Sept. 14, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - For UCF's players, coaches and fans, the wait is finally over. On Saturday, when the Knights step onto the field at Bright House Networks Stadium against sixth-ranked Texas, it will mark the first contest at the 45,323-seat stadium.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. The contest will also serve as the first game on the UCF campus. The Knights spent their previous 28 years at the Florida Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando.
"I think that it is going to be a great home field advantage," said UCF head coach George O'Leary. "If the fan base gets involved, the noise factor will be a major thing to contend with if you are a visiting team. I do think that it will be loud."
The Knights (1-0) have not played since Sept. 1 when they opened the 2007 campaign with a 25-23 victory at NC State. Texas is 2-0 and defeated No. 22 TCU, 34-13, at home a week ago. The teams will be meeting for the first time on the gridiron.
The Longhorns will be the highest-ranked team to face the Knights in Orlando.
UCF junior tailback Kevin Smith paces the nation in yards per game. He rushed for 217 yards and two scores in the NC State game.
The inaugural contest at Bright House Networks Stadium will be televised live nationally on ESPN2. Bob Wischusen will have the call and David Norrie will serve as the color analyst. Jeannine Edwards will be the sideline reporter.
In the Sunshine State, the contest can be heard on the UCF-ISP Sports Network and its flagship station, WQTM 740-AM in Orlando. Network affiliates include WMMV 1350-AM (Cocoa), WDCF 1350-AM (Dade City), WORD 1340-AM (Daytona Beach), WMMB 1240-AM (Melbourne), WLVJ 1040-AM/WKAT 1360-AM (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, South Palm Beach County), WPSL 1590-AM (Treasure Coast, North Palm Beach County) and WZHR-1400-AM (Zephyrhills).
Marc Daniels will provide the play-by-play, Gary Parris will have the analysis and Jerry O'Neill will man the sidelines for the UCF broadcast. Scott Adams is the studio host.
Live statistics and audio can be found at www.ucfathletics.com.
For information about the stadium and parking, visit www.ucfgameday.com.
No tickets are available for Saturday's game. Tickets for UCF's five other contests this season at home can be purchased by calling 407-UCF-1000.
UCF fans will be able to commemorate the Knights' inaugural game at Bright House Networks Stadium by purchasing a limited edition panoramic photograph from www.ucfphotos.com. The exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pics, www.ucfphotos.com, is offering special 12x36 prints of the stadium during the Knights' game with the Longhorns.
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 pics.