The University of Akron Athletics
FirstEnergy Stadium – Facility Policies
AISLE TRAFFIC
Guests with General Admission tickets are urged to arrive early in order to attain a preferred spot on the grass. All concrete walkways should be kept clear and guests may not stand on the walkway for long periods of time. Guests should make sure their correct ticket stubs are with them and available throughout the game to assist in seat verification.
ALCOHOL POLICY
No outside alcoholic beverages may be brought inside FirstEnergy Stadium. Guests identified with alcohol inside the stadium may be ejected. Possession and consumption of alcohol in the stadium parking areas are subject to the laws and regulations of the State of Ohio and/or City of Akron.
ATM
There is no ATM located inside the stadium. However all areas accept credit and debit cards.
BAGS, BACKPACKS AND PURSES
All bags and purses are subject to inspection when entering, or at anytime while inside the stadium by law enforcement officers, ushers or event staff.
BANNERS, POSTERS, AND SIGNS
Guests are permitted to bring and display banners as long as they do not interfere with the game, other guests’ enjoyment of the game, or carry obscene, political or commercial messages. Signs should not be any larger than 24” x 36” (2’ x 3’). The University of Akron reserves the right to determine the acceptability of the content of the signage. Banners may be hung from the face of the lower level where advertising signage does not exist.
CAMERA POLICY
Cameras are permitted in the stadium. However, at no time may photography interfere with other guests. Tripods and large camera bags are not permitted. Credentialed working media may use tripods in the corners of the field.
CONCESSIONS
There are two concession stands located in FirstEnergy Stadium. There is a permanent stand in the SE corner of the stadium near Gate 1 and a temporary stand in the SW corner near Gate 4. Concessions for Akron Athletics are operated by Sodexo Sports & Leisure.
CREDIT CARDS
Most major credit cards are accepted at permanent Concession Stands and the Ticket Office.
EMERGENCIES AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES
In the event of a serious emergency, all law enforcement officers, ushers, event staff and safety personnel will be available to assist guests. Information will also be provided over the public address system.
FIRST AID STATION
First aid is located on the concrete walkway near Gate 2. Please see a law enforcement officer, usher or event staff for assistance.
LOST AND FOUND
After the game, any lost items will be moved to the Akron Athletics Facilities and Operations Office [Rhodes Arena Suite 76 - telephone (330) 972-7310].
LOST PERSONS
Any report of a lost person will be acted on immediately by event personnel to locate and return the person to his or her parent(s), guardian(s) or companion(s). Guests should contact any law enforcement officer, usher or event staff for prompt assistance. If a parent, guardian or companion is not located, the lost person will stay with a University Police Officer near Gate 2.
MEDIA GATE
The Media Gate is located at the Ticket Hut near Gate 1 in the SE corner of the stadium.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
If assistance is needed in your vicinity, please contact the nearest law enforcement officer, usher, event staff, concession worker, paramedic or go to the EMS unit near Gate 2.
MERCHANDISE
Akron Zips merchandise is available for purchase at the Zips Team Shop trailer by gate 2.
PLAYING FIELD
Guests may not enter the playing field at any time. VIOLATORS ARE SUBJECT TO ARREST AND MAY BE PROSECUTED.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are not permitted in FirstEnergy Stadium: Alcoholic Beverages, Outside Food and Beverages, Bottles – Containers, Pets, Coolers, Signs Larger then 2’x3’, Frisbees, Signs or Clothing with Inappropriate or Offensive Language, Laser Pointers, Backpacks, Umbrellas, Bags Larger than 10”x10”x12”, Weapons.
PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR
Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to: throwing objects of any kind; demonstrating unruly behavior; attempting to enter the field of play; engaging in behavior that endangers the safety of student athletes, coaches, officials or other guests; attempting to access the playing field and/or taunting of law enforcement, safety and event staff personnel. Consequences for guests exhibiting prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to, ejection from the facility, and/or arrest.
RE-ENTRY
Guests may not exit and reenter using the same ticket. However, if there is an EMERGENCY a hand stamp may be issued at the Main Ticket office near Gate 1 provided the proper criteria have been met. This will allow the guest a limited amount of time to exit the facility via a gate designated by Main ticket office. Guests who leave at any time, without the hand stamp will not be permitted to reenter with the same ticket.
RESTROOMS
Rest room facilities are located underneath the main grandstand of the stadium. All rest rooms are accessible to guests with disabilities and all have diaper changing tables.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is prohibited in all areas within the gates of FirstEnergy Stadium.
TAILGATING
Tailgating activity that takes up vacant parking spaces or interferes with traffic flow within a parking lot is prohibited. Saving spaces for other vehicles is prohibited.
Possession and consumption of alcohol on the property of The University of Akron, including its buildings, facilities, grounds and parking areas is subject to the laws and regulations of the State of Ohio, including those laws prohibiting "open containers" of alcohol in public places. Alcohol legally may be sold and consumed only within those University buildings, facilities, grounds and parking areas that have permanent or temporary alcohol permits issued by the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. The University lacks the lawful authority to grant permission for alcohol to be brought onto University property, or to be served or consumed within a campus tailgate area, except at those University premises that are permanently licensed to serve alcohol or those events for which a temporary alcohol permit is obtained from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. Police entities will patrol these areas and enforce all applicable laws.
Glass bottles and containers are not permitted.
Tents larger than 10' x 10' are not permitted. All tents, fixtures and furniture must be dismantled and secured when not attended. The use of ground stakes is prohibited.
Corporate or commercially sponsored tailgates are prohibited except in designated locations. Those who wish to organize and provide such sites should contact the Athletics Department at (330) 972-7468.
The use of small gas grills is permitted. Grills should be two feet in diameter or less and a minimum of two feet off the ground. Grills are not allowed in the parking decks.
The University reserves the right to restrict tailgating due to day and time of game, weather, etc.
VISITING TEAM SECTION
Visiting Team guests are encouraged to sit in a held area on the grass near their bench.
WILL CALL WINDOWS
Gate 1: UA Team & General Will Call
