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Relive the Excitement of 91�Թ�� Space Week 2026

Jenna Marina Lee — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 18:26:33 +0000

Born from the challenge of the Space Race, 91�Թ�� was created to transform imagination into innovation and prepare people to launch humanity beyond its limits.

91�Թ�� Space Week celebrates this mission annually by welcoming global space leaders, researchers, students, partners, and fans to campus for collaboration, discovery, and the development of Florida’s growing space economy.

Take a look back at some of the standout sights and celebrations from 91�Թ�� Space Week 2026.

(Photo by Antoine Hart)

Knightro brought SpaceU spirit to the Celeste Hotel, welcoming industry partners gathered for 91�Թ�� Space Week 2026.

Students take in the 91�Թ�� John C. Hitt Library’s From Orbit to Archives exhibition. (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)

91�Թ�� Libraries hosted several events, special programs and multiple exhibitions built from University Archives and Special Collections in celebration of 91�Թ�� Space Week 2026.

One exhibit in the Digital Exploration Center’s Immersion Studio, curated by graduate research assistant Eric Thompson ’19, brought six decades of 91�Թ��, United States and international space history and culture beyond the archives and into visitors’ hands.

(Photo by Antoine Hart)

The inaugural 91�Թ�� Innovate Day showcased how 91�Թ�� transforms research into impact through entrepreneurship, technology commercialization and strategic partnerships. During the event, representatives from the City of Orlando and Orange County government presented 91�Թ�� with a special proclamation honoring 91�Թ�� Space Week.

(Photo by Antoine Hart)

A featured panel during 91�Թ�� Innovate Day brought together (from left) moderator Ben Patz ’85MS, co-founder and general managing partner of DeepWork Capital; Joe Sleppy ’18, CEO of Capacitech Energy; Guifang Li, 91�Թ�� professor of optics and photonics; Jason Eichenholz ’95MS ’98PhD; Melanie Coathup, a professor in 91�Թ��’s College of Medicine; and Jonathan Reyes ’15 ’17MS ’19PhD, CEO of Halo Engines.

(Photo by Antoine Hart)

91�Թ��’s Florida Space Institute and its Exolith Lab hosted NASA’s Lunabotics Challenge. The Exolith Lab is home to the world’s largest simulated lunar surface, where NASA tests rovers and equipment for upcoming moon missions. from Exolith Lab Chief Engineer Max Kuehn ’22.

(Photo by Antoine Hart)

91�Թ�� honored seven contributors helping shape Central Florida’s thriving space ecosystem at the 2026 SpaceU Awards. 91�Թ�� President Alexander N. Cartwright (center left) joined the honorees and their representatives. From left: planetary exploration research scientist and 91�Թ�� physics alum Jared Long-Fox ’26PhD, accepting on behalf of Daniel Britt; mechanical engineering major Noah Brockhoff; 91�Թ�� Associate Professor of Medicine Emmanuel Urquieta; 91�Թ�� Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering Paula do Vale Pereira; mechanical engineering major Keanu Brayman; Tahllee Baynard, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of system prototypes; and Michael Edmonds, Blue Origin’s chief commercial officer.

Salma Tujjar (left) talks with Rosen College of Hospitality Management students at the fall career fair. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

hosted its fall career fair, which welcomed some of the world’s top companies, including Pegasus Partner Universal Orlando Resort, Marriott International, Walt Disney World Resort’s Swan and Dolphin Resort, and SpaceX.

(Photo by Dana Weisman)

Drone shows on 91�Թ��’s main campus and at Acrisure Bounce House commemorated 91�Թ��’s identity as America’s Space University, including a special show presented by BNY that brought the community together on Memory Mall.

91�Թ�� President Alexander N. Cartwright and First Lady Melinda Cartwright join in celebrating 91�Թ�� Space Week.

91�Թ��’s newly renovated Roth Tower shines during the Mission X Space Game’s drone show. (Photo courtesy of 91�Թ�� Athletics)

A drone show lit up the sky above Acrisure Bounce House during the 91�Թ�� Football Mission X Space Game. (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)

Space Week’s grand finale was marked by the 10th anniversary of the 91�Թ�� Space Game. This year’s unique uniform theme paid tribute to 91�Թ��’s origin story as America’s Space University.

Students from the College of Engineering and Computer Science revamped their custom Citronaut saucer robot for pregame events ahead of the 91�Թ�� football team’s Mission X Space Game. (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)

A Citronaut robot is one of several inventions built by 91�Թ�� students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science that make the game day atmosphere uniquely 91�Թ��.

91�Թ�� President Alexander N. Cartwright and 91�Թ�� donor, consultant and space visitor Marc Hagle take in the atmosphere at Acrisure Bounce House.

Orlando Health sports medicine physician Tracy Nogle (left) and 91�Թ�� Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Jennifer Tucker ’23PhD (right) were recognized with a custom-built Go Baby Go! car that was recently donated to a child with mobility challenges.

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Space Game, 91�Թ��’s Go Baby Go program, Orlando Health and 91�Թ�� Athletics partnered to build 10 space-themed vehicles (like the one pictured above) customized for children with mobility challenges.

Acrisure Bounce House hosted homecoming and the Space Game over six days. (Photo courtesy of 91�Թ�� Athletics)

91�Թ�� took on Baylor at Acrisure Bounce House for the Mission X Space Game.

91�Թ�� students decked out in space-themed gear for the Mission X Space Game. (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)

The 91�Թ�� football team’s Space Game has become a fan favorite.

(Photo courtesy of 91�Թ�� Athletics)

The dance team helped lead the “Lights Up, Lights Down” tradition during the Mission X Space Game.

Top Moments from 91�Թ��’s Homecoming Win vs. No. 2 BYU

Jenna Marina Lee | Video by 91�Թ�� Athletics — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:12:01 +0000

In the end, the field cabanas never stood a chance.

Fans refused to be denied the opportunity to celebrate the Knights’ epic double-overtime victory against No. 2 BYU and were determined to rush the field by whatever means necessary — including scaling down the roughly 8-foot tall structures in the north end zone.

The victory is one for the record books, marking 91�Թ��’s highest-ranked opponent ever defeated and the first win over an AP top 5 opponent in program history.

“This is the best team we’ve played, I’ve got so much respect for them,” says 91�Թ�� head coach Scott Frost. “I’m happy for 91�Թ��, a win like this has been a long time coming for us.”

Below are some of the best images and social media commentary to come out of the game and celebration.

A rainbow streaks across the sky during the 91�Թ�� football team’s matchup against No. 2 BYU. (Captured by Ellie Phelps, 91�Թ�� Athletics)

91�Թ�� senior wide receiver Josh Derry had a team-best six catches in the game, including one touchdown. (Photo by Jon Rose, 91�Թ�� Athletics)

91�Թ��’s student section the Knightmare brought a ton of energy to the stands of Acrisure Bounce House. (Credit: X)

Fans were euphoric after 91�Թ�� survived in double overtime for it first win over a top 5 opponent in program history. (Photo by Jon Rose, 91�Թ�� Athletics)

91�Թ�� head coach Scott Frost celebrates with the football team in its locker room. (Photo by Conor Kvatek, 91�Թ�� Athletics)

In 24 hours, Knightro crowd surfed at one of the nation’s best homecoming traditions, Spirit Splash, and again later at Acrisure Bounce House after the Knights won against No. 2 BYU (@ucf.edu Instagram post)

An exclusive view from the student section as the Knightmare rushed the field. (@ucf.edu Instagram post)

Former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who was in the broadcast booth, reacts to 91�Թ��’s win over BYU. (Credit: @RGIII on X)

A special moment between Scott Frost and his family was captured on FOX 35 after the win. (Credit: @Fox35Amy on X)

91�Թ�� head coach Scott Frost soaks in the win after Acrisure Bounce House finally quieted for the evening. (Graphic by 91�Թ�� Athletics)

Walt Disney World, a 91�Թ�� Athletics partner, chimed in on 91�Թ��’s historic win. (Credit: @WaltDisneyWorld on X)

91�Թ�� Football, Spirit Teams Join Go Baby Go! Car-Building Event for Kids

Jenna Marina Lee — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 15:35:29 +0000

Rocket sightings are commonplace from 91�Թ��’s campus and Acrisure Bounce House, whose 50-yard-line is on the same latitude as NASA’s historical Launch Complex 39A. But for a crowd of dozens gathered on Monday on the concourse of the football stadium, this wasn’t a typical “launch.”

Five toddlers from Greater Orlando and the I4-Corridor were on site to receive space-themed motorized cars built especially for them by 91�Թ�� student-athletes, physical therapy doctoral candidates from , and healthcare professionals from Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute.

The three-hour build event culminated in families celebrating their five toddlers as they test drove their new customized toy cars, which they get to take home at no cost thanks to Pegasus Partner Orlando Health. (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)

A national, community-based research, design and outreach program, Go Baby Go! provides accessible and inexpensive solutions for kids and adults with limited mobility at no cost to their families.

Nicholas Antoine ’25, a senior defensive back on the football team from Daytona Beach, Florida, who graduated last December with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, jokes his construction skills need some improvement, but he was thrilled nonetheless to be an active part of the collaboration that made an impact for the families.

“Being able to bring joy to somebody else, there’s no greater joy than that,” Antoine says.

After assisting with the customization of the Go Baby Go! cars, 91�Թ�� senior Nicholas Antoine ’25 meets 2-year-old Griffin Bordner. (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)

A total of 10 cars were built ahead of the 10^th anniversary of the 91�Թ�� football team’s Space Game, an annual event that celebrates 91�Թ��’s reputation as America’s Space University.

The Space Game presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute is now one of the signature events of a larger Space Week held at the university, which launches Oct. 25. The football team will take on Baylor University on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Monday’s build is yet another example of how the beloved tradition’s impact has spread beyond an annual football game. It continues to illustrate 91�Թ��’s integral role as a driver of impact for Central Florida, whether in the space industry, health sector or beyond.

“When we look at the Space Game, we’re excited to be in that same space to walk alongside these athletes and create an opportunity that celebrates all the things that we do here at 91�Թ��,” says 91�Թ�� Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Jennifer Tucker ’23PhD.

Introducing movement and play greatly benefits a child’s development — affecting cognition, speech and language skills, and self-efficacy. (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)

The Magic of Go Baby Go!

Tucker started 91�Թ��’s chapter of Go Baby Go! in 2015 and has led an average of 10 to 15 workshops annually — just like the one held Monday in Athletics Village — to benefit children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years old with mobility issues stemming from Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and osteogenesis, among others.

Over the last decade, 91�Թ��’s Go Baby Go! has built up such a reputation that prospective students talk about it in their interviews as they look to gain acceptance into the doctoral physical therapy program.

It’s gone international, too, with partnerships in Belgium and Wales. It has welcomed students from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, College of Sciences and College of Medicine all interested in contributing their talents.

91�Թ�� freshman defensive back and Orlando native Otis Hardy (right) assists a physical therapy student in the build, which transformed typical toy cars into “spaceships.” (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)

91�Թ��’s students are a key component that keeps the engine running. Philanthropy is another.

Orlando Health, a 91�Թ�� Pegasus Partner and a premier sponsor for 91�Թ�� Athletics, has been one of Go Baby Go!’s biggest supporters since its inception as part of its mission to advance education, research, workforce development and community impact across Central Florida. It’s often personal for the clinical teams at Orlando Health who participate in these builds, since many of the recipients are longtime patients.

“It’s exciting to work alongside our partners 91�Թ�� Athletics and 91�Թ�� Go Baby Go! to help create this special event for these families,” says Sara Osborne ’14 ’17MHA, Orlando Health senior director of community benefit. “Go Baby Go’s mission aligns with Orlando Health as we look for ways to support our communities beyond the clinical care we provide every day. We’re proud to help play a part in making increased mobility and independence possible for these kids.”

Representatives of Orlando Health, the 91�Թ�� football and spirit teams, physical therapy and communications and sciences disorders departments along with the family recipients commemorate the special space-themed Go Baby Go! build. (Photo by Brooke Morris ’22)

Kid-Sized Astronauts Ready for Warp Speed

Sean Calamigan ’23 kneels next to 2-year-old Griffin Bordner, who had just plopped happily into his custom-fitted “space ship” and was already testing the sound level on his “go for launch” horn.

The third-year physical therapy doctoral candidate playfully warns the toddler of speed limits inside the Wayne Densch Center for Student-Athlete Leadership.

Griffin’s parents look on with mile-wide smiles. His father hails from a family of Knights who have been football season ticket holders since the 1990s. His mother, Jennifer Bordner ’15MEd, graduated with a master’s in exceptional student education.

They were referred by their son’s care team to apply to 91�Թ��’s Go Baby Go program! and underwent their first consultation in May. As Griffin test drove along the concourse of Acrisure Bounce House on Monday, Jennifer was already envisioning her son in their neighborhood’s cul-de-sac, spinning his wheels alongside his older sister.

The Bordner family, who are longtime football season ticket holders, pose with members of 91�Թ��’s dance team. (Photo by Brooke Morris)

“Griffin is a happy, joyous little boy. There is nothing that slows him down — he just goes, goes, goes, but he’s normally in a stroller while his sister is on her bike or scooter. This opportunity is so exciting for him to be included in that fun,” she says. “It just gives me chills knowing that there are that many people in the community and organizations who donate the cars to allow kids with mobility issues the opportunity to be included in their communities, just to get out and play and have fun.”

91�Թ�� faculty and physical therapy students took meticulous steps ahead of the build day to ensure the vehicles would have everything they needed to launch smoothly. Each child was individually assessed to determine communication, seating and positioning needs for his or her set of wheels, and a team of volunteers assisted with a workshop to pre-wire the cars and pack kits with the necessary tools and supplies.

Faculty from the made the experience extra special for the recipients by innovating a switch-activated plush toy rocket that lights up they could take home as a memento along with their car.

The build teams decked out the cars — modeled to look like space vehicles using white foam board wings attached with black foam pool noodles — with every space-themed sticker imaginable from planets, astronauts, stars, NASA and of course, 91�Թ��, Space U and Citronaut logos. (Photo by Dana Weisman)

Calamigan, who spent his entire morning working at the event despite a final exam on his calendar at 1 p.m., says nothing compares to the practical, hands-on experience and witnessing the families’ reactions and delight to cars they worked on so diligently.

“I think the 91�Թ�� DPT program really prepares us for a lot of things, but one of the main things they do for us is make sure we’re ready to face the real world, and this is the real world,” Calamigan says.

And it’s a real world that, at the end of the day, Tucker aims to make feel a little more connected.

“We’re providing an opportunity for play, and play is a universal shared rite of passage of childhood. But we’re also building community,” Tucker says. “My hope is that the impact of today extends far outside of this moment in time, and it helps us build a better community and a better tomorrow for Central Florida.”

The Complete Guide for 91�Թ�� Homecoming 2026

Jenna Marina Lee — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:20:19 +0000

Over the last 55 years, 91�Թ�� Homecoming Week has grown to become one of the most anticipated weeks on our academic calendar, and 2026 will be no exception.

Students, alumni, faculty and staff are in store once again for a full lineup of unforgettable events and activities across the main and 91�Թ�� Downtown campuses from Oct. 18–25.

A Quick History Lesson

91�Թ��’s first homecoming was held in 1971, three years after the first classes were held at Florida Technological University.

Since football didn’t start at 91�Թ�� until 1979, Homecoming originally coincided with basketball season, which was the university’s first varsity sport. The year 1980 saw two homecomings for the first time: one during basketball season and the first for football.

Student and Community Events

Oct. 18 – 91�Թ�� Volleyball vs. West Virginia | The Venue | 1 p.m.
The Knights welcome the Mountaineers in Big 12 Conference play for “Kids Day.” Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on . For more information, visit .

Oct 19–23 – Who’s Your Ducky?�� John C. Hitt Library | Open to Close
After the Design Your Own Duck event during Welcome Week, choose your favorite student-designed duck. Check out the Gallery Wall on the second floor of the John C. Hitt Library for the top 50 ducks and cast your vote during Homecoming Week. Scan the QR code on the wall to make your voice heard.

Oct. 19 – Homecoming Kickoff | Reflecting Pond | Noon–2 p.m.
Students can claim their exclusive 2026 Homecoming T-shirt and last-minute free tickets for Comedy and Concert nights.

Oct. 19 – Knights Got Talent | Knights Plaza | 7 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair to support your fellow Knights as they showcase their special talents. This event is free for both the community and 91�Թ�� students. Alongside the annual show, an art show will feature work from 91�Թ�� students and Knight Thon’s Miracle Children.

