Message and Update from AD Guthrie

Hello Zips fans, as you may know, I began my role as Athletic Director on July 1 and can't wait to connect at an upcoming event or out and about in the greater Akron community.

My initial impressions after being on campus the past few weeks, and spending time with our coaches and student-athletes, is that we are ready to 'find a way' - find a way to engage with our fans, find a way to win in competition and in the classroom, and in all that we do, find a way to make you proud of your Akron Zips!

That said, there is a lot of work to be done. I am personally committed to finding a way to grow our programs and to provide the support needed to compete year in and year out for Mid-American Conference Championships.

Along with my commitment to win – in and out of the classroom – one of my immediate priorities is to ensure we are more actively communicating with our fan base and the Akron community.

We will be looking at new, innovative ways to highlight our teams and generate excitement for Zips Athletics – sharing news, schedule updates, student-athlete achievements, and more – as well as ensuring you are hearing more regularly from me and our department on a consistent basis. Also, creating more opportunities for fans and the Akron community to engage with our coaches and student-athletes.

I also plan to provide more frequent insights on the significant priorities, opportunities, and challenges the department is actioning against, for example, more on our new Nike all-sports partnerships and what it means for our fans; a peek behind the curtain at the Akron Zips brand and our path to a more consistent and impactful representation across all of our programs, website, social channels etc.; a closer look at our department and how we will optimize our strengths to do more with less; how are we creating bridges with Akron students, faculty and staff to energize the entire campus; and a strategic roadmap as we continue to build out some of the best facilities in the MAC.

Finally, as goes the energy and excitement of our fans and community, so goes the overall success of the Akron Zips. I want to hear from you.If you're not already a member, I encourage you to join the Z-FUND. Your feedback and your support matter.

To that end, I'm excited to deliver an update on our fall programs including football and men's soccer, as well as preview the upcoming basketball season. In the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing more details on the topics below and more.

Onwards and GO ZIPS!
Charles
Follow: @UAkron_AD

Come out and cheer on the Zips: We've announced that Akron athletic venues will return to full 100 percent capacity when fall 2021 campaigns get underway for the Zips next month per the latest COVID-19 guidance from the University, Summit County and the State of Ohio. This includes InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (football), FirstEnergy Stadium (men's and women's soccer) and James A. Rhodes Arena (volleyball and men's and women's basketball). As we all know there are always unknowns that may impact the current status and while we are all hopeful the guidance remains in place, it is subject to change based on local health and safety guidelines.

Zips Football:
I just returned from MAC Football Media Day kicking off the 75th Anniversary season of MAC Football #MACtion. Coach Arth along with QB Kato Nelson and LB Bubba Arslanian represented the Zips and met with more than 100 members of the media and spoke with our own Chad Welker for the Zips Digital Network.

Congratulations to Bubba on his nomination for the 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, recognizing his exemplary community service, academic dedication and impact on and off the field. Coach Arth opens training camp on Friday, August 6th as the team prepares for the season opener at Auburn on Sept. 4 and the Zips home opener against Temple on Sept. 11. Get your tickets now by calling or texting 888-99-AKRON (25766) so we can give a LOUD welcome back for football, fans and the Zips. We look forward to bringing you updates and insights from camp starting in 14 days!

Zips Men's Soccer:
I can't wait to experience my first game in FirstEnergy Stadium on Aug. 26 when we host Wright State. Not only is the '21 men's soccer schedule one of the most challenging in the country, but we get to enjoy a slate of 13 home matches with seven of these games taking place on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. When I recently asked Coach Embick how he felt about our chances to play on Nov. 13 for the MAC Championship, he told me he has his eyes set on playing the weekend of Dec. 10 in North Carolina. Help us EXCEED our 1K season ticket goal and cheer on the Zips as they march toward a return visit to the College Cup.

Fall sports back in action:
In less than 30 days, our fall sports teams will begin their road to the MAC Championships. Come out and support our Zips' Football, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Volleyball and Women's Cross Country student-athletes.

For fall sports schedule and ticket information visit:
Zips' Football Schedule / Tickets, Zips' Men's Soccer Schedule / Tickets, Zips' Women's Soccer Schedule / Tickets, Zips' Volleyball Schedule (COMING SOON) / Tickets, Zips' Cross Country Schedule (COMING SOON).

For information on schedules for All Zips teams please visit GoZips.com. Ticketing information can be found here TICKET CENTRAL LINK

Men's and women's basketball preview:
College basketball always arrives more quickly than many expect, but for Zips' basketball fans it can't come soon enough! We look forward to releasing full schedules, but in the meantime, I'm excited to confirm both the men and women will participate in holiday tournaments this season.

2021 Gulf Coast Showcase:
Join Coach Groce and the Zips in Southwest Florida before you begin your Thanksgiving festivities. The team will compete in the Gulf Coast Showcase Nov. 22-24 at Hertz Arena in Estero, Fla. Stay tuned for more details including matchups and tickets.

2021 Holiday Hoops Classic: Looking for an excuse to get sun and warm weather in December, join Coach Jackson and the Zips' women's basketball team in Las Vegas. The team will participate in the Holiday Hoops Classic, December 18-21 at the South Point Arena. Again, be on the lookout for more details coming soon.

Men's and women's basketball season tickets:
We will have a full slate of games in the JAR this season - the men's team will play 16 games and the women will play 13 at home. We can't wait to welcome you back.

We expect renewal emails to be sent to all existing season ticket holders no later than August 13th Most importantly, prices will not increase from 2019-20. All season ticket holders with seats during the 2019-20 season will have the option to renew the same seats for the upcoming 2021-22 season. Last year's pandemic restrictions will not impact your ability to secure your seats this coming season.

Following the renewal deadline, we will work to accommodate requests for upgrades. If you have any questions or to discuss your upgrade options, please call the ticket office at (888) 99-AKRON (25766).

The University of Akron Athletics

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