UCF requests $119M in TDT funding for football, soccer, track and softball projects

UCF is back at the table asking Orange County for Tourist Development Tax dollars, this time with a $119 million request spread across three athletic facility projects. The application is part of a new round of TDT funding that will be reviewed by a 30-member task force beginning next week. In total, 24 proposals are under consideration, and under state law, each must demonstrate it promotes tourism. The Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal obtained the full stack of applications Friday via records request. According to applications, as reported by the Sentinel, UCF submitted proposals for: $51 million in broadcast and infrastructure upgrades at the Acrisure Bounce House $43.6 million for a new and expanded soccer stadium and track and field complex $24.2 million for a new softball stadium In 2023, Orange County approved $90 million in TDT funding for the Roth Tower Expansion at the Bounce House, a project that has been under construction for the past year and is nearing completion. The new tower will expand club space from 4,400 square feet to more than 15,000, with air-conditioned hospitality areas, upgraded restrooms and enhanced food and beverage options. The expansion also adds 28 luxury suites, 34 outdoor Sky Suites, and a new press box and operations space. Athletic director Terry Mohajir has been finalizing a new master plan, which could be released later this fall. These projects were expected to be included. UCF Softball currently plays at the UCF Softball Complex, a bare-bones facility that opened in 2006. The soccer and track programs currently share a facility. Sources have told UCFSports.com that the proposed softball stadium would be brought into the current athletics village, constructed just northwest of the Bounce House where UCF’s soccer practice fields are currently located. A larger, modern softball facility could also help UCF attract additional events and competition, potentially including professional softball. UCF head coach Cindy Ball-Malone is coaching the Utah Talons this summer in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, which also has teams in Chicago, Durham, Oklahoma City, Portland and Round Rock, Texas. The largest request in the new TDT funding cycle came from the Orlando Dreamers, the organization attempting to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to Central Florida. The Dreamers are requesting $975 million toward the construction of a domed stadium at a proposed site near SeaWorld. Orange County’s task force will review all 24 applications before making recommendations on which projects should move forward in the approval process.