Rockets Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Jason Candle

Team Mascot: Rocky the Rocket, Rocksy the Rockette

Year Opened: 1937

Capacity: 26248

City / State: Toledo / Ohio

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Battle of I-75

Rival Team: BGSU Falcons

The annual rivalry between the Rockets and the Bowling Green Falcons dates back to 1980 when the Falcons took down the Rockets 17-6. The rivalry has been played every year since then with the winner taking home the Peace Pipe Trophy initially and now the Battle of I-75 Trophy. These two Ohio-based universities are only 25 miles apart, so there are plenty of fans from both sides in attendance when these two meet creating a tense and fun game day atmosphere.

Rockets Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Rockets fans come out in full force to tailgate at the Glass Bowl before the game. Everywhere you look, you’ll see a sea of blue and gold. Everyone and everything will be covered in Toledo blue and gold. You’ll see Rockets wear, Rockets bag sets, Rockets coolers, and much more.  Fans from all over the state come in to see the Rockets strive for another winning season by driving up in their RV’s and special party vans.

One of the most well-known and beloved Rockets tailgate vehicles is the Jambulance. The Jambulance is a 1993 Ford Ambulance equipped with a full-sized grill, a 32-inch TV, video games, a four-speaker stereo system, and much more. The Jambulance’s lights have even been converted from the traditional red and blue to the Rocket’s colors of blue and gold. When in Toledo no tailgating experience is complete without stopping by the Jambulance and taking in the sights and sounds of this one of a kind tailgate vehicle.
If you’re looking to attend the best tailgate of the season, then look no further than when the Rockets’ bitter rivals the Bowling Green Falcons are in town. There is a bitter rivalry between the two teams and Toledo fans take it personally, for instance, they have an actual rocket positioned outside the stadium pointed at the 50-yard line at Bowling Green’s stadium. Toledo loves to spoil the Falcons season as they are always MAC title contenders and upsetting the Falcons can be the highlight of the season for the Rockets no matter what their record.

Traditions

The Rocket

The most unique feature of the Glass Bowl, or perhaps any stadium in college football, is the Nike-Ajax Rocket located in front of the stadium. The one-ton rocket has been located outside the stadium since 1961 and is complete with fins and a rocket engine that could propel the missile to supersonic speeds. Another little-known fact about the rocket is that it’s aimed at the 50-yard line of rival Bowling Green’s Doyt Perry Stadium. When attending a game at the Glass Bowl make sure to check out the rocket as it is a must see for anyone in attendance.

Rockets Hall of Fame

The Rockets Hall of Fame is located in Savage Hall, which is located only a block away from the Glass Bowl. Stop by the Rockets Hall of Fame to pay tribute to all the greatest Rockets of the past and to learn more about the history of Toledo athletics.

Jambulance

You can spot the Jambulance at every Rockets tailgate. Make sure to check out this impressive tailgate vehicle since no visit to Toledo is complete without doing so.

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Where to tailgate

Rockets Stadium Guide

In Game

The Toledo Rockets play their home games at the historic Glass Bowl, which has served as the Rockets home since 1937. The Glass Bowl is a great place to catch a college football game, as the stadium does a fantastic job of merging the old with the new to create a one of a kind gameday experience.

The majority of the noise in the Glass Bowl originates from the student section in the south end of the stadium. The student section is located right next to the band creating a booming sound that emanates over the entire stadium throughout the game.

It’s not just the student section that creates the strong atmosphere you’ll find at the Glass Bowl. The alumni come out in strong numbers to support the Rockets with Toledo typically finishing in the top 5 in Attendance for the Mid-America Conference. Regardless of how the season is going, you’ll find plenty of die-hard Rockets fans filling the stands when attending a Toledo game.

The history of the Glass Bowl and Toledo football combined with the strong fan support of both the alumni and students means you’ll have a great time attending a Toledo Rockets game.

Things to check out

The Rocket

The most unique feature of the Glass Bowl, or perhaps any stadium in college football, is the Nike-Ajax Rocket located in front of the stadium. The one ton rocket has been located outside the stadium since 1961 and is complete with fins and a rocket engine that could propel the missile to supersonic speeds. Another little known fact about the rocket is that it’s aimed at the 50 yard line of rival Bowling Green’s Doyt Perry Stadium. When attending a game at the Glass Bowl make sure to check out the rocket as it is a must see for anyone in attendance.

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Rockets Hall of Fame

The Rockets Hall of Fame is located in Savage Hall, which is located only a block away from the Glass Bowl. Stop by the Rockets Hall of Fame to pay tribute to all the greatest Rockets of the past and to learn more about the history of Toledo athletics.

Player Banners and Retired Numbers

Inside the Glass Bowl you’ll find even more tributes to former greats. The concourse is lined with banners of former Rockets greats, like Chester Taylor, and there are retired numbers on display as well giving fans a great feel for the history and tradition of Toledo football.

Rocky the Rocket

Rocky the Rocket has been the official Toledo Rockets mascots since 1966 and can be seen at almost every Rockets athletics event. Rocky performs a variety of antics that entertain and energize the crowd throughout the game so be on the lookout for Rocky, as you’ll never know what he’ll do next.

