Orlando, Fla. — Barton Malow has hit a key milestone on the University of Central Florida’s latest sports expansion, topping out the $88 million Roth Tower addition at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

On Aug. 14, 2025, construction crews placed the final steel beam atop the new structure, marking the halfway point of the project. The topping-out ceremony is a longstanding construction tradition symbolizing structural completion and progress toward project delivery.

The 85,000-square-foot, four-story addition will expand UCF’s premium seating options and enhance the overall game-day experience. When complete, the Roth Tower will house 28 renovated suites and introduce 34 new outdoor sky suites, designed not only to provide comfort and better sightlines but also to add shade to portions of the existing seating bowl.

The project, which began in December 2024, is on track for completion ahead of the 2026 football season. UCF will continue to host home games at FBC Mortgage Stadium throughout the 2025 season while work is underway.

Elevating UCF Athletics

The Roth Tower expansion is part of UCF’s broader effort to elevate its athletics facilities and fan experience as the university competes in the Big 12 Conference. The improved stadium amenities are expected to help the Knights attract more fans, strengthen recruitment, and host higher-profile events in Orlando.

The addition also reflects the university’s growth trajectory. With UCF recognized as one of the largest universities in the nation by enrollment, demand for enhanced athletic facilities has grown alongside student and alumni support.

Barton Malow’s Florida Sports Portfolio

Barton Malow, headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, has a long history of delivering large-scale stadium and arena projects nationwide. In Florida, the firm has been especially active:

• In February 2025, the Orlando City Council tapped a Barton Malow–AECOM Hunt joint venture to oversee the $400 million Camping World Stadium renovation. That project will add 2,000 seats and modernize infrastructure, ensuring the long-term viability of a venue that hosts marquee events like the Citrus Bowl and Pop-Tarts Bowl.
• In May 2025, the same JV announced its role as construction manager for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ new NFL stadium, a multi-billion-dollar project set to open in August 2028.

These high-profile sports contracts highlight Barton Malow’s growing presence in the Southeast, positioning the firm as a go-to builder for complex, fan-focused sports facilities.

Looking Ahead

Once complete, the Roth Tower will not only expand UCF’s suite offerings but also serve as a revenue driver, providing additional hospitality options that appeal to sponsors, alumni, and fans. For Orlando, which has established itself as a hub for college football and professional sports, the project underscores the city’s rising profile as a premier destination for athletic events.

The topping-out milestone demonstrates Barton Malow’s steady progress toward delivering a modernized home for the Knights, with the project set to be game-ready by fall 2026.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in construction Dive.