Introduction

The Rubber Bowl, located 7 miles from campus, has been home of the University of Akron Zips football team since 1940. It is named after the predominance of the tire industry in Akron. But, soon the Akron Zips will have a new home, located right on campus, InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field, opening the 2009 Zips football season on Sept. 19, 2009 versus the Indiana University Hoosiers.

Rubber Bowl History

The Rubber Bowl has such a rich history. The Rubber Bowl ties for the third largest collegiate stadium in the state of Ohio. The site of 310 UA football contests, 19 preseason Cleveland Browns' games, a regular season NFL game in 1952, over 1,500 high school games, including OHSAA playoff games, as well as many soccer matches and concerts and shows, the Rubber Bowl has stood the test of time. Not to mention, the many memories that are tied to experiences at the Rubber Bowl.

Why build a new stadium?

"The condition of the aging Rubber Bowl and the rising costs of maintenance or refurbishing of the facility to modern-day standards made the decision to build a new stadium a necessity," according to Mack Rhoades, UA director of athletics.

"The Rubber Bowl has been a landmark in our community. But a recent poll of our season ticket holders showed that the amenities of this facility are discouraging fans from attending games and enjoying what should be a great family experience."
--Mack Rhoades, UA director of athletics

About The Mascot

The university's mascot is "Zippy," a kangaroo. Zippy is one of only 7 female college mascots in the United States. Zippy won the title "Mascot of the Year" by defeating Goldy Gopher, from the University of Minnesota, in the Capital One Bowl Mascot of the Year Challenge. The victory secures a $10,000 scholarship fund from Capital One to help support the University of Akron mascot program. Go Zippy!

You can learn more about Zippy at www.uakron.edu/zippy

A New Beginning

UA alumni, students, fans and the community must say good-bye to the Rubber Bowl, but can look forward to create a new beginning with new memories and traditions with the building of the InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field.

History | The Future | Football