Akron and Kent State are only 10 miles apart creating a strong rivalry between these two schools from northeast Ohio. The rivalry began in 1923 when the Zips shutout Kent State 32-0, but the Wagon Wheel trophy wasn’t added to the rivalry until 1946. Things intensified in 1992 when Akron joined the Mid-American Conference, and the two teams have faced off every year since then. The proximity and long history between these two rivals mean you’ll be in for quite the treat when these two bitter rivals get together on the gridiron.
Outside of their fierce matchups with Kent State Zips fans also tend to come out in strong numbers to support their team when they take on other instate rivals including the Ohio Bobcats, Bowling Green Falcons, and Toledo Rockets. There are plenty of opposing teams in town for these matchups, and bragging rights are always on the line, so don’t miss out on attending these heated instate rivalry games.
Zips Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Tailgating at Akron offers something for everyone no matter how wild or how mild you like to tailgate. For those of you looking to get rowdy and wild then the lawn near the south end zone is the place to be. The students here love to party hard before filing into the stadium to cheer on their Zips, so bring a handle and join in the game day fun.
If partying hard isn’t what you’re looking for, then head over to the parking lots where the more conventional way of tailgating takes place. The car park can be a family oriented environment on game day and offer a perfect place to grill, drink, play games, and socialize before the game. You’ll even get the chance to watch the Ohio’s Pride marching band march through the tailgate, as the pump up the crowd and get everyone in the gameday spirit.
You’ll also find plenty of outstanding cuisine at Zips tailgates. Sometimes Zips fans will eat all three meals at the tailgate with favorites including ribs, chicken chili, and potato casserole. Bring some of your favorites to share and join in on rich experience that is tailgating at Akron. No matter how hard you like to party, you’ll enjoy your time at Akron where there is plenty to eat and plenty of new friends to make, as everyone here is very friendly and welcoming to fellow fans.
Tailgate Town offers an excellent place to hang out and spend some time before going into the stadium to cheer on the Akron Zips. Here you’ll find numerous activities to take part in including inflatables, games, live music, and all sorts of gameday entertainment. You can even reserve your spot in tailgate town if you’re looking to entertain a large party, so stop on by and join in on all the pregame fun Akron has to offer.
Zips Fest Tailgate TownTailgate Town offers an excellent place to hang out and spent some time before going into the stadium to cheer on the Akron Zips. Here you’ll find numerous activities to take part in including inflatables, games, live music, and all sorts of gameday entertainment. You can even reserve your spot in tailgate town if you’re looking to entertain a large party, so stop on by and join in on all the pregame fun Akron has to offer.
Lot 9If you’re looking to go the whole nine yards and set up a tailgate of your own then Lot 9 in the place to be. Lot 9 is home to the most diehard tailgaters at Akron and will give you a chance to not only show off your Saturday best, but will also let you see some of the best tailgates Akron has to offer.
Zips Stadium Guide
In Game
On game days you’ll find Akron fans throughout the city dressed in their Saturday bests. Everywhere you look, you’ll see fans decked out in blue and gold shirts, pants, shoes, hoodies, pullovers, and hats. You name it if you can put a Zips logo on it then you’ll spot it when traveling to Akron.
There is a strong passion football and a strong history of football all throughout the state of Ohio and Akron is no exception. The team was coached by the legendary John Heisman from 1893 to 1894, and you’ll even be able to stop by and take a picture with a statue erected in his honor. Akron is also only a few miles from Canton, so make sure to stop by the Pro Football Hall of Fame during your trip as well since it is a can’t miss for any diehard football fan out there.
You’ll also enjoy the experience of watching a game in one of the newest stadiums in the country when taking in a football game at Akron. Infocision Field was built in 2009 and retains the coziness of a small school stadium while also offering a sleek modern design that provides an outstanding game day experience. One of the best features of the new stadium is the grassy knoll in the end zone which is a great place to grab a few beers and lay back and take in the game. There are no field goal nets either so get ready to become an amateur kick returner every time the ball is kicked towards you.
The new stadium and strong support of the Akron faithful make the trip well worth your time as there is no doubt you’ll have a great time taking in a football game at InfoCision Stadium.
Heisman was the coach at Akron from 1893 to 1894 and is honored with a statue in the south end zone. Stop by the statue commemorating this legend’s time at Akron to get the most out of your visit to InfoCision Stadium.
The team store, located on the south side of the stadium, is your one stop shop for anything Zips-related. Whether you’re looking for something to wear to the game and show off your Akron pride or a souvenir to commemorate your trip you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.
The grassy knoll in the south end zone seats 3,000 fans and provides a unique view of the action that you won’t find at many other stadiums throughout the country. If you’re looking to experience something a little different, that the grassy area in the south end zone is a great place to take in the game.
While the team's official nickname is the Zips, the mascot is Zippy the Kangaroo. The fans refer to the stadium as the “Roo Zoo” and often refer to the team or a player as a Roo. So when the linebacker crushes a wideout over the middle feel free to refer to him as “one nasty Roo.” This will help you fit right in with the rest on the Roo spotters.
At Akron games you’ll find the band makes their presence well known throughout the game. There is a great deal of pride on display when the Pride of Ohio Band takes the field, so to put it simply this band has some swagger in their step during performances.
After a Zips touchdown, the cannon inside of the stadium fires off a tremendous shot and is followed up by a train horn. The cannon and horn get the crowd especially pumped after each and every Zip touchdown, so keep your eyes and ears peeled after every Zips touchdown to experience the excitement for yourself.
Fight Songs
Blue and Gold
Akron’s fight song played when the team takes the field, after every score, 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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