Nov. 4, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Getting to practice each day could not be any more simple for sophomore forward A.J. Tyler (Palm Harbor, Fla.). Around 2:30 p.m., Tyler leaves his dormitory apartment, crosses the street in front of Knightro's cafeteria and then enters the program's practice facility.
Three minutes after leaving his room, Tyler is inside the Knights' locker room. Not a bad commute.
Members of the UCF men's basketball team reside in the Towers at Knights Plaza and live just across the street from the UCF Arena and the squad's practice facility. Everything the Knights need - training room, weight room, cafeteria, practice court, locker room, and coaches' offices - are just a short walk away.
Tyler says that the location of the facilities makes life easy for the Knights. "It is a great situation," Tyler said. "I do not know anyone in college who has a better situation as far as everything being so convenient. Everything is right in front of us. We just have to go out there and work hard and take care of our side. (UCF) has provided everything else for us."
The team's practice facility opened over the summer. Last season, the squad practiced inside the UCF Arena, but was forced to use the Education Gym on campus numerous times.
UCF used a visiting locker room inside the new arena in 2007-08, but now has its own area inside the practice facility, complete with a player lounge. With everything located in one area, being on time to scheduled events should be no problem for the Knights.
"There is no excuse," junior forward Tony Davis (Sarasota, Fla.) said. "If you cannot (be on time), you are lazy."
UCF's 2008-09 season opener is set for Nov. 16 against North Carolina A&T at home. The Knights are slated to play 16 regular season contests at the UCF Arena. Season tickets are currently available. To order your season tickets today, and to learn more about the Fastbreak Club and other premium seating opportunities, contact the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000.
On Nov. 8, fans are invited to attend the inaugural UCF Postgame Madness at the UCF Arena. The free event will begin around 7 p.m., following the conclusion of the UCF-Southern Miss football game. At the event, UCF supporters can select their season ticket seat location, get autographs from the Knights and watch the team participated in an inter-squad scrimmage.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Notes: Single-game tickets are currently available at all Ticketmaster outlets... Before opening the regular season, the Knights will play one exhibition game on Nov. 11 against Flagler at home. Admission to the game is free.