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Blue Crew

The Blue Crew is comprised of the most diehard Rockets fans around. This group of dedicated Rockets followers attend both home and away football games dressed in blue and gold wigs, gold masks, and painters overalls. If you think you’re truly a die hard Rockets fan then join the Blue Crew on game day.

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Rocket Marching Band

The Rocket Marching Band is comprised of around 160 members including the color guard, musicians, the Dancing Rockettes, and a featured twirler. During games the band adds a lot to the atmosphere through both their pregame and halftime performances, as well as their in game compositions that pump up the crowd at exactly the right time.

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Fight Songs

  1. U of Toledo

    The official Toledo fight song

    U of Toledo, we’ll fight for you
    (Fight! Fight! Fight!)  U of Toledo, we love the Gold and Blue
    (Let’s go Blue!)
    Men of the Varsity, the enemy must yield,
    We’ll fight just like our ancestors
    and march right down the field!
    T-O-L-E-D-O, Toledo!

  2. Fair Toledo

    The Toledo alma mater

    In tower shadows voices now raising,
    To alma mater Golden and Blue,
    Fair Toledo praise to thee,
    Portal of learning ever be,
    Hallowed halls we shall revere,
    Vow to keep thy memory dear.  

Rockets Bars & Restaurants

  1. Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar

    Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar

    Their pizza bar offers a full bar and serves multiple food options, including pizza by the slice, subs, salads, fresh bread and frozen custard.

    3115 W Bancroft St, Toledo, OH 43606, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $$

  2. Black Cloister Brewing Company

    Black Cloister Brewing Company

    Brew good. Do good. These are words we live by around here, and we're proud to brew great beer and give back to the Toledo community.

    619 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA

    419-214-1500

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Frickers

    Frickers

    Fricker's is a family restaurant, a sports bar, a place to gather with your friends and have a delicious meal.

    19 N St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA

    937-865-9242

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Registry Bistro

    Registry Bistro

    Serves only the freshest, finest ingredients selected from local purveyors and presented by what she describes as casual-elegant dining.

    144 N Superior St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA

    419-725-0444

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  5. ICE Restaurant and Bar

    ICE Restaurant and Bar

    Locally owned and family operated for over fourteen years, we pride ourselves in giving great service and wonderful food, ensuring you a delightful dining experience.

    405 Madison Ave, Toledo, OH 43604, USA

    419-246-3339

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. The Blarney Irish Pub

    The Blarney Irish Pub

    Featuring 27 craft draft beers, BlarneyToledo is an authentic Irish Pub located in the heart of the Warehouse District in downtown Toledo, Ohio.

    601 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA

    419-418-2339

    Bar website

    european - $$

  7. Manhattan’s Pub ‘N Cheer

    Manhattans Pub

    Walk into Manhattan’s and be surrounded by the warm ambiance of exposed brick, oak and soft lighting of an intimate pub.

    1516 Adams St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA

    419-243-6675

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. M’ Osteria and Bar

    M Osteria and Bar

    Artisan pizzas, house made pastas and other great food. All of the dishes are prepared with an emphasis on using only the freshest, local prime ingredients.

    609 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA

    419-214-4222

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  9. Chaser’s

    Chasers

    A great night club that has a wide dance floor, awesome crowd, cool drinks!

    3529 Dorr St, Toledo, OH 43607, USA

    419-534-4961

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Jake’s Saloon

    Beer

    A college bar with a cool vibe and good cheap drinks!

    2520 Dorr St, Toledo, OH 43607, USA

    419-535-9259

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Jed’s On Campus

    Jeds On Campus

    Jeds on Campus features all your favorite sporting events on a total of nearly 20 TV’s including the 180” “Big Screen”. With a capacity of 180, Jeds on Campus is the perfect place for those big sports parties.

    3534 Dorr St, Toledo, OH 43607, USA

    419-720-8888

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $

  12. Netty’s

    Nettys

    Netty's has served the Toledo area ice cream and chilidogs for over 30 years.

    2701 Dorr St, Toledo, OH 43607, USA

    419-535-8723

    Bar website

    american - $

  13. Pizza Papalis

    Pizza Papalis

    Offering full menus including superior soups, crispy salads, decadent desserts such as our “Deep Dish Chocolate Cookie”, and much more.

    519 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43604, USA

    419-244-7722

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  14. Mancy’s Steakhouse

    Mancys

    You'll never believe what heights their steaks will take you.

    953 Phillips Ave, Toledo, OH 43612, USA

    419-476-4154

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  15. Marco’s Pizzeria

    Marcos Pizza

    Serving Ah!thentic Italian pizza made with fresh ingredients.

    5248 Monroe St, Toledo, OH 43623, USA

    419-535-3001

    Bar website

    pizza - $

  16. Tony Packo’s

    Tony Packos

    You've heard the name Tony Packo's mentioned on episodes of M.A.S.H. or Jamie Farr - but have you tried the famous Tony Packo's Hot Dog?

    1902 Front St, Toledo, OH 43605, USA

    419-482-1686

    Bar website

    american - $$

  17. El Vaquero

    El Vaquero

    At El Vaquero ​we celebrate a proud tradition of preparing authentic Mexican food the way it was done on the range centuries ago.

    3302 Secor Rd, Toledo, OH 43606, USA

    419-536-0471

    Bar website

    mexican - $$