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.
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.
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.
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.
Alumni TailgateIf you’re a Toledo alumni than there is no better place to tailgate than the Alumni Tailgate. The Alumni Tailgate is located at the William and Carol Koester Alumni Pavilion and provides a great place for alumni to get together before the game.
General Admission Parking LotsThe General Admission Lots around the Glass Bowl offer a lot of great places to set up shop and tailgate with friends and family before the game. You can get a spot here for around $10 meaning you won’t have to break the bank to tailgate with your fellow fans before a Rockets game.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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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.
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