The University of Akron Athletics
Zips Make Final Preparations for Homecoming Game
October 19 | Football
AKRON, Ohio - The University of Akron is making
final preparations for Saturday's league home opener against
Mid-American Conference rival Miami University. Kickoff is
scheduled for 6 p.m. (EDT) at the Rubber Bowl.
The team has one practice remaining (today) and then a
walk-through Friday before hitting the field for the 83rd annual
Homecoming contest.
After hitting the road for five of their first six games, the Zips
(2-4, 0-2) will play four of their final six regular-season
contests in the friendly confines of the Rubber Bowl. This is the
latest the Zips are playing their league home opener since 1950
when Division II Akron faced Wooster on Oct. 28.
UA also had its first two MAC games on the road for just the third
time as a member of the league (1992). In 1999 and 2004, the Zips
also played their first two conference games on the road.
Akron will look to get back on the winning track after dropping
its last two games, though the team should be refreshed following a
bye last week.
"We've had some guys banged up," head coach
J.D. Brookhart said earlier
this week. "There were a lot of bumps and bruises and the week off
helped everybody. We gave our guys a little bit of rest (last week)
and still tried to stay sharp."
Miami (1-6, 1-2) defeated Buffalo, 38-31 Sunday after Saturday's
game was postponed due to snow. The RedHawks have won the last five
vs. the Zips and have had some close calls this season, falling to
Purdue, 38-31 in overtime and losing to Northern Illinois,
28-25.
While the football team is prepping on the field, the University
is getting ready to welcome back UA alumni.
There are a number of activities planned on campus throughout the
weekend, including the Homecoming dance Friday evening at the
Student Union. Introduction of the Homecoming court and the
crowning of the king and queen will take place at halftime of the
football game.
Zips Fest, the football gameday experience located adjacent to the
main entrance of the Rubber Bowl, opens to the public at 4:30 p.m.
and features plenty of action for the whole family. There will be
inflatables, face painting, uniform try-on stations and an
appearance by Zippy, as well as food and beverages, including the
Coors Light Beer Garden.
Other special events include Giant Eagle Punt Pass and Kick
contest at halftime where participants will be selected from the
crowd, special recognition of the Akron women's track and field and
cross country teams capturing the "Triple Crown" (all three league
titles) last season, and a special halftime performance of the
Akron Band with alumni members.
As with all home games, buses are available to transport students from campus to the Rubber Bowl. A schedule is attached.
Tickets still remain for the game with seats in the general
admission section starting at just $12. Students enter the game
free of charge.
The game will not be televised but is available on ESPN 360, the
cable outlet's broadband service.