Oct. 20 – Movie Knight | Memory Mall | 7 p.m.
Catch 2026 Academy Award Best Picture nominee F1. Secure your spot on Memory Mall as early as 6 p.m. and score an exclusive popcorn cup (while supplies last).

Oct. 21 – Game Night | 91�Թ�� Downtown’s Learning Support Center | 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Challenge friends and members of the Downtown Learning Support team to some friendly competition. Prizes are up for grabs for a costume contest, Super Smash Brothers tournament and more. for more information.

Oct. 21 – Comedy Knight | Addition Financial Arena | Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of comedy with Jay Pharoah, with special guest AJ Foster. Best known for his standout run on Saturday Night Live, Pharoah has made a name for himself with his hilarious celebrity impressions, energetic personality, and impressive musical talent. Admission is free for all 91�Թ�� students, but tickets are required. . The general public can .

Oct. 22 – Foam Splash | Communication and Media Building Plaza, 91�Թ�� Downtown | Noon-2 p.m.
Dive into the biggest foam party of the semester. Splash into a giant foam pit and bubbly pool, enjoy tacos and ice cream, play water games and more. The first 200 attendees will get free rubber ducks and exclusive Foam Splash T-shirts.

Oct. 22 – 91�Թ�� Women’s Soccer vs. Cincinnati | 91�Թ�� Soccer Complex | 7 p.m.
The Knights welcome the Bearcats in Big 12 Conference play on “Fright Knight.” Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on the . For more information, visit .

Oct. 22 – Concert Knight | Addition Financial Arena | Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
This high-energy show features rappers Soulja Boy and Waka Flocka Flame. Admission is free for all 91�Թ�� students, but tickets are required. . The general public can .

Oct. 23 – Spirit Splash | Reflecting Pond | Noon–2 p.m.
Recognized as the best university tradition in the state by the National Association for Campus Activities, Spirit Splash is not to be missed. Thousands of students will run into the Reflecting Pond and attempt to catch this year’s custom homecoming rubber duck. There will be special guest speakers, as well as performances from the spirit team and Marching Knights. The event is free and open to 91�Թ�� students and the community.

Oct. 24 – 91�Թ�� Football vs. BYU | Acrisure Bounce House | TBA
91�Թ�� students can attend the game for free. A complete guide to student ticket information can be found at . The general public can purchase tickets through the or 91�Թ�� Athletics Ticket Office at 407-823-1000. For more information, review the .

Oct. 25 – 91�Թ�� Women’s Soccer vs. Houston | 91�Թ�� Soccer Complex | 1 p.m.
The Knights welcome the Cougars in Big 12 Conference play on “Alumni Weekend.” Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on the . For more information, visit .

Oct. 25 – 91�Թ�� Men’s Soccer vs. South Carolina | 91�Թ�� Soccer Complex | 5 p.m.
The 91�Թ�� men’s soccer team hosts the nationally ranked Gamecocks in Sun Belt Conference play. Tickets are free for students. The general public can purchase tickets on the

Alumni Events

Oct. 22 – Shining Knights Alumni Awards Reception | Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Downtown Orlando | 6-9 p.m.
The Shining Knights Alumni Awards honor 91�Թ��’s outstanding alumni and community leaders who have significantly contributed to the university and the community. The 91�Թ�� Alumni family will celebrate six honorees at this year’s reception.  and include a pre-reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and dinner.

Oct. 23 – Ignite the Knight | Memory Mall | 6-8:30 p.m.
This family-friendly 91�Թ�� festival features live music, food, beverages, carnival games and special appearances before the grand finale: fireworks. .

Bonus – volunteer to support Trick or Treat on Greek Street by bringing sealed, individually packaged Halloween candy, small toys or crafts.

Oct. 23 – 91�Թ�� Athletics Hall of Fame 2026 Class Induction Banquet | Celeste Hotel | 6 p.m.
The 2026 class includes women’s soccer’s Marissa Diggs ’15, track and field’s Octavious Freeman, former football head coach Mike Kruczek, football’s McKenzie Milton ’19 ’22MA, volleyball’s Emily Mottola ’96 and men’s basketball’s BJ Taylor ’18.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the induction program at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $200, and Hall of Fame tables (seating 10) are available for $2,000. , or email varsityknights@ucfathletics.org for additional information.

Oct. 24 – 91�Թ�� Alumni Tailgate | 91�Թ�� FAIRWINDS Alumni Center | Three hours before kickoff
Enjoy a live DJ, free beverages, delicious BBQ for purchase, family-friendly games and more at this indoor and outdoor tailgate. Admission to this family-friendly zone is complimentary for all 91�Թ�� alumni and guests.

Oct. 24 – 91�Թ�� Black Alumni Community Family Reunion and Tailgate | 91�Թ�� FAIRWINDS Alumni Center | Three hours before kickoff
Head to the ultimate tailgating experience, hosted by the 91�Թ�� Black Alumni Community, three hours before the Knights take on BYU. Enjoy a DJ, giant yard games, guest appearances and more. while they last. This event is open to all alumni and guests.

Oct. 24 – 91�Թ�� Regional Community Watch Parties | Locations vary | Time varies
Not able to come to campus? Regional Knights communities will host local watch parties before the homecoming game — and everyone is invited. .

Oct. 25 – Trick or Treat on Greek Street | Greek Park Drive | 2-5 p.m.
The 91�Թ�� Greek Community is hosting its annual Trick or Treat on Greek Street. This family-friendly event brings Halloween fun to the Central Florida community — and everyone’s invited.

in your group. All registered Greek alumni will be entered for a chance to win.

Mission X: Honoring 91�Թ��’s Origin Story for 10th Annual Space Game

Jenna Marina Lee, Juzanne Martin and Nicole Dudenhoefer ’17 — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:10:35 +0000

Landing humans on the moon was just a dream when 91�Թ�� was founded in 1963. But we dared to believe — developing the talent and inventing the technologies to make it reality. That same spirit still drives us today.

We are America’s Space University. And we celebrate 91�Թ�� Space Week to honor our origin as we dare to build what’s next.

Where Global Leaders Unite to Forge the Future of Space

Since 91�Թ�� first held classes on Oct. 7, 1968, we have always been driven by an ambitious charge: “Reach for the stars.” The first moon landing followed in 1969. Decades later, 91�Թ�� keeps reaching as that founding mission lives on in the Knights developing the talent, discoveries and technologies taking humanity deeper into space — and transforming life here on Earth.

Before 91�Թ�� had a single classroom, we had a mission: provide the talent to help humanity reach the moon.

91�Թ��, America’s Space University, was built for the Space Age. We have spent every decade since building what’s next.

This year’s Mission X Space Game celebrates that momentum during a year of milestones: the 10th anniversary of 91�Թ��’s Space Game, the 20th season of the university’s on-campus football stadium, the 30th anniversary of 91�Թ�� football’s rise to the highest division of collegiate athletics and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

91�Թ��’s inaugural Space Game uniform in 2017 (left) and the 10th anniversary Space Game uniform (right). The 2017 uniform The helmet included a picture of the surface of the moon sublimated in the 91�Թ�� logo and included a special stripe down the center of the helmet. The 2026 uniform is heavily influenced by the astronauts of NASA’s earliest human spaceflight missions Mercury, Gemini and Apollo during the 1960s when the university was founded.

Together, these milestones offer a chance to reflect on how far 91�Թ�� has come — and look toward where Knights are headed next.

Across six decades, every breakthrough has built on what came before. The goalposts have moved from reaching the moon to sustaining life beyond it. New fields have joined the mission. Once-distant ideas have become experiments, breakthroughs and careers powered by Knights.

The moments that follow trace those threads across generations: then, the bold moves that launched 91�Թ��’s space legacy; now, the people and possibilities building on that foundation to push exploration even further.

A message from 91�Թ��’s founding President Charles N. Millican emphasized the university’s connections to space from the beginning of the university. (President message content from Central Florida Future’s Oct. 7, 1968 edition)

1960s | Building the Space Workforce

1963: Florida Technological University, now 91�Թ��, is founded to provide talent for the growing space industry as the United States is challenged with landing a man on the moon before 1970.

Today: 91�Թ�� is the No. 1 supplier of graduates to the nation’s aerospace and defense industries by Aviation Week. That impact is especially visible along Florida’s Space Coast, where 29% of Kennedy Space Center employees are 91�Թ�� graduates.

Some of the first buildings on 91�Թ��’s campus in 1968.

