Former names UCF Arena (1991–2007) Operator Global Spectrum | Public transit UCF Transit Center, | |
Full name The Venue at the University of Central Florida Location 12777 Gemini Blvd N.
Orlando, Florida 32816
United States Owner University of Central Florida | ||
The Venue at UCF is a sports and entertainment arena located in Orlando, Florida on the main campus of The University of Central Florida. The arena which was opened in 1991, housed the Knights men's and women's basketball teams from 1991 to 2007, and has served as home to UCF's volleyball team since 1991. The Venue also serves as a practice facility for the university's basketball teams, and houses administrative offices for the same.
The Venue is 87,000 square feet (8,100 m2), and boosts 2,500 fixed seats, or up to 3,000 standing-room general admission. The Venue can be configured for concerts, family events, musical theatre, commencements, and other stage shows and sporting events. The Venue is owned by the university, and is managed by Global Spectrum, a subsidiary of Philadelphia-based Comcast Spectacor.
History
In 2007, the arena was replaced by the CFE Arena as the game facility for both the Men's and Women's basketball teams. The last basketball game played in the facility was on March 3, 2007, when the Golden Knights Men's team beat the East Carolina Pirates, 77–64, in Conference USA play. The last Women's game was on March 1, when they lost to the Southern Methodist Mustangs, 79–58. The arena hosted the Atlantic Sun Conference men's basketball tournament three times in 1994, 1995, and 2002.
Following the opening of the new arena, the facility was renamed The Venue at UCF, and was renovated in 2007 and 2008. When it reopened in April 2008, its retractable bleachers were replaced by 2,500 fixed stadium seats. The Venue is used as both a facility for minor indoor sports such as volleyball, as well as a training facility for the Knights basketball teams. It also houses a 2,000 square feet (190 m2) weight room for use by student athletes.