UCF Athletics Update from Danny White

We appreciate your support of UCF Athletics through these uncertain times. We are now moving forward with our 2020 football season, though our schedule looks different than we had planned. We need all of Knight Nation to be in this together with us, whether in person at the Bounce House or from a distance.

I am excited about the possibilities of playing football, but also disheartened for our team and fans that it will be done with a smaller number of spectators in attendance. In addition, many of the game day traditions we have built will have to be put on hold this season in order to protect the health of our fans.

Like many educational institutions and businesses, UCF Athletics is navigating a grim financial challenge as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While our fiscal situation is unlike anything we have experienced, our mission remains unchanged: to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University.

We continue to work with state, local and University health officials on safety measures for our home football games. We're currently approved for 25% occupancy in the Bounce House for the first home game on Oct. 3, though we hope we can host more at some point during the season. This reduction will significantly impact our revenues this year. We will also incur additional expenses as we implement those safety measures to welcome Knight Nation back to our facilities for what promises to be a very exciting 2020 football season. Additionally, we are experiencing significant costs related to protecting the health and well-being of our student-athletes and staff as they return to campus with COVID-19 protocols in place. Here are our likely financial impacts related to the pandemic:

• Projected $10-$14 million loss due to reduced number of football home games and limited stadium capacity
• Projected $2 million loss due to additional COVID-19-related expenses

To help mitigate the revenue shortfall and cover the costs of COVID-related safety realities, our athletics department has created a new fundraising campaign and implemented cost-saving measures to reduce our expenditures for this fiscal year. Some of these include:

• Introducing the Keep Charging On Fund initiative with a goal of $2 million in unrestricted giving; thus far, our coaches and staff have committed more than $900,000, while alumni, fans and friends have committed more than $100,000
• Eliminating approximately $1.6 million (or a 10% reduction in controllable expenses) within administrative and sport budgets compared to last year; these budgets were prepared with the assumption that full seasons would be played in all sports--however additional reductions will be necessary as decisions are made regarding competition
• Delaying construction projects of approximately $4.5 million 
• Adopting a hiring freeze for unfilled positions

These measures address only a portion of the projected shortfall. While we remain focused upon delivering a world-class experience for our student-athletes and a top-25 athletics program, these financial circumstances present significant challenges to the momentum we have built together over the last four years.

Tomorrow afternoon, we will provide more information regarding tickets for the 2020 football season. Due to the reduced capacity of our stadium to start the season, we will sell tickets on a single-game basis. Season-ticket holders will have multiple options for this season. Knight Nation has played a huge role in building our momentum over the years, and I ask you to consider a tax-deductible donation to our Keep Charging On Fund when you receive your ticket information. If you simply wish to make a donation above and beyond your tickets, please CLICK HERE.

Regardless of your decision with your season-ticket payments, please know that we are so thankful for your continued support. I look forward to the day we can see you cheering on our student-athletes in person once again

Stay safe, Go Knights and Keep Charging On!

Danny White
UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics