UCF students stand in the Reflecting Pond, waiting for their chance to snatch a rubber duck, during the 24th annual Spirit Splash Friday afternoon. The 2019 Spirit Splash, a Homecoming Week tradition, featured ducks carrying three different surfboards: a purple one, a blue one and a purple with a green stripe. Photo by Terrance Coakley.

UCF announced its first-ever Spring Splash as part of its second Homecoming Week, where groups of four students will have physically distant pods with other COVID-19 precautions in place.

To avoid crowding, UCF said the groups will be splashed by water guns, rather than rushing into the Reflecting Pond.

The university tradition will be held in two sessions on Feb. 26 — the first occurring at 11 a.m. with check-in at 10:30 a.m and the second at 1:15 p.m. with check-in at 12:45 p.m.

Traditionally, the event is hosted on the Friday prior to the Homecoming football game. The cancelation of in-person celebrations led to a virtual adaptation of Spirit Splash last semester. 

Many of the aspects of the pep rally are being implemented to allow for students to show their school spirit, while still upholding COVID-19 safety measures, the university said. 

Instead of charging into the pond for a chance to catch an infamous lucky duck, those who attend will be given their own rubber duck to take home. 

Although UCF’s traditional Spirit Splash was postponed in October 2020, UCF supporters snagged coveted ducks by donating to the Keep Charging On Fund. Photo courtesy of UCF.

UCF President Alexander Cartwright, Student Government leaders, UCF Athletics representatives, and KnightMoves dancers are expected to be present at the college tradition. 

Students must RSVP through KnightConnect before attending the event.

UCF said it will allow a maximum of 650 students at each session, and students must bring their UCF ID in order to check-in for the event. Students must RSVP through KnightConnect and sign up for one of the two sessions.

Spring Splash is one event during UCF’s Spring 2021 Homecoming Week, which will take place from Feb. 22 to Feb. 26.

Here’s what else is happening during the second homecoming week-long celebration:

Movie Knight

Feb. 22 — “Hang out with your Knight Ohana and watch Disney’s Lilo and Stitch on the Mall.”

  • Check-in at 6 p.m.
  • Show starts at 7 p.m. on Memory Mall
  • RSVP via KnightConnect.

Comedy Knight

Feb. 23 — “Comedy Knight will feature two great acts. Check back for more details.”

  • Check-in at 6 p.m.
  • Show starts at 7 p.m. on Memory Mall.
  • RSVP via KnightConnect.

Knights Got Talent

Feb. 24 — “Weeks before the show, students auditioned virtually by submitting a one-minute video to earn a chance to compete. See who made the cut and will take top honors…”

  • Check-in at 6 p.m.
  • Show starts at 7 p.m. on Memory Mall.
  • RSVP via KnightConnect.

Concert Knight

Feb. 25 — “Check back for details about the artist who will be performing for a crowd of about 600 students during the outdoor concert that will have physical distancing in place.”

  • Check-in at 6 p.m.
  • Show starts at 7 p.m. on Memory Mall.
  • RSVP on KnightConnect.

Zuzu African Acrobats Team Performances

Feb. 26 — “In celebration of Black History Month, the Office of Student Involvement and the Multicultural Student Center is hosting a performance by Zuzu African Acrobats, a local group that showcases traditional Kenyan acrobatic skills.”

  • Check-in starts at 6 p.m.
  • The performance begins at 6:45 p.m. on Memory Mall.
  • RSVP on KnightConnect.

More details on Spring Splash 2021 can be found on UCF Today’s website.

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