UCF Bounce House set to host Florida Classic, Pop-Tarts Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in 2026; Roth Tower demolition underway
2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for UCF’s Acrisure Bounce House.
Pending approval from the UCF Board of Trustees on Thursday, the on-campus stadium is positioned to host three major football events in late 2026: the annual Florida Classic between Florida A&M and Bethune-Cookman, along with Orlando’s two long-standing postseason games — the Pop-Tarts Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
If approved, the move would shift the trio of games from Downtown Orlando’s Camping World Stadium to UCF while that venue undergoes extensive renovations throughout 2026. UCF AD Terry Mohajir and Marcus Attles, Senior Executive Associate AD for Facilities Operations and Capital Projects, are scheduled to present the proposal to the BOT as an action item. Any event expected to draw more than 10,000 attendees must receive formal authorization.
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, one of the oldest and most prestigious postseason games in college football, began in 1947 as the Tangerine Bowl and now features teams from the SEC and Big Ten. Traditionally held on New Year’s Day, the game has shifted to New Year’s Eve in the expanded playoff era. The most recent edition featured No. 21 Illinois edging No. 14 South Carolina, 21-17, before a crowd of 47,129.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl, which debuted in 1990 as the original Blockbuster Bowl, has become a key late-December matchup between the Big 12 and ACC. The 2024 game saw No. 18 Iowa State outlast No. 15 Miami, 42-41, in front of 38,650 fans. The event made headlines in 2023 for its viral “edible mascot,” a giant Pop-Tart named Strawberry who was symbolically lowered into a toaster and “eaten” by Kansas State players following their 28-19 win over NC State.
The Florida Classic is one of the most well-attended HBCU football games in the country, regularly drawing tens of thousands to Orlando. This year’s game—a 38-34 comeback win for Bethune-Cookman—drew an announced attendance of 55,528.
Roth Tower demolition marks next phase of $90 million stadium renovation
While Camping World Stadium prepares for its own renovations, the Bounce House transformation is on track for completion ahead of the 2026 football season.
Construction on the new Roth Tower project began in December 2024 with the installation of foundational support structures. Now that the 2025 season is complete, demolition of the original Roth Tower, part of the stadium since it opened in 2007, is officially underway.
Demolition began Friday and is expected to continue throughout December and into January.
The $90 million project, made possible by Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funding from Orange County, will dramatically reshape the west side of the stadium. The new multi-level facility will expand the club space from 4,400 square feet to more than 15,000, featuring air-conditioned hospitality areas, upgraded restrooms, and enhanced food and beverage options.
The renovation will also introduce 28 expanded luxury suites and 34 outdoor Sky Suites, further elevating the premium seating experience and generating additional revenue opportunities for UCF Athletics.
The new west tower is expected to be fully operational in time for the start of the 2026 football season. UCF’s home opener is currently scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 5 vs. Bethune-Cookman, though a move to Thursday, Sept. 3 is likely given UCF’s longstanding tradition of Thursday night season openers.
The remainder of UCF’s 2026 home schedule includes a non-conference game vs. Georgia State (Sept. 19) and Big 12 matchups against Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, Iowa State, and TCU. The full conference schedule will be announced in late January or February.
UCFSports.com stopped by campus on Sunday and observed demolition crews actively at work.
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