Feb. 12, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Introduced prior to UCF's inaugural Conference USA game at the new UCF Arena on Jan. 12 against Tulsa, the Knightmare student section has quickly made an impact at home games. Each contest, UCF's student section, located behind the north basket at the new facility, is filled with coeds donned in matching black t-shirts.
In years past at the old UCF Arena, the Knights did not enjoy the support of a united student section, as their classmates were separated on two sides of the court.
According to UCF Athletics Association marketing assistant Jimmy Skiles, the Knightmare movement has been a success. The student section is now branded with not just the t-shirts, but with two large banners and a newsletter for all students at each home game.
Over 3,500 t-shirts have been distributed and some are still available for purchase in front of the new arena before games for $5. On Feb. 20 and Feb. 27, t-shirts will be sold at the Student Union.
UCF's players have noticed the success of the movement to give the student section a name, matching attire and an identity.
"I think it is a real big step for UCF right now," senior guard Mike Battle (Waldorf, Md./Southern Maryland Christian) said. "Coming from the last arena, we didn't have anything that exciting. I see people fighting over those shirts. Everyone is involved with it, which is real good."
The Knightmare will have its next opportunity to make an impact on Feb. 20, when the Knights host East Carolina. UCF's next game is set for Saturday in Houston against Rice.
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.
Notes: Junior guard Jermaine Taylor (Tavares, Fla./Tavares) is 13th nationally in scoring at 21.7 points per game... As a team, the Knights rank 66th in the country in field-goal percentage defense (41.2), 70th in steals per game (8.1), 74th in assists per game (15.0) and 80th in assist/turnover ratio (1.08).