Construction of Roth Tower expansion reaches milestone ahead of UCF season opener

When UCF fans return to the Bounce House on Thursday night for the season opener against Jacksonville State, they’ll notice major changes taking shape on the west side of the stadium.

The area surrounding the Roth Tower has remained an active construction site since the conclusion of the 2024 season, but thanks to strategic planning and coordination, access for fans has been maintained with minimal disruption. Temporary fencing and signage clearly separate construction zones from gameday operations, allowing Knight Nation to enjoy the experience while the tower project steadily moves forward.

Earlier this month, Barton Malow, the construction firm overseeing the Roth Tower expansion, celebrated a major milestone by placing the final steel beam atop the new structure. Known in the industry as a “topping out,” it marks the completion of the structural frame and often represents the halfway point of a major build.

“It was a big milestone,” said Len Moser, Vice President at Barton Malow, during a media availability last week. “We planned it very well in advance to make sure we had some of the main structure erected first, get the cranes out of the way, and open that plaza up for fans. We’re on track with that and looking good.”

The $90 million project will transform the west side of the stadium into a multi-level, state-of-the-art facility, increasing the club space footprint from 4,400 square feet to more than 15,000. The addition of 28 expanded suites and 34 new outdoor “Sky Suites” will improve fan comfort and generate additional revenue through premium seating opportunities.

“We’re working during the season, but the bulk of the heavy ramp-up will happen after the year is over,” Moser said. “Right now, we’re focusing on the two wings on the north and south ends. Once the season wraps, we’ll shift to the middle section behind the current tower and really start ramping up interior work—walls, ceilings, finishes.”

Though the existing Roth Tower won’t be completely demolished, it will be gutted down to its steel framework and then expanded upon. The front facing the field will remain familiar, but fans can expect a dramatic increase in volume as the structure stretches westward with five levels of usable space.

“The increased height will be dramatic,” Moser said. “It’ll be that kind of dramatic space that everybody’s looking for when they come to the club level.”

Weather remains a key variable in the timeline, especially during the summer rainy season, but Moser says they’re prepared.

“We’ve been working in Florida for over 50 years. We have contingency plans, but we know the end date doesn’t move. We’ve got to make it happen.”

“A special one I’ll remember”

Barton Malow Project Manager Zach Beiler has a personal connection to the worksite—he’s a UCF graduate who met his wife at the university and still lives nearby.

“This one’s unique,” Beiler said. “It’ll be a special one I’ll remember for a while.”

Beiler noted Barton Malow was awarded the contract back in 2023 and had already been working hand-in-hand with UCF Athletics for over a year in the design and pre-construction phase before breaking ground after the 2024 season concluded.

“One mantra Terry Mohajir gave us when this started was: The tower has to stay open,” Beiler said. “So we worked with the design team to make sure the building could accommodate that. It’s something we’ve planned meticulously.”

With the stadium actively hosting seven home games this season, the construction team will wrap up weekly operations on Thursdays before each Saturday home game, reset on Sunday and then back to work on Monday.

“We’ve done similar work at Daytona (International Speedway), the University of Michigan, and the Rose Bowl,” Moser added. “Same concept. Build around events, tear down, then build again. It’s what we do.”

“A full-circle moment”

For UCF Senior Executive Associate AD Marcus Attles, the project represents both a professional milestone and a personal return to where it all began.

“I was here early in my career from 2009 to 2012,” Attles said. “This is where I met my wife. She has a couple of degrees from UCF. It’s kind of a full-circle moment.”

Attles now oversees all capital projects and event operations for UCFAA. That includes managing a project that he says is among the most transformative in UCF Athletics history.

“We’re deeply appreciative,” Attles said. “The TDT funding from Orange County was absolutely monumental. It took collaboration across the board—city, county, athletics, construction—to make this happen. I’m proud to lead it.”

Despite the scale of the project, Attles said Barton Malow’s partnership has made the transition seamless.

“There’s been minimal disruption,” he said. “We’ve got a plan in place. Knight Walk will remain the same. IOA Plaza stays active. Gate operations are unchanged. We’re focused on maintaining a great fan experience while the work continues.”

Beyond football, Attles is especially excited about the future flexibility of the new Roth Tower. The expanded club and Sky Suites will allow for year-round use, including hosting team banquets, donor events, press conferences and even potential concerts or community functions.

“This gives us that 365-day functionality,” he said. “It’s more than just seven football games. It’s a chance to invite people to our stadium and show off everything UCF has to offer.”

Almost sold out

Sales for the new premium seating areas have gone better than anticipated, Attles said, noting that the Charge On Fund and fundraising team have been fielding constant calls from interested buyers. “We’re close to sold out, if not completely already.”

The expanded tower will also include a brand-new press box, a welcome upgrade for the media as well.

A new field too

Outside of the tower project, UCF also completed another major upgrade this offseason: a new playing surface. The original natural grass field, in place since the stadium opened in 2007, was replaced with TifTuf Bermuda, installed by Carolina Green.

“Credit to our turf team who kept it going all those years,” Attles said. “But it was time. We wanted a Big 12-quality field to go with our Big 12 facilities. It’s a continued investment in our student-athletes.”

The full Roth Tower expansion is slated for completion by August 2026, just in time for next year’s kickoff.

Photo Gallery

Photos below courtesy of Barton Malow.

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