Thursday morning marked a historic occasion at UCF with the official groundbreaking of the new Roth Tower at FBC Mortgage Stadium. This transformative project is a beacon of ambition, innovation, and teamwork, poised to elevate UCF Athletics and enrich the greater Orlando community.

The Roth Tower, made possible by a $90 million commitment of Tourist Development Tax revenues from the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, represents a pivotal addition to the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village, strengthening Orange County as a premier destination for sports tourism and community engagement.

Once complete for the 2026 football season, the four-level facility will redefine the fan experience with premium amenities, including expanded club spaces, luxury suites, Sky Suites, shaded seating, and all-inclusive food and beverage options. Its design also ensures minimal disruption during construction, with key phases strategically planned to maintain fan convenience.

“Orange County’s investment in UCF as a host for major intercollegiate competitions enhances our community’s visibility nationwide and boosts the economic vitality that sports tourism brings to our area,” says Mayor Jerry Demings. “This facility will also strengthen our community’s national reputation for hospitality and expand the Orlando/Orange County brand throughout the world, which even in the U.S. stretches from east coast to west coast, you are helping to solidify our prominence.”

Beyond game days, the Roth Tower will become a hub for community and social events, offering year-round programming such as executive leadership gatherings, rocket launch viewings, and exclusive concerts and events. Premium seat holders will enjoy additional perks like discounted rentals and access to upscale dining and networking opportunities.

“We’ve come a long way from our humble beginnings, claiming national attention with our undefeated 2017 season and now competing as the youngest university in a Power Four conference,” says UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright. “Roth Tower has been a witness to it all … a gathering place for fans, alumni, and supporters united by a shared passion for UCF.

“Today, we mark the beginning of a new chapter with the expansion of this iconic space, reflecting our bold ambitions and the belief that our best days are still ahead. This groundbreaking is about more than construction — it’s about the dreams fulfilled and opportunities created for our student-athletes, university, and entire community.

“As the first project funded by TDT dollars to break ground, this expansion sets the tone for what’s next — world-class facilities that enable us to compete at the highest level and drive tourism to Orlando.”

Joining Demings to represent the Orange County Board of County Commissioners at the groundbreaking were Commissioners Christine Moore and Kelly Semrad and former commissioner Emily Bonilla. Also present were Jerry and Susan Roth, whose generosity was critical to the construction of the tower named in their honor and whom Cartwright described as “two of our most treasured partners and champions.”

Other county commissioners who supported the project were Nicole Wilson, Mayra Uribe, Maribel Gomez Cordero and Michael “Mike” Scott.

“This groundbreaking is not just a step forward for UCF Athletics, but a giant leap toward a brighter future for UCF and the Orlando community,”  UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir says. “The new Roth Tower will no doubt enhance the gameday experience with increased premium capacity, expanded suite offerings, and unique year-round event opportunities. This new facility will attract fans, visitors, and events to the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village, solidifying East Orange County as a destination for sports tourism and community engagement.”

In addition to Demings, Cartwright and Mohajir, the groundbreaking celebration also featured emcee Marc Daniels and UCF football player and student-athlete leader Paul Rubelt.

Demings lauded Orlando for being named Sports Business Journal’s No. 1 Best Sports Business City for Attracting and Hosting Events in the United States, which he says is “due in part to a great institution like UCF, which has helped cultivate our community as a prominent sports hub. A prominent sports hub means more opportunities to benefit local businesses and provide jobs for families.”

Speakers emphasized the collaborative effort required to bring this vision to life, overcoming significant challenges and competition from global entertainment leaders. They highlighted the tower’s potential to generate revenue, fuel Mission XII objectives, and solidify UCF’s legacy of excellence in athletics and beyond.

As Mohajir aptly states, “We willed it into reality.” Today’s groundbreaking celebrates not just the beginning of construction but the start of a transformative era for UCF and its supporters. The Roth Tower will stand as a symbol of unity, ambition, and a bright future for generations to come.