A national report examines backlash over rising 2026 World Cup ticket prices in the United States, focusing on concerns that affordability and resale pricing are limiting access for many fans. The article discusses how travel costs, visa barriers, and demand pressures could reduce international attendance and weaken the overall tourism impact in host cities. It also includes insight from Alan Fyall of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, who explains that cultural differences in how soccer is experienced globally are adding to concerns about accessibility, noting the sport’s traditional working-class roots.

A local feature highlights UCF students at Rosen College of Hospitality Management gaining hands-on experience in beverage production through a brewing course focused on quality beer and industry operations. In the article, senior instructor Jonathan Judy guides students through the full brewing process, from malt preparation and fermentation to bottling, while emphasizing how technical knowledge connects directly to careers in beverage management and hospitality. The story underscores how Florida’s craft beer industry has expanded rapidly, creating new professional pathways even as smaller breweries navigate competition from larger corporations. Rosen College’s applied learning approach is showcased through students translating classroom instruction into practical skills that prepare them for roles in the growing hospitality and beverage sector.

A feature highlights NASA astronaut Christina Koch’s role in the Artemis missions and her place among women shaping modern space exploration, alongside earlier pioneers like Eileen Collins. The article also features UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, where Director of Food and Beverage Operations Cesar Rivera Cruzado is leading research on space dining, including microgravity-friendly dishes and closed-loop food systems designed to support long-term space travel. Rosen College students are involved in exploring how hospitality can extend into space tourism by creating enjoyable and practical food experiences in zero gravity conditions.

A Forbes report examines early hotel booking trends ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that demand in many U.S. host cities is tracking at or below normal summer levels despite expectations of a tourism surge. The article highlights that visa barriers, high travel costs, and logistical challenges across 16 host cities may be limiting international attendance and reducing the tournament’s immediate economic impact. Alan Fyall, associate dean at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, explained that the scale and dispersion of the World Cup across North America make travel more complex and expensive compared to previous tournaments, which could suppress inbound tourism. He added that while late-stage matches may still generate stronger demand if certain teams advance, early indicators suggest the event may deliver less hotel-driven economic uplift than initially projected.

A UCF graduate student in event leadership secured a position with Omni Hotels and Resorts in Atlanta before officially walking at commencement, highlighting a growing trend of students entering the workforce with roles already lined up. The article follows Diana Manson, who credits her hands-on experiences during her graduate program for helping her stand out in the job market and secure the opportunity ahead of graduation. UCF career advisors from the Dixon Career Development Center noted that employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates who bring practical experience, AI literacy, and strong internship and networking backgrounds in addition to their degrees. The story emphasizes how students are becoming more intentional about building career pathways early through internships and employer engagement, reflecting a broader shift toward experience-driven hiring in hospitality and related industries.

A feature highlights UCF professor Amy Gregory from Rosen College of Hospitality Management and her role in advancing space-related hospitality research through student projects connected to the International Space Station. The article focuses on her work guiding experiments such as studying calcium crystal formation in microgravity and exploring how food science concepts like gelatin behave in space environments, blending hospitality with space science applications. Gregory’s background in the hospitality industry and her transition into academia are also emphasized, along with her efforts to introduce students to emerging fields like spaceport hospitality and space tourism. The story underscores how Rosen College is expanding traditional hospitality education into future-focused industries tied to space exploration and commercial space travel.

UCF’s strong showing in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Program Rankings highlighted the university’s growing investment in online education, with hospitality management among the nationally recognized programs. In the article, Kevin Murphy, professor and Darden Endowed Chair in Restaurant Management at UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, explained that the online hospitality program is especially valuable for working professionals in the restaurant and lodging industries who want to continue their education while advancing their careers. Murphy noted that subjects such as management, finance, and accounting translate effectively to an online format, while industry partnerships and alumni engagement help keep the curriculum aligned with workforce needs. The story also emphasized UCF’s broader support systems, including intentional course design, faculty training, and student success coaching, which help online learners balance academics with careers, family responsibilities, and military service.

A feature highlights UCF hospitality management student Brooke Adragna’s experience serving as the Knightro mascot while studying at the university, showcasing how student involvement in campus traditions can evolve into leadership and performance roles. The article follows Adragna’s journey from lifelong UCF fan to becoming part of Team Knightro, where she contributed to game-day atmosphere, fan engagement, and spirit events while balancing the physical and emotional demands of the role. It also reflects on her development within UCF’s hospitality environment, where she plans to pursue a career in sports and live entertainment focused on fan experience. The story emphasizes how Rosen College’s student experience ecosystem connects academics with real-world entertainment and engagement opportunities.

UCF’s Rosen College is training students to design space hotels and zero-gravity dining as commercial space tourism becomes more real. Through the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, students work on food preservation in microgravity (like tofu texture) and create hospitality models for orbital stays. They also collaborate with industry leaders like Blue Origin and Axiom Space to imagine what off-Earth living and dining could look like.