Orlando's Church Street Station turned black and gold Monday evening as thousands packed the area for a block party to celebrate the University of Central Florida's historic undefeated football season.
The 6 p.m. party included a pep rally for the self-proclaimed national champions and lasted about three hours.
The event coincided with Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship, during which the University of Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) beat the University of Georgia Bulldogs (13-1) at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Knights won the 2018 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on New Year's Day in a hard-fought battle against No. 7 Auburn, which beat both Alabama and Georgia during the regular season.
UCF finished with the only perfect season in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer presented the team with a key to the city during Monday's free, family-friendly event.
"The whole UCF community should come out there," senior student Ola Mideogun said. "Support the team so we can keep this going, so next year we can keep the ball rolling and make UCF a powerhouse."
Senior student Andres Villacis said he was thrilled to be at Sunday's parade.
"I was expecting something a lot smaller than what it was, but it was huge," he said. "Seeing everyone there... it was really nice, all the camaraderie."
ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Rick Scott Scott
Monday naming the UCF Knights football team as national champions in Florida. %
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“Florida is home to the country’s best college football, and this season, UCF proved to the world that they can beat any team,” Scott said. “By having a perfect season and beating the only team that defeated both Alabama and Georgia this season, the UCF Knights are clearly champions. I wish both teams good luck tonight in Atlanta. Charge On.”
On @WFTV Quiet before the storm of fans expected along Church Street for @UCFKnights FB Thank You street party #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/ejlXIWwA3j
— Angela Jacobs WFTV (@AngelaJacobsTV) January 8, 2018
Cox Media Group
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