Kent State is Akron’s archrival, so you’ll be in for a treat when attending a game between the Zips and the Golden Flash. Regardless of the sport these two teams and their fans hate each other. Make sure to get tickets when the Golden Flash come to town as there are few better matchups in the MAC than Akron-Kent State.
Akron-Ohio may not have the history of some other rivalries, but it’s still one of the best rivalries in the MAC. The stakes are always high when the Zips and Bobcats meet as the two teams have consistently been among the best teams in the MAC over the last ten years. The two have met in several conference championship games since 2009, so don’t miss it when Akron and Ohio square off.
Akron Zips Stadium Guide
In Game
The Zips are consistently one of the best teams in the MAC, and as a result, the team has built an impressive following. The fans inside James A. Rhodes Arena are among the loudest in the conference and the students, in particular, make it a tough place for opponents to play. All throughout the game, you’ll hear cheers and chants coming from the student section as they propel the Zips to victory.
It’s not just the student section that makes a Zips game one of the best road trips for any MAC basketball fan; you’ll also see an incredible array of Akron basketball history on display when attending a Zips game. The program does an excellent job of honoring past greats including Bob Huggins and all around the arena you’ll see banners dedicated to the best Zips teams, players, and coaches.
Lastly, head to downtown Akron before or after the game to grab a bite to eat or something to drink. Here you’ll not only be able to grab a drink several great bars including the 69 Tap and Baxter’s; you’ll also have the opportunity to stop by the Akron Zoo or Canal Park, which is home to the Akron Rubberducks.
A trip to Akron is an excellent time for any MAC basketball fan and offers plenty of entertainment options before and after the game as well. Plan your trip to Akron today to experience one of the best basketball road trips in the MAC.
You’ll find a wealth of banners hanging up around James A. Rhodes Arena. The banners tell the story of Akron basketball over the years and honor the best players and coaches in program history including Bob Huggins, Wyatt Webb, and Tony Laterza. There is even a banner for the Zips beloved mascot Zippy, so make sure to take them all in during your trip to Akron.
At Akron games you’ll find the band makes their presence well known throughout the game. The Pride of Ohio Band keeps the energy high at every game and puts lots of pride into helping give the Zips as much of a home court advantage as possible, so to put it simply this band has some swagger in their step during performances.
Zippy the kangaroo is the official mascot of the Akron Zips, and a can’t miss part of any Zips basketball game. He’s a favorite among Zips fans and the winner of the 2008 Capital One Mascot of the Year Award, so keep an eye out for Zippy when attending an Akron basketball game.
The cheer and dance squads entertain the crowd with delightful performances you won’t want to miss. The presence of these two pep squads gives an Akron game a real collegiate feel making them a big part of any Zips game.
Akron’s fight song played when the team takes the court and after Zips victories.
We cheer the Akron Blue and Gold,
We cheer as the colors unfold,
We pledge anew we’re all for you,
As the team goes crashing through,
FIGHT! FIGHT!
We cheer the Akron warriors bold,
For a fight that’s a sight to behold,
So we stand up, and cheer and shout
For the Akron Blue and Gold.
Zzzip! Zip go the Zippers!
Zzzip! Zip go the Zippers!
Akron U Gold and Blue,
All for you and the Zippers too!
Alma Mater
Close beside Cuyahoga’s waters,
Stream of amber hue,
O’er old Buchtel, Summit’s glory,
Wave the gold and blue.
Hail we Akron! Sound her praises,
Speed them on the gale;
Ever stand our Alma Mater,
Akron, Hail, All Hail!
Barley House Akron features traditional American cuisine, while showcasing over 30 craft beers on tap, over 30 televisions to watch your favorite sports teams, and the friendliest staff in town.
We’ve been proud to serve the Greater Akron area for over a decade offering deliciously-fresh, overstuffed sandwiches, sides, desserts and maybe a cold Thirsty Dog beer to wash it all down.
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