ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – UCF's American Athletic Conference matchup with Memphis will be played Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Spectrum Stadium. The university has cancelled classes and closed most UCF facilities from Friday through Monday.
The UCF women's soccer game vs. LSU Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. is still being played, as well.
With many changes to normal procedures, due to the late change to the football game, UCF officials are encouraging patience. There may be inconveniences associated with preparing for a storm and moving the game up a full day on short notice.
"I know we have a lot of fans and supporters excited about this season. I'm certainly excited about this season," UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Danny White said. "But we're asking folks to bear with us a bit and understand the circumstances (for this game). I just ask our fans to please be patient with us."
UCFKnights.com has prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions for Friday's game.
Why Friday at 6:30 p.m.?
Moving the game to Friday at 6:30 p.m. allowed for the game to be played, while being cognizant of a number of factors, with safety always being the number-one priority.
- Travel considerations for Memphis. Playing as early as possible on Friday should help assure that Memphis' student-athletes and staff making the trip to Orlando will have ample time to get home before their travel is impacted by the storm.
- Playing the game as early as possible allows the law enforcement officers and first responders who will be working at the game to have plenty of time for pre-storm preparations.
- It also allows fans attending the game time for pre-storm preparations.
- The stadium and many areas on campus will need to be secured following the game and prior to the storm's arrival.
Why won't there be tailgating?
First responders throughout Central Florida will be preparing for this strong storm. Therefore, the law enforcement resources needed to staff tailgating areas are unavailable. In addition, the decision to move the game was made prior to the decision to cancel classes and close campus.
What Time Can I arrive on campus?
All parking lots and Spectrum Stadium gates will open at 5 p.m. Friday. With campus being closed to other activities, this should allow fans plenty of time to park and make their way to Spectrum Stadium.
Will off-campus shuttles be operating?
Gameday off-campus shuttles routes 1 thru 15 will begin at 5 p.m., while the ADA shuttles will begin at 4:30 p.m. The Rosen shuttles will operate according to schedule: 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Rosen departure with 11 p.m. departure from campus back to Rosen. The Park and Ride shuttle will not be operating on Friday.
Can I bring umbrellas?
No. Umbrella are on the list of prohibited items (http://www.ucfknights.com/sports/2016/6/13/brighthouse-fan-guide-html.aspx?id=803) that are not allowed inside Spectrum Stadium. We encourage fans concerned about rain to wear ponchos or other water-retardant outerwear.
What do I do if I bought a single-game ticket and I can't attend on Friday?
UCF Athletics is offering all holders of single-game tickets the option to exchange their ticket to the Memphis game for a ticket to the Homecoming game vs. East Carolina on Oct. 14. Please call 407.823.1000 prior to Oct. 12 to exchange your ticket.
Will there be pregame activities?
The UCF Tailgate Concert Series presented by Pacifico will be canceled for this game. There will be no Knight Walk or March to Victory for this game, either. IOA Plaza will be open, but activities and vendors may be limited.
Is the game on television or radio?
Yes. ESPNU will broadcast the game at 6:30 p.m. Friday night. The game will also be heard on 96.9FM and AM740 The Game and on the iHeart Radio app.
Will there be Family Weekend activities?
All Family Weekend activities have been cancelled, and refunds for special events will be automatically issued. More information will be shared soon at http://fye.sdes.ucf.edu/familyweekend
Will there still be normal traffic patterns?
Yes, for both pregame and postgame traffic.