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InfoCision Stadium – Summa Health Field
A Guide to InfoCision Stadium - Summa Health Field
InfoCision Stadium–Summa Health Field is Akron football’s modern 30,000-seat home beside the university’s campus and downtown. Opened in 2009 to replace the distant Rubber Bowl, the venue features a west-side premium tower, an east student stand and a massive south video board. Nearby tailgates, straightforward sightlines and an urban location make this one of the MAC’s easiest and most approachable game-day trips.
Getting to InfoCision Stadium - Summa Health Field
The stadium sits on the east side of Akron's campus between East Exchange, South Union, Vine and Spicer streets. I-76/I-77 approaches from the south and east; Ohio Route 8 serves travelers from the north. Downtown Akron lies west of campus, but Exchange Street compresses quickly near the stadium.
Driving & Parking
- From I-76/I-77Use the signed downtown or University of Akron exit, then follow East Exchange Street. Do not rely on a last-second turn at South Union; police and attendants may impose game-specific controls.
- From Route 8Connect toward downtown and East Exchange, then follow the football parking map instead of cutting through residential streets north of campus.
- Single-game parkingAkron directs ordinary single-game buyers to Lots 1, 8 or 36. Football parking in the designated inventory is included with the ticket; parking elsewhere can require payment and is enforced.
- Season parkingSeason pass holders use the lot printed on their credential, commonly Lot 6 or Lots 9/10. A single-game ticket does not grant access to those reserved areas.
- Opening timesThe central fan guide says Lots 6, 8, 9, 10 and 72 open at 8 a.m. for tailgating, regardless of kickoff, while other lots open four hours before the game. Check the current matchup page in case Akron issues a revised schedule.
- Will callThe Chima Athletics Ticket Office near Gate 1 opens three hours before kickoff. Stadium gates open one hour before the game.
Public Transit
- METRO RTAAkron's regional buses connect downtown and the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center with the university area. Saturday and evening frequency varies, so plan the return trip before kickoff.
- DASH connectionThe DASH service links downtown, the transit center and campus stops. It is useful for a downtown stay, but road controls may alter the closest stop on football days.
- Roo ExpressThe university operates campus loops during published semester hours. Service is intended for campus circulation and is not guaranteed as a dedicated football shuttle; verify the live route rather than assuming a postgame bus.
- Downtown walkThe center of downtown is roughly a mile from the venue. Use well-traveled Exchange or University-area streets, remain with the crowd after a night game and allow time for the uphill campus approach.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Best arrivalSet a legal campus-edge destination near the Student Union, Rhodes Arena or an open public lot instead of pinning the middle of South Union Street.
- Avoid the gate crushExchange and Union carry both pedestrians and permit traffic. Ask the driver to stop before the controlled block and walk the final few minutes.
- After the gameMove west toward the Student Union or downtown before requesting a car. Waiting beside a stadium gate leaves the driver trapped in outbound traffic.
- Agree on a landmark“Lot 1” or “Student Union on Carroll Street” is more reliable than a generic stadium pin. Follow any matchup-specific rideshare instructions if Akron publishes them.
Pregame Festivities
Akron's scene mixes conventional lot tailgates with public, family-oriented programming. The newest option is Party on Vine Street, introduced for the 2026 home opener with food trucks, music, games, a beer garden and Zippy. Because special events can be opponent-specific, check the promotion schedule before building the whole day around one activation.
Tailgating
- Lots 6 and 9/10These reserved areas closest to the athletics complex create the densest traditional tailgate scene. Enter only with the matching pass and keep tents and grills inside the assigned footprint.
- Lot 8 and general inventoryLot 8 is one of the single-game options and opens early under the published schedule. It is a practical choice for visitors who want parking and pregame activity in the same place.
