The Buzz Around Town
Here’s what folks are saying about Bright House Stadium and UCF football:
Don Jonas, UCF’s first coach – “We’ve come a long way. The greatest thing is to look at the progression of the commitment the university has made. When you get to the level they want, you know it will happen. It’s the greatest thing in the world.”
Mike Cullison, football coach at Seminole High in Sanford and UCF’s first QB – “I was out there recently and looked at the stadium. No. 1, the college is out of site and the stadium is unbelievable. It’s neat to have a place to call your own and as a former UCF player we now have something to compare to the Florida States and the Floridas.”
Billy Giovanetti, an original member of the 1979-1982 UCF football team and a UCF Hall of Fame member – “I have gone through and experienced many trials and tribulations through the years of UCF football, from practicing in the sand lots by the old baseball field to traveling on a bus 15 hours to play a game.
“We all knew back then that we would run with the Big Dogs one day. We dreamed and discussed that one day UCF would have its own stadium on campus. We were content with the Tangerine/Citrus Bowl but playing on campus was the dream for all of us. When UCF opens up against Texas at Bright House Stadium, emotions of years past will be flying for all that wore the Black and Gold. Butterflies, goosebumps and tears will be evident amongst the all athletes that were part of the building process. Finally, ‘Our Home Team’ has its own real backyard.
“I am proud to be associated with UCF football and honored to be part of its history.”
Chris Caldwell, Winter Springs Parks and Recreation and UCF graduate, Class of ’87 – “The time is right. As a UCF grad, I am really happy for it. When I heard about it [the stadium], I went on line and saw it. It gave me goose bumps.”
Mike Kirby, Director of Leisure Services, city of Sanford and father of a college football player – “I think it’s magnificent. They will have a sense of pride in their own facility and I can’t wait for the opening. I think it will be electric out there, a happening, a great, great thing. The future is so bright out there.”
Bill James, Director of Leisure Services, city of Altamonte Springs, life-long Central Florida fan and bureaucrat – “The lesson to be learned here is how to build a major sports venue with the most efficient manner. The creation and execution of the business plan surpasses anything I have seen in the state of Florida.”
Kerry Schwartz, Winter Park cardiologist, football fans, long-time board member and volunteer for Orlando Citrus Sports – “As a Florida Citrus Bowl board member and a neighbor to UCF [Florida Heart Group has an office in Oviedo near the University] we are excited for the UCF family. Nothing is more exciting than students walking to games on their campus”
John Magrino, athletic director at Dr. Phillips, football fan and stadium announcer Tampa Bay Bucs games at Raymond James Stadium -- “I think the best part about the new stadium is it brings that on-campus college football atmosphere to UCF that you haven't had before. Game days in Gainesville and Tallahassee are not simply enjoyable because of the game; it's the anticipation, the setting up your tent, your grill, walking around the campus, buying a new hat or shirt. You make a day of it because you're in a comfortable place. At on off-campus site, it's a different experience...when the game is done, you leave. Now that it's at UCF, you'll see more fans arrive early and more fans staying later.”
Vincent Carter, father of the NBA star, program director for Midnight Basketball for the Center for Drug Free Living and a high school football player and long-time fan—“I think it’s great. I’m excited about it. It gives us that major market flavor.”
John Hemmer, member of first UCF coaching staff and retired football and track coach – “Without a doubt, UCF in its own stadium on its own campus is a big plus.”
Scott Ryerson, former football player on the first UCF team, alumni and booster who now lives in Winter Springs – “The stadium is the missing piece to the puzzle, exactly what has been needed to rally the alumni to get the program to the next level. I can hardly wait. It’s amazing to see where how far we have come.”
Steve Slack, father of former Knight record-setting QB Darin and a creative genius who helped sell tickets and the program to Central Florida fans, later created the Zonies for Florida Citrus Sports – “My family held a surprise 70th birthday party for me and Scott Ryerson was there. I asked him about the stadium and what he said made me tingle.
What I remember was watching the equipment manager putting quarters in a washing machine at 1 o’clock in the morning in a dingy motel in West Georgia so the team would have fresh uniforms. Things have come a long, long way.”
Gerald Rutberg, one of Central Florida’s most cherished sports fanatics from a pioneer Metro Orlando family, who has earned the reputation of finding the difficult ticket to be at the biggest events -- “It’s a remarkable achievement, an outstanding facility and even more amazing with affordable financing. It will be a wonderful gathering place for students who have earned an on campus stadium. It should bring a lot of joy to the university community as well as joy to anybody who loves college football.”
