance Opportunities
While standard gate opening is 4 hours pre-kickoff, there are some opportunities for fans to enter Spectrum Stadium even earlier on game days:
Club and Suite Holders
Fans with club seats or suites at Spectrum Stadium are granted early entrance, typically 5-6 hours before kickoff. This allows them early access to premium concessions and amenities before regular gates open.
Student Entrance
The student entrance typically opens 2 hours before standard gates, allowing UCF students early access for the best opportunities to get front row seats in the student section.
Pegasus Walk
A limited number of fans can line up along the Pegasus Walk path used by the team to enter Spectrum Stadium 3 hours pre-game. Fans with Pegasus Walk access are let in early to line the path and cheer on players as they march into the stadium.
Factors Impacting Opening Time
While the standard Spectrum Stadium gate opening is 4 hours before kickoff, there are some factors that can impact when fans can actually enter:
TV Broadcasts
For games being televised nationally, particularly on major networks like ESPN, kickoff time may get shifted from the original schedule. This impacts when gates can open. If a 7:30pm game gets moved to 8pm, gates would open at 4pm instead of 3:30pm.
Weeknight Games
For Thursday or Friday night games, Spectrum Stadium may open 60-90 minutes earlier than the typical 4 hour pre-game timeline since many fans are arriving straight from work.
Fan Events
Special fan events like concerts, team walkthroughs, or lettermen events may delay standard gate opening 1-2 hours since the stadium needs to clear from the previous event setup before opening for game day.
Weather Delays
Severe weather like lightning or tornado warnings can delay gate opening for safety reasons. If a delay occurs, stadium staff will work to open gates at the earliest opportunity once it is safe for fans to enter.
Entry Gates
Spectrum Stadium has multiple entrance gates fans can use for entry on game days. Knowing the gate closest to your seating section can save time going through security and getting into the stadium.
West Plaza
Gates 1, 2, and 3 are located on the west plaza near Church Street. These gates are closest to seating in the lower west stands.
Southwest Gates
Gates 4 and 5 provide entry near the southwest corner, optimal for fans sitting in upper decks on the west/southwest sides.
Southeast Gates
Gates 6 and 7 are located near the southeast corner of Spectrum Stadium, convenient for upper east stands.
Northeast Gates
Gates 8 and 9 are on the northeast side, providing entrance for lower east side seating sections.
Student Entrance
Gate 10 is the student entrance, granting access to the student section in the lower east stands.
Club/Suite Entrances
Gates 11-15 provide private entry for fans with club seats or suites on the west sideline or in the south end zone.
Gate Number | Location | Seating Sections Served |
---|---|---|
1-3 | West Plaza | Lower 100s on West Side |
4-5 | Southwest Corner | Upper 200s/300s West and South Sides |
6-7 | Southeast Corner | Upper 200s/300s East Side |
8-9 | Northeast Corner | Lower 100s East Side |
10 | Student Entrance | Student Section |
11-15 | West Sideline/South End Zone | Suites and Clubs |
Parking Information
Knowing parking information for Spectrum Stadium can save fans time on game day. Here are some key details on stadium parking:
On Campus Parking
Limited free parking for Spectrum Stadium is available in Garage A, Garage B, Garage C, Garage H, and Lot T-600 near the arena. These fill up early on game days so arrive early.
Off Campus Parking
Paid parking for Spectrum Stadium is available in surrounding lots and garages near the UCF campus. Prices range from $10-30 depending on distance/demand.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking spaces are available around Spectrum Stadium in Lots E1, E2, E3, F, and S6. Permits and valid ID are required.
RV/Overnight Parking
RV parking is allowed without a permit in Lot T-500 and parts of Lots U and V. Tailgating is permitted the night before home games.
Ride Share
For Lyft/Uber, use the drop-off zone at Gemini Blvd N near Entrance 3 to be closest to stadium gates.
Shuttles
Free game day shuttles run from campus lots to Spectrum Stadium. The Black-Gold Line starts 3 hours before kickoff.
Parking Type | Location | Cost |
---|---|---|
On Campus | Garages A, B, C, H and Lot T-600 | Free |
Off Campus | Nearby lots/garages | $10-30 |
Accessible | Lots E1, E2, E3, F, S6 | Permit required |
RV/Overnight | Lots T-500, U, V | No permit needed |
Ride Share | Gemini Blvd N | Variable |
Shuttles | On campus lots | Free |
Entering With Bags
Spectrum Stadium has a Clear Bag Policy to speed entry and enhance security. Bags permitted into the stadium:
- Clear plastic bags 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or less
- Small clutch purses not exceeding 4.5” x 6.5”
- One gallon clear plastic freezer bags
- Medically necessary items after inspection
Prohibited bags that will slow entry:
- Backpacks
- Printed pattern plastic bags
- Purses/bags larger than 4.5” x 6.5”
- Seat cushions with pockets
- Luggage or duffel bags
- Computer bags
- Camera bags
- Binocular cases
Knowing the Clear Bag Policy ahead of time helps fans enter quickly. Banned bags can be returned to vehicles to speed up gate entry.
Going Through Security
All fans entering Spectrum Stadium are subject to a security screening including:
- Walk-through metal detectors
- Pat-downs as needed for alarms
- Bag inspections adhering to Clear Bag Policy
- Prohibited items being confiscated/discarded
To get through security quickly:
- Have permitted bag ready for inspection
- Empty pockets of loose items before metal detectors
- Arrive early to spread out congestion
- Follow all instructions from security personnel
Adhering to all stadium policies and cooperating with security allows fast processing into Spectrum Stadium on game day.
Navigating Inside
Once inside Spectrum Stadium, fans should locate their seating section, row, and seat number. Helpful tips:
- Enter the gate number closest to your seats
- Lower level seats are sections 101-128
- Club level seats are sections 201-239
- Upper level seats are 301-339
- Find section signs or ask staff for wayfinding help
- Arrive when gates open to navigate easily when less crowded
Ushers can also provide help finding seats if needed. Locating seats quickly allows fans to relax and enjoy the gameday experience.
Re-Entry Policies
Spectrum Stadium has a strict no re-entry policy – fans who exit the stadium are not allowed back inside. Exceptions:
- Medical emergencies
- Children participating in on-field events
Fans must have their ticket scanned when exiting and will not be able to scan back in. Be sure to have everything needed before entering the stadium gates.
Conclusion
Knowing key details about Spectrum Stadium’s opening time, entry gates, parking, security procedures, and re-entry policy helps UCF Knights fans have the best experience on game day. Arriving early when parking lots and gates open, having proper bags, and cooperating with security keeps the entrance process smooth. Finding seats quickly and having necessities ready allows fans to soak in the college football atmosphere. Go Knights!