1968: Classes begin across 91�Թ��’s original five colleges, with aerospace sciences among the university’s earliest degree programs.

Today: Space at 91�Թ�� extends far beyond a single discipline. Students can choose from more than 35 space-related programs spanning business, engineering, hospitality, medicine, planetary science, optics and policy — preparing them for in-demand careers across the space sector.

The late astronaut John Young spoke at 91�Թ��’s first commencement ceremony in 1970. Young was an Orlando native and flew on the Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. (Content from Central Florida Future‘s June 19, 1970 edition)

1968: 91�Թ�� receives its first research grant — $12,500 from NASA — establishing an early connection between the university and the agency.

Today: 91�Թ�� has received $204 million in NASA awards since 1991, supporting work that advances planetary exploration, propulsion, space medicine, technologies and more. This underscores the strong decades-long collaboration between the university and the agency.

Computer science doctoral student Hiroshi Furuya uses a virtual reality headset to simulate a moon mission, aiming to improve human decision-making and astronaut–autonomous system interactions. The work is part of a NASA-funded project in partnership with Cislune. (Photo by Melanie Cedeño-López)

1970s | Connecting Education to Industry

Electrical engineering alum Bob Butterfield ’75 discovered a new method for reading X-rays while a co-op student at NASA. (Content from Central Florida Future‘s May 31, 1974 edition)

1971: NASA employs 18 students through 91�Թ��’s Co-Operative Education initiative, which leverages the university’s metropolitan location to let students alternate quarters of study with off-campus work in their academic fields.

Luis Jimenez-Chavez ’22 ’25MS, who has conducted human health related research for NASA, working in a research lab on campus.

Today: 91�Թ�� students are conducting hands-on research alongside Johnson Space Center astronauts and testing technology on the world’s largest simulated lunar surface.

These experiences strengthen students’ resumes while giving them workforce-ready skills and professional connections to step directly into the fast-growing space industry — and start contributing immediately.

1980s | Developing the Foundation of Space Medicine

1985: As rockets soared off Florida’s Space Coast for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program, 91�Թ�� students were already exploring spaceflight’s impact on people. A group of 91�Թ�� health sciences graduate students, including respiratory health alum Charles Gutierrez ’82 ’85MS, conducted experiments in labs on campus and on a field used as a makeshift launch site to understand how rockets impact heart and lung health. The research, published in The Physiologist, reflects 91�Թ��’s spirit of turning curiosity into action.

Vice Chair of Aerospace Medicine and Associate Professor of Medicine Emmanuel Urquieta (Photo by Jordan Smith)

Today: Reaching farther into space requires an understanding of how humans will live, work and stay healthy there. As the closest medical school to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, 91�Թ�� established the Led by Emmanuel Urquieta, vice chair of aerospace medicine and associate professor of medicine, the center brings together 91�Թ�� experts across disciplines to lead research and develop technologies that will help humans prepare for longer missions to the moon, Mars and beyond. Urquieta also leads .

1990s | Creating a Place for Space

1990: 91�Թ�� establishes the Space Education and Research Center, which later becomes the . The institute is a hub for space research, education and technology development connected to Florida’s space industry.

Today: FSI research ranges from studying the Earth’s upper atmosphere to the origin of the planets to propulsion technologies for aerospace vehicles. Through research, operations oversight and educational programs, the institute continues to position Florida as a global leader in the space industry and contributes to the state’s economic development.

In May 2026, 91�Թ�� hosted the quarterfinal of NASA’s Lunabotics Challenge, a competition for college students to design and build a prototype off-world construction robots, for the second year. During 91�Թ�� Space Week, Oct. 25-30, the university hosts the international final for the first time.

Among its facilities is the , home to the world’s largest simulated lunar surface. Filled with 240,000 pounds of simulated lunar soil, the lab’s Lunar Highland Regolith Test Bin lets researchers, students and space organizations test how rovers, tools and other technologies perform on a moonlike surface.

Physics alum Catherine Millwater ’23 gazes at the night sky near 91�Թ��’s Robinson Observatory. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

1996: Robinson Observatory opens on 91�Թ��’s main campus, providing students and faculty a place to study planetary systems, asteroids and more. By 2004, it housed what the Orlando Sentinel described as the largest telescope in the Southeast open to the public.

Today: 91�Թ�� researchers use observations from some of the world’s most powerful telescopes, including NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, to investigate comets, asteroids, and the origins and evolution of our solar system.

2000s | Entering the Space Renaissance

In 2009, Stott completed the first painting done in space. The Wave is based on a photo taken through the International Space Station window.

2009: Engineering alum Nicole Stott ’92MS launches aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, becoming the first 91�Թ�� graduate to fly aboard a NASA shuttle and live on the International Space Station.

The Rosen College Career Fair 2025 featured a space theme as students consider possibilities in space hospitality. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

Today: 91�Թ�� is preparing students not only to travel to space, but also to build the industries, policies and experiences surrounding it.

Through the Barry S. Miller College of Business, students can earn the nation’s first fully online MBA in space commercialization. A Space Policy and Management course in the College of Community Innovation and Education examines the decisions and administrative mechanisms that help power the space industry. Students can help imagine the future of dining and hospitality in spaceports, shuttles and orbital hotels at the , a global leader in hospitality and tourism education.

2010s | Return to Liftoff

The inaugural Space Game uniform launched in 2017. (Photo courtesy of 91�Թ�� Athletics)

2017: Invigorated by a new uniform line and excitement around the hiring of Scott Frost as head coach in 2016, 91�Թ�� Athletics decides to debut the Space Game — an idea conceptualized three years prior by 91�Թ�� Athletics’ brand experience department.

“It’s a unique part of the 91�Թ�� story that it was too good of an opportunity not to use the athletics platform to amplify,” Jimmy Skiles ’06 said in a 2022 article about the origin of the Space Game.

91�Թ�� running back and interdisciplinary studies major Taevion Swint models the 2026 91�Թ�� Space Game uniform, which pays homage to NASA’s earliest missions. (Photo by Conor Kvatek, 91�Թ�� Athletics)

Today: The annual Space Game — which has crossed over into 91�Թ��’s other sports — has grown into a spectacular, fan favorite event that promotes our talented people, the revolutionary work done here and has laid the groundwork for what has become 91�Թ�� Space Week.

In 2013, College of Sciences Dean Joshua Colwell’s experiment was one of eight winners for the Florida International Space Station Research Competition. The experiment, which was supported by Department of Physics Chair Adrienne Dove, aimed to investigate how planets form and was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

2019: 91�Թ�� sends five research projects into space with SpaceX, Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic flights after launch activity resumes in full force following the conclusion of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.

Today: 91�Թ�� has worked with NASA on almost 600 projects since the 1990s, including the Lunar-VISE mission led by Associate Professor Kerri Donaldson Hanna and Department of Physics Chair Adrienne Dove. The $35 million project will land a spacecraft on a part of the moon never visited before: the Gruithuisen Domes.

2020s and Beyond

The next era of space exploration is already taking shape — and 91�Թ�� is helping lead it.

NASA is targeting 2028 for the first crewed Artemis lunar landing. At the same time, commercial launches are accelerating — with the White House aiming to enable over 1,000 launches and reentries on American soil annually by 2030 — new markets are emerging, and the demand for space-ready talent and technology continues to grow. Our future on Earth will be shaped by our future advancements in space, and 91�Թ�� will be an influential driver of that progress.

Aerospace engineering alum and researcher Rachel Hytovick ’20 ’24MS ’25PhD (left) with Trustee Chair Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Kareem Ahmed (right) at the 91�Թ�� HyperSpace Center. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

As the next phase of space exploration, launched in October 2024 as a first-of-its-kind partnership with the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, providing a centralized, physical space to advance hypersonic technology.

In May 2027, Knights from Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics aim to launch a rocket from sea through a partnership with Seagate. The ambitious effort aims to be to first sea-based launch by university students in the nation — an example of how we continue to forge a path forward for space exploration.

91�Թ�� is also helping connect Florida’s universities, NASA and industry through the Florida University Space Research Consortium. The partnership creates new paths for shared space research, technology development and workforce preparation tied to Kennedy Space Center — strengthening Florida’s ability to lead the United States’ future space efforts.

Six decades in, 91�Թ��’s space legacy is still being written — in classrooms, labs and places we are determined to reach.

