Sept. 13, 2007
One lucky season ticket holder for the upcoming 2007-08 men's basketball campaign will get to drive home from the new UCF Arena in a brand new Mazda CX-9, courtesy of Classic Mazda, the presenting sponsor of this year's season ticket drive. UCF basketball fans that purchase two season tickets for this year's inaugural schedule at the new UCF Arena will be entered into a drawing to win the Mazda CX-9.
The winner of the CX-9 will be selected and announced on Nov. 24 during the UCF-UTEP football game at Bright House Networks Stadium. The vehicle will be on display at all UCF football home games and at Classic Mazda, which is located on 2075 North Semoran Boulevard in Orlando.
A full-size crossover SUV, the CX-9 has room for seven passengers.
The Knights are slated to play 16 regular-season contests at the new 10,000-seat facility this year, including their season opener versus national power Nevada on Nov. 11. In addition to the Wolf Pack, Connecticut and Ole Miss will also visit Orlando to meet the Knights. In Conference USA play, UCF will host eight teams, including Houston, UAB and UTEP.
A year ago, UCF won 22 games and finished second in C-USA. Head coach Kirk Speraw was named the league's coach of the year, joining an elite list of coaches, including John Calipari and Rick Pitino who have won the award.
"With the Knights coming off of a great season last year and moving into the new arena, we wanted to do a unique promotion," said assistant athletics director for sports marketing and promotions Jason Horn. "The UCF Athletics Association has partnered with Classic Mazda to create an exciting opportunity for fans."
The new UCF Arena features several top amenities, including a state-of-the-art scoreboard and sound system and numerous concession options.
Dating back to the start of the 2002-03 campaign, the Knights have won 106 games, a mark that ranks 31st nationally and second among all programs in the state of Florida. The Knights return three starters and nine letterwinners from last year's team.
Season tickets for the Knights' first season at the new UCF Arena are currently available and can be purchased by calling 407-UCF-1000. For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out www.ucfphotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.