Every Fall, UCF celebrates Homecoming in an exciting week of events and spirit-filled students! Without a doubt, of all the activities, Spirit Splash is always the most memorable for the campus community.
Spirit Splash is the pep rally held the Friday before the big homecoming game. Students, alumni, prospective students, family and friends all meet at the university’s iconic landmark – the reflecting pond at the administration building. The rushing of the pond usually starts at 12:45 p.m., with students dashing into the pond – mostly fully clothed – in an attempt to capture the illusive rubber ducks which some later sell online for $100 or more.
The pond fills with people as the band, cheerleaders, dancers, football players and Knightro get the crowd excited from the stage. It is a sight to see, even if you don’t go to UCF or know anyone who does!
Editor’s Note: In the early years of Florida Technological University, the pond was sometimes drained for seating at graduations. Perhaps the most famous event was on June 8, 1973, when Richard Nixon spoke at the graduation. My husband and I attended the graduation as guests of a family friend who was graduating. The stage was set up outside the Administration building facing the building that house the WFTU radio station and library. Students were seated in the drained pond facing the stage.
READ MORE about that event and see photos.
VISIT The History of the Reflecting Pond with link to the speech President Nixon gave at the graduation.
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