First Look: 91�Թ�� 2026 Space Game Uniforms

91�Թ�� Athletics and Jenna Marina Lee — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 19:39:35 +0000

Landing humans on the moon was just a dream when 91�Թ�� was founded in 1963. But we dared to believe — developing the talent and inventing the technologies to make it reality. That same spirit still drives us today.

We are America’s Space University. And we celebrate 91�Թ�� Space Week to honor our origin as we dare to build what’s next.

Where Global Leaders Unite to Forge the Future of Space

Anniversaries remind us of everything we’ve achieved, and of everything still possible. They tell us that to step forward, sometimes we must look back.

On the 10th anniversary of the Space Game, this year’s draw upon NASA’s beginnings and honor the courage it took to stand on the precipice of our greatest frontier.

The design was heavily influenced by the astronauts of NASA’s earliest human spaceflight missions Mercury, Gemini and Apollo during the 1960s when the university was founded.

91�Թ�� football linebacker Jayden Jennings ’26MA models Mission X uniform at Kennedy Space Center’s Apollo/Saturn V Center. (Photo by Conor Kvatek, 91�Թ�� Athletics)

John Young, an Orlando native, is the only astronaut to have flown during the Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle programs. He received an honorary degree as the featured guest speaker at the university’s first commencement ceremony in 1970, two years before he became the ninth person to walk on the moon.

A recap of John Young’s speech at the first commencement ceremony was published in the Central Florida Future on June 19, 1970. (Photo courtesy of 91�Թ�� Libraries University Archives)

Learn more details about the Mission X Space Game uniforms at .

The Space Game is now one of the signature events of a larger Space Week held at the university.

(Graphic courtesy of 91�Թ�� Athletics)

91�Թ�� Space Week

Oct. 25 marks the start of the second 91�Թ�� Space Week, a university-wide celebration of all the ways Knight Nation boldly pushes space forward. The observance highlights 91�Թ��’s vital role in advancing space research, supporting Florida’s fast-growing space economy, and preparing the next generation of explorers, engineers and entrepreneurs.

This year’s space week features summits in partnership with the National Space Society and The Economist, a space-themed drone show, the inaugural 91�Թ�� Innovate Day and more.

91�Թ�� football linebacker Jayden Jennings ’26MA in the Apollo/Saturn V Center. (Photo by Conor Kvatek, 91�Թ�� Athletics)

2026 Space Game Matchup

The football team will face Baylor in the 10^th anniversary of the annual Space Game on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN. Tickets are available for purchase at .

91�Թ�� students can attend the game for free. A complete guide to student ticket information can be found at .

91�Թ�� Students Enhance Football Game Day Experience

Jenna Marina Lee — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:50:38 +0000

In the atrium of the Engineering II building, a group of students gathers around an assortment of creations.

A double-barreled T-shirt launcher that can fire shirts higher than the 60-foot walls of Acrisure Bounce House.

A decked-out golf cart, rescued from its fate at the salvage yard and repurposed instead into Knightro’s preferred mode of transportation.

A 3D-printed, robotic Citronaut piloting a spaceship that blasts AC/DC’s Thunderstruck through surround-sound speakers.

And set to make its debut later this year, a powerful projection spotlight designed to summon Knightro onto the field — his own version of Batman’s iconic bat signal.

From left to right: Andrew Anderson, Melanie Allen, Ayden Jordan ’26, Caden Peters ’26, Luciana Carreras ’25, Pete Alfieris and Josh Alper show off their custom creations for 91�Թ�� game day. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

As the students explain the ins-and-outs of these custom innovations — all built in university labs with tools, technology and machines at their disposal — facility manager Pete Alfieris stands off to the side with a dash of pride on his face.

“Remember what Pete stands for,” the longtime 91�Թ�� staff member calls out. “Preparing engineers through e��ܳ��پ��ǲ�.”

They collectively groan, but in a tone that clearly shows they cherish this man and his dad jokes.

Pete Alfieris has served as facility manager for the College of Engineering and Computer Science since 2008. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

“If you graduate from [91�Թ��’s] engineering college without meeting Pete, you didn’t really go to the engineering college,” says Caden Peters ’26, a computer engineering alum who co-created the Knight signal. “He really shows that anyone can make an impact. You don’t have to be a professor. You don’t have to be an advisor. He’s the facilities manager of the engineering building. And he still has such a strong impact on the college and inspires so many students. There’s really no one like him.”

Alfieris oversees daily operations, lab safety and security for 91�Թ��’s College of Engineering and Computer Science buildings since he took the role in 2008. Nowhere in his job responsibilities does it list mentoring and collaborating with students.

Yet for the past five years, since the football season ticket holder was first inspired to introduce a T-shirt launcher at 91�Թ�� football games, Alfieris has been the driving force behind the growing partnership between the college and 91�Թ�� Athletics, pitching his ideas to elevate the game-day experience for fans.

The partnership reflects what 91�Թ�� does best: connecting classroom learning with real-world experience. As SpaceU, 91�Թ�� Athletics provides a fitting stage for students from the College of Engineering and Computer Science — the nation’s No. 1 supplier of talent to the aerospace and defense industries, according to Aviation Week Network — to apply their academics and flex their skills.

“For years I have seen the potential in these students,” Alfieris says. “A lot of them go on to work at SpaceX, NASA, Blue Origin, L3 Harris, Northrop Grumman. They’re so smart and talented.”

The students are always on board to oblige in bringing his visions to life because he believes in them; sometimes more than anyone.

“There are only a few people here that I would say even scratch the surface compared to Pete when it comes to their belief in students,” says recent mechanical engineering grad Ayden Jordan ’26, who also created Knightro’s signal. “Pete believed in us from day one.”

Peters interjects: “Day zero.”

That belief and hard work have led to some of the most engaging moments in 91�Թ�� football’s game day experience today.

Knightro fires the T-shirt cannon designed and built by Austin Harkins ’24 ’26MS during 91�Թ��’s Family Weekend matchup against Georgia State on Sept. 19, 2026. (Photo by Eric DeSalvo ’09)

The Idea That Started it All: A T-Shirt Launcher

Austin Harkins ’24 ’26MS had listened through two weeks of senior design project ideas, waiting for one worth claiming. The year-long group projects require engineering students to design, build and present a functional prototype before graduation.

Then his professor said two words: T-shirt launcher.

“You could just see everyone’s ears kind of perk up around the room,” says Harkins on a call from Texas, where he’s currently working as a mechanical design engineer for L3 Harris. “I grew up in Oviedo, Florida. My parents went to 91�Թ��. I couldn’t tell you how many 91�Թ�� football games I’ve been to. I thought, ‘Yeah, I’m doing this.’ ”

Harkins led one of the teams to score the project. Mechanical engineering graduate student Luciana Carreras ’25 led another.

Over the next several months, both teams designed launchers capable of firing dozens of shirts into the stands during the brief 30-second window they’d have on the field between plays.

When the prototypes were ready, Carreras and Harkins brought them to the football stadium in the summer for a test run in front of 91�Թ�� Athletics’ game day operations staff.

“I think [91�Թ�� Athletics] had some hesitations, which I understand because they didn’t know who we were,” Alfieris says. “We were launching [T-shirts] all over the field — one even went out of the stadium — and [91�Թ�� Athletics staff] all looked at me and said, ‘Oh, we’re definitely doing this.’ ”

91�Թ�� Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs John Buckwalter prepares to launch T-shirts in 91�Թ��’s matchup against Georgia State on Sept. 19 as College of Engineering and Computer Science students Luciana Carreras ’25 and Josh Alper load the cannons. (Photo by Daniel Forcella)

While the athletic department staff has worked hard to build and protect traditions that span generations of Knights fans, they always embrace trying new things.

“I think some of 91�Թ��’s best qualities have always been a spirit of collaboration and an attitude of, ‘what if we try…?’ Pete and the engineering students embody that completely,” says Alex Cesarano, associate athletics director for brand experience. “What they’ve delivered over the last few years is a testament to what’s possible when we have a strong partnership between the university and athletic department. We are immensely grateful for all they’ve added, and continue to add, in service of our fans and student-athletes’ experiences.”

Beyond practicality, the teams took design aesthetic into account.

Harkins’ launcher resembles a rocket, a nod to 91�Թ��’s SpaceU identity. Carreras’ team chose a double-barreled design that maximizes the number of shirts they could launch before leaving the field.

“I never went to a football game until I had to launch this thing,” Carreras says. “But seeing it out there on game day and seeing the excitement from everyone, it’s great to leave something behind, especially when it’s a place that you’ve gotten education from, and you’ve found your friends and a life around the campus.”

This golf cart was once headed to the salvage yard before Pete Alfieris and mechanical engineering student Josh Alper repurposed and upgraded the vehicle into Knightro’s custom ride. (Photo by Conor Kvatek)

Knightro’s Wheels

Once word spread that Alfieris and the engineering students were behind the T-shirt launchers, the 91�Թ�� spirit team wanted in.

Knightro head coach Michael Callahan ’05 ’09MBA ’17EdD, who also serves as director of knowledge management for 91�Թ��’s College of Medicine, invited Alfieris to tour the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village and discuss future collaborations.

As they drove around in a standard golf cart with Knightro on board, Alfieris couldn’t help but notice the mascot clinging to the seat.

“Knightro was holding on for dear life, and I looked at Michael and said, ‘How come Knightro doesn’t have his own cart?’ ” Alfieris says. “He looked at me and said, ‘Good question.’ ”

Without a dedicated budget or funding, Alfieris has gotten good at being resourceful. He scoured the university’s surplus property system database, which offers discounted equipment and items in need of repair. One person’s trash is another’s treasure.

He found a cart in serious need of electrical work to run again. He turned to the looking for some talent.

Josh Alper, then a first-year mechanical engineering student, answered without knowing a single detail about what he was showing up for.

As a first-year student, Josh Alper (background) rewired a golf cart’s electrical system to get it running again and customized the vehicle with 91�Թ��-themed touches including a “Charge On” wiper blade, a “Bounce Button” and “Knightro Phone.” (Photo by Antoine Hart)

Alper, who is primarily self-taught, rewired the cart’s electrical system and fixed the battery charger. He installed LED lighting, four surround-sound speakers and a custom “Bounce Button” horn to the tune of Zombie Nation’s Kernkraft 400. He even rigged a “Knightro phone” that pauses the music for Team Knightro to interact with fans while tailgating. When the phone is placed back on the receiver, the music immediately resumes at maximum vibe levels.

“I was a new student who basically knew nothing about the school, and in my first few weeks, Pete was touring me around and introducing me to lab managers and faculty,” Alper says. “I was able to use 3D printers and tools in the . I’ve gone to football games and shot the T-shirt cannon, which was a really cool experience for my first football season. Working with Pete has opened so many doors.”

Mechanical engineering student Andrew Anderson crafted Citronaut’s spacecraft from a foam cube in the TI lab. (Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

Here Comes Citronaut

Alfieris’ next big idea was a robot. Mechanical engineering student Andrew Anderson thought Citronaut seemed like a logical choice.

Anderson, who has completed professional internships with Pegasus Partner Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort refurbishing high-profile rides, spent a year creating what the team affectionately refers to as “Citronaut’s Thunderstruck” — a 3D-printed Citronaut piloting a spaceship that rolls through campus blasting AC/DC’s hit song.

The project began as an oversized foam cube measuring roughly 5 feet on each side.

“Figuring out how to safely cut the foam and see it take that saucer shape, it felt like I was working at Disney,” says Anderson, who has dreamed of developing theme park rides since he was 9 years old.

The team equipped the spaceship with tilting and movement capabilities and an accelerometer to give it a sense of flight.

Computer science major Melanie Allen added painting to her skillset after creating a 3D-printed Citronaut for game day. (Photo by Kadeem Stewart ’17)

Meanwhile, computer science major Melanie Allen became Alfieris’ go-to team member for precision work. She designed, laser cut and 3D-printed the Citronaut figure to fit snuggly in his spaceship.

“I’ve taken advantage of our machine shop, our 3D printers, laser cutters [and] the 5-axis CNC machine to make aluminum parts. I didn’t think I would ever be good at painting, and now I know how to paint. So I think a lot of these experiences have given me skills that really make me stand out,” Allen says.

Citronaut’s Thunderstruck debuted at the 2025 Mission IX Space Game as part of the pregame march to the stadium and was an immediate hit.

“A lot of kids were really excited when they saw it, and fans wanted to take pictures with it. It was fun to be part of the march and know that I helped create something that looks cool and something that people want to interact with,” Allen says. “I didn’t feel like I was just another student commuting and taking classes. I felt like I was making a difference and actually contributing to the university.”

Citronaut helped lead the pregame march to the stadium for the Mission IX space game in 2025. (Photos courtesy of 91�Թ�� Athletics)

Coming Soon: Knightro’s Own ‘Bat’ Signal

One of Alfieris’ most theatrical, ambitious ideas yet is expected to debut this year thanks to Peters, Jordan and the other three engineers of their senior design project team.

Similar to Batman’s “bat signal,” the team designed a custom cylinder-shaped light projector capable of summoning Knightro into action to amp the crowd.

“We faced a lot of questions and doubt when we pitched this for senior design. Could the physics actually work out? Will [the light] actually project at that far of a distance?” Jordan says. “When you have a good team, anything is possible. And we believed we could make the impossible happen.”

The biggest hurdle came early.

The specialized lights required for the design cost $700, leaving Jordan unsure if the project would ever get off the ground.

A week later, his team got an email that the lights were in, purchased by the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the budget dedicated to supporting senior design projects.

“Pete worked his magic,” Peters says.

Knightro’s “bat signal” has a test run before its debut at Family Weekend in 2026. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

Engineering this from a concept drawing into an actual functioning contraption was no small feat.

The high-powered lights generated enough heat to require radiators and a water-cooling loop. The team also developed an innovative method to display the projected image by using a laser cutter to burn away the coating on mirror slides. And ensuring safety throughout their design, down to the emergency stop button, was paramount.

When their first successful test happened at 3 a.m. on the side of Engineering II, the first person they told was Alfieris.

“I remember walking up my apartment stairs that night thinking, I want this feeling for the rest of my life,” Peters says.

Funds and hours in a day are the only things holding back Alfieris and the students at this point. They have a few more ideas and projects in the works that they’re eager to share with Knight Nation when they’re ready.

Alfieris says he’s grateful to his supervisor, College of Engineering and Computer Science Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and NCAA faculty representative Manoj Chopra, for allowing him to engage with the students in these ventures. It’s been one of the greatest gifts of his career.

“All [the] stuff that I wanted to do is coming to life, and it’s so much fun,” Alfieris says. “I don’t have any kids, so they’re like my kids. I get that proud parent moment when they come to me and say, ‘Thank you.’ And I’m like, ‘What are you thanking me for?’ And they say, ‘You helped me. You were just always there.’ And it just makes me feel really good. It really does.”

A Tribute to 20 Years of the Bounce House

Jenna Marina Lee — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:42:03 +0000

There’s a moment during every game day at Acrisure Bounce House that David Hansen pauses for a little perspective.

For the last two decades since he helped open the gates and usher in the sell-out crowd for the stadium’s opening day in 2007, he has climbed to the highest row in a corner next to the student section to take in the view of the 40,000-plus in front of him.

“I wanted to see the big picture,” says Hansen, who served several roles key for 91�Թ�� Athletics from 2006-24 and now is the director of the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village and general manager of Knights Plaza Retail and Entertainment District. “Game day brings people together. I’ve heard so many stories of alums that live 10 minutes from each other, but their lives are busy — kids are going to school, they’re going to work, they’re traveling and never get to see each other than game day.

“It’s the one time that we put everything else aside. That’s the great thing about sport and why the stadium and our athletics village have been so instrumental to our culture and rise as a university.”

Hansen joined 91�Թ�� in 2006 as senior associate athletics director for internal operations and was responsible for executing the stadium operational plan to bring game day to life on campus for the first time.

As the Bounce House celebrates its 20th season, Hansen reflects on the impact it has had on Knight Nation and the community at large.

Designs for the on-campus football stadium were provided by Kansas City, Mo.-based 360 Architecture, while the construction was managed by Wharton-Smith, Inc. of Sanford, Fla. The stadium seating was erected by Dant Clayton of Louisville, Ky.

Sprint to the Start

On Sept. 15, 2007, the stadium welcomed 45,622 through its gates for the kickoff against University of Texas. Hansen, who had been in constant motion since before sunrise, rushed to the field just in time for the national anthem and flyover.

He recalls seeing longtime athletics administrator Art Zeleznik with tears streaming down his face.

“I know everyone felt that way in the stadium at that moment. This university had been wanting this day for years, and we were all hit with the realization that it was finally really happening,” Hansen says. “We’re about ready to kick off game No. 1. That was special.”

Beyond constructing the stadium, the operational blueprint was just as crucial to make game day on campus a reality. From parking logistics to implementing a credentialing system to managing traffic flow to public safety and everything in between, 91�Թ�� personnel were navigating uncharted territory.

David Hansen (left) walks then-football head coach George O’Leary (center) into the stadium for its inaugural game in 2007. (Photo courtesy of 91�Թ�� Athletics)

“We had a really good, young stadium operations support staff, but we had never hosted a major college football game before,” Hansen says. “A lot of places get a several year runway for this. We had barely a year to put it together.”

After the game, Hansen put together a five-page list of items that would need to get addressed or corrected before game two.

“I never had a list that long again,” he says. “It was impossible to fully rehearse ahead of the opener, and there were several unknowns. But we knew it was going to be that way. We just had to work together and do our best. We’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years of executing game days at the scale and magnitude of the Bounce House, and it has been a truly collaborative effort between athletics, the university and community partners to build Orlando into a Power 4 town.”

An Interactive Stadium

The legend of the “Bounce House” was born as the seconds ticked off the scoreboard clock in the lead up to kick off while fans bopped to Zombie Nation’s Kernkraft 400.

Hansen felt Roth Tower moving. He saw people having fun with it. He also saw questions in their eyes.

“I made some engineering friends real quick who said, ‘This is normal. This is really more of a bridge than a building structurally, so it’s designed to move like this.’ That made me feel better,” he says.

91�Թ�� students have helped Acrisure Bounce House build a national reputation as a unique game day environment.

The stadium has evolved through the years, but it continues to be the Bounce House — so much so that is has now become a part of the stadium’s official name.

“I call it an interactive stadium. Fans can actually get it to move and most stadiums you can’t do that,” he says. “Having the home field advantage played a big part in the team earning multiple conference championships, a series of elite bowl games and ultimately inclusion in one of college football’s premier leagues. Our fanbase has grown into one of the most passionate and disruptive in the country. And the on-campus stadium was a big facilitator of that.”

Knightro and the spirit team lead the March to Victory through Athletics Village on game day.

Athletics Village Is Born

Most places would consider opening one stadium enough of an undertaking. Most places are not 91�Թ��.

In the same week the football stadium opened, the 10,000-seat basketball and event facility, Addition Financial Arena, living spaces for 2,000 students and the surrounding Knights Plaza with 80,000 square feet of retail space opened their doors, too.

“The Athletics Village has become a true entertainment and retail district and a great destination and asset for the university,” Hansen says. “Today, a lot of universities are building those for the first time. We launched ours 20 years ago.”

Now that the Roth Tower project is complete thanks in large part to Orange County’s $90 million investment, Hansen’s top priority is revamping the Knights Plaza district.

“We are working to noticeably enhance that area and make it more of a destination, not just for game day, but for every day,” Hansen says. “We’ve got some special plans for that.”

Top: Groundbreaking of the Roth Tower project in December 2024. Bottom: The completed Roth Tower in August 2026.

The Vision

When the stadium opened, 91�Թ�� was in its infancy of Conference USA, but the university and athletics department envisioned one day reaching the top echelon of collegiate athletics. So the stadium and Athletics Village were strategically planned to evolve as 91�Թ�� did.

Over the years, we’ve seen transformations to match our rise to the Big 12 with the addition of the Carl Black and Gold Cabana, field cabanas, the Stadium Club, west stadium loge seating, the new Nicholson Plaza and more.

“A lot of stadiums around the country can’t do those things because they are older concrete structures that just can’t change without massive cost or overhauls,” Hansen says. “Here we can. We just proved it again with the new Roth Tower.”

Every game day at 91�Թ�� offers opportunities for students to gain industry experience in areas including facility and event management, game day operations, broadcasting and production, brand management and strategic communications. (Photo by Brooke Morris)

Game Day and Career Ready

Over the last 20 years, the Athletics Village has built community and provided student-athletes with opportunities to showcase their talent while representing 91�Թ�� worldwide. The village has also served as an extension of 91�Թ��’s mission to equip students with the knowledge, skills and aptitudes that align with the workforce of the future, offering paid opportunities to gain industry experience.

Ryan Gustafson ’25 is just one of many success stories. He was a freshman majoring in biology who needed extra cash when he applied to a part-time job for the athletics facilities, events and operations team. The decision radically shaped his future.

He found purpose and switched his major to event management. In addition to learning from a , he gained practical experience in producing 91�Թ�� Knights’ events and coordinating with some of the biggest brands in athletics.

“There’s a culture here that people want to stay and do their part to make it the best.” — Ryan Gustafson ’25

He has supported the Roth Tower project since it broke ground. He has worked hand in hand with the United States Tennis Association at its national campus in Lake Nona where 91�Թ��’s men’s and women’s tennis teams compete. When FIFA needed training sites in Orlando for its 2025 Club World Cup, Gustafson was one of the go-to personnel on hand to support the elite international soccer clubs using our facilities.

By the time he graduated in December 2025, he had made the most of the opportunities he experienced as a student and earned himself a full-time position as a 91�Թ�� facilities, events and operations coordinator.

“There’s a culture here that people want to stay and do their part to make it the best,” he says. “I always told myself I would end up at 91�Թ��, and getting an opportunity right out of college was a dream.”

91�Թ��’s Roth Tower 2.0 Is Here, and You’ve Got To See It

Jenna Marina Lee — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 20:51:07 +0000

Two decades ago, 91�Թ�� opened an on-campus stadium that embodied the ambition of a spirited university and the belief of its fanbase. Today, the opening of the new Roth Tower marks the next chapter in that story, celebrating the rise of Knight Nation, 91�Թ��’s trajectory as the youngest institution in a Power Four conference and the momentum still ahead.

Orange County leaders joined 91�Թ�� President Alexander N. Cartwright (center) and Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir (far left) for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and unveiling on Roth Towers. Attendees include (left to right): Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, Orange County Major Jerry Demings, former Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore and Orange County Commissioner Mike Crabb. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

The Roth Tower project, 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 that strengthens Orange County as a premier destination for sports tourism and community engagement.

The 3MG Club’s central hospitality area of the Roth Tower. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

“The new Roth Tower would not be possible without Orange County’s $90 million investment, and we are deeply grateful to Mayor Demings and the Board of County Commissioners for their belief in 91�Թ��,” says 91�Թ�� President Alexander N. Cartwright. “That investment, together with the commitment of our donors, fans and community, helped make this next chapter of the Bounce House possible. Today, we are delivering a community asset designed to bring people here, bring them back and create lasting value for Orange County.”

View of the President’s Suite at the Roth Tower. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Born to Bounce

Since its opening in 2007, Acrisure Bounce House has allowed 91�Թ�� to showcase the momentum and trajectory of one of the country’s fastest-growing universities.

For years the idea of an on-campus stadium at 91�Թ�� was a dream that many had said could never come true. 91�Թ�� President John C. Hitt and several prominent 91�Թ�� supporters, including the tower’s namesake, Jerry and Susan Roth, saw the vision of what an on-campus stadium could be. They believed the football program and a stadium could help elevate the university and its brand.

In the last 20 years of the Bounce House, 91�Թ�� has captivated audiences on nationally televised primetime broadcasts; welcomed premiere college football shows ��ʱ�’s College GameDay and �󰿳�’s Big Noon Kickoff; hosted conference championships that catapulted the Knights to New Year’s Six bowl games; and has become a not-to-be-missed atmosphere in college sports.

The new Roth Tower represents another important investment in our continued rise.

The Athletic Director’s Suite at Roth Tower. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

A Tower With a Story to Tell

Thoughtful planning went into the design elements and functionality of the new tower.

The new space allows more opportunities beyond game day to welcome alumni, partners and visitors for corporate meetings and retreats, weddings and events, and even rocket launch viewing opportunities of nearby Kennedy Space Center, whose Launch Complex 39A aligns with the stadium’s 50-yard line.

Acrisure Bounce House offers spectacular views of rocket launches from nearby Kennedy Space Center. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Stronger media and broadcast spaces will help showcase 91�Թ�� nationally and open possibilities for hosting other premiere sporting events and concerts. The strategic layout and structure will make operations and logistics safer, smarter and more efficient.

The tower also serves as an extension of 91�Թ��’s mission to equip our students with the knowledge, skills and aptitudes that align with the workforce of the future, offering paid opportunities to gain industry experience in areas including facility and event management, game day operations, broadcasting and production, brand management and strategic communications.

The details are uniquely 91�Թ��, with nods to the university’s roots as America’s Space University and its location in one of the most desirable tourist destinations globally.

91�Թ��’s satellite bar spaces — Mercury, Gemini and Apollo — are themed after NASA’s first mission programs. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

A new concept in luxury seating, the open-air, semi-private Sky Suites on the north and south wings of the tower take advantage of Orlando’s average of 233 sunny days per year. Floor-to-ceiling windows serve as the east and west walls of the central suite space on the third floor for optimal views of the field and athletic village.

The stadium’s art collection is growing with two custom murals that pay homage to the 91�Թ�� story and the university’s relationship to Orange County designed by artist Harry Foreman ’18, a graphic design and emerging media management graduate. These complement several installations around the concourse already that include Knightro, wings of Pegasus (the university’s official seal), 91�Թ��’s Big 12 ties and Orlando.

Two murals designed by 91�Թ�� alum Harry Foreman ’18 are now part of the new Roth Tower. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Building What’s Next

Roth Tower will create memorable experiences for visitors and reinforces 91�Թ�� as another reason people choose to come to Orange County and come back.

The Roth Tower spans four levels and increases usable club space for events by 256%, growing from 4,400 square feet to 15,650 square feet. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

While the tower is a huge step forward for 91�Թ�� Athletics, it is not the finish line, says 91�Թ�� Director of Athletics and Vice President Terry Mohajir, who has worked to implement facility enhancements throughout the village since he arrived in 2021.

91�Թ�� Athletics and university leadership alongside representatives from Orange County celebrate the opening of Roth Tower. (Photo by Jon Rose, 91�Թ�� Athletics)

“Our fans gave this stadium its identity … and kept the faith as 91�Թ�� climbed from one level of collegiate athletics to the next,” Mohajir says. “Our responsibility now is to keep matching that belief, by giving our student-athletes every opportunity to succeed, competing for championships, delivering a Power Four-caliber experience and continuing to build the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village into one of the greatest destinations in college sports.”

The 91�Թ�� football team opens the 2026 season against Bethune-Cookman on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. Ticket information can be found at .

The 2026 football season celebrates the 20th year of the on-campus stadium. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

91�Թ��’s Football Stadium Gains 2, Alumni-Made Murals

Jenna Marina Lee | Video by Daniel Forcella — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 19:30:54 +0000

When droves of fans step inside the gates of the new and improved Roth Tower at Acrisure Bounce House, they’ll be greeted with two one-of-a-kind, alumni-made murals and a welcome message that’s 100% 91�Թ��:

“It’s a perfect day to bounce in Orange County, Florida.”

When the investment was greenlit in 2023, university and athletics administration knew they wanted to add to the stadium’s art collection, which already features several installations around the concourse that include Knightro, wings of Pegasus (the university’s official seal), 91�Թ��’s Big 12 ties and Orlando.

91�Թ�� commissioned Harry Foreman ’18 to deliver two murals that pay homage to the 91�Թ�� story and the university’s relationship to Orlando and Orange County. To execute the installation in the week leading up to the tower’s unveiling, Foreman utilized virtual reality technology as part of his process and enlisted the help of fellow alumni: Nicole Lind ’11, a Burnett Honors Scholar who graduated with a degree in an elementary education, and Paulaiden Minerva ’15, who earned his bachelor’s in marketing through the program.

Foreman studied graphic design and emerging media management and previously completed murals for the 91�Թ�� Downtown and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management campuses.

91�Թ�� alumni Harry Foreman ’18 and Nicole Lind ’11 installed two custom murals in the week leading up to the Roth Tower grand opening. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

“When I was a student I always had so much fun on games days,” Foreman says. “It’s magic being back here.”

The Florida native, who now splits his time between Orlando and Denver, has been an active contributor to the Central Florida’s arts scene for years. He recently was selected to be part of the City of Orlando’s Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge, Art Pollination — a prestigious opportunity as Orlando was one of eight cities selected for the $1 million grant out of more than 150 submissions from around the country.

Acrisure Bounce House is his third football stadium mural project. He previously completed installations for the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.

“I always knew I wanted to paint big,” he says.

One mural is centered in an Art Deco theme and is an ode to how the university is entwined with Orlando. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

Here he shares more about his latest creation.

What excited you about this project?

The campus personnel were so willing and excited about my ideas and style that I brought into this that it was almost a perfect match. I led with fun first and then presented some safer ideas. And they said, “Nope. We want the fun.”

I’m grateful and appreciative that I’m creating in a way that is so well received by so many people. Especially with the way we’re doing these murals with minimal color and a gold approach, I think it’s a style that has an elevated look while also having this fun, bubbly, childlike feeling, which is perfect for a football stadium on game day.

Where did you pull inspiration from for the two murals?

A staple in a lot of my mural work is my “orange blossom gang.” They are fun, smiling orange characters that I will sprinkle in throughout a lot of my murals. They act almost as the glue that keeps other imagery and assets like together. They appear in both murals.

For the 91�Թ��-themed mural, we have my signature doodle collage style. We’re in the Bounce House, baby. So I tried to have this flowy, bubbly movement with the clouds. I wanted it to feel like it was light and airy.

With regards to Easter eggs, when I was a student, I did artwork around Orlando and I would do this little emanating whoopsie daisy flower. I snuck it into a postcard stamp. The manatee celebrates Central Florida’s natural springs, which is in my opinion, one of the most magical parts about the entire state. I also snuck in a variation of the rubber duck for Spirit Splash.

For the Orange County mural, it is centered in an Art Deco theme and is an ode to how the university is entwined with Orlando. From the downtown corridor to our relationship with the hospitality sector around I-Drive to space and 91�Թ��’s engineering and technology roots. And we wanted to include a message to what helped make this possible: “In appreciation of Orange County, Florida, whose continued belief, support and investment will welcome millions through these gates to bounce.”

Harry Foreman ’18 began using VR technology a year ago to aide his artistic process in forecasting his artwork onto large-scale walls. (Photo by Antoine Hart)

How do you apply virtual reality technology in your process?

I first started using the VR headset to project my artwork on walls last year. There are many different ways to get your art on your walls through grid systems, sketching freehand, projectors and now through headsets. In this circumstance, I have another mural next week. I’ve got to get in and out. I didn’t want to wait till the nighttime to use a projector. What’s great about the headset is no matter the time of day, you are able to work and operate, and forecast your artwork on a wall.

It’s a really weird, immersive and amazing technology. If you got vertigo like I do, tread lightly. As I’m wearing it, I’m constantly thinking, ‘We are in the future.’ ”

How did your 91�Թ�� experience help you hone your craft?

“Being at 91�Թ�� pushed me to be great.” — Harry Foreman ’18, muralist

My 91�Թ�� experience was not just a four-year degree. I used nearly every offering 91�Թ�� had — I was in different clubs, at the gym all the time. I was in the engineering lab using the laser cutter for a lot of my school projects. My experience was almost competitive nurture in a sense, learning in a school setting with so many talented creatives around me. Being at 91�Թ�� pushed me to be great and taught me how to be a shape shifter.

I already was running a business while in school. I immediately graduated and went right into freelancing, and the Orlando community and 91�Թ�� network at large welcomed me right when I needed it. I booked amazing jobs right out of school. The 91�Թ�� Downtown project, I would say, is still some of my most impactful work that gets me jobs to this day.

I never in a million years thought murals would allow me to be traveling all over the nation. I’m about to buy my wife a house. It’s a great time to be a muralist. It’s the best job in the world.

Two murals designed by 91�Թ�� alum Harry Foreman ’18 are now part of the new Roth Tower. (Photo by Nick Leyva ’15)

What does it mean to you to be able to give back to your alma mater and Orlando in this way?

It’s so special. As a student, and even as an artist, there’s no textbook for success, no single game plan for how to do things. The fact that I get to paint and create in spaces like this, I hope it can inspire the next student. I hope they see this and they say, “That is so cool. I want to do that,” because whenever I saw someone doing it, that was my first response.

If you’re a student that is worried about the creative world that we’re entering into, as long as you’re pushing yourself to make great work, everything you could ever want is already there waiting for you. Orlando as a canvas is the best place to blossom. It was for me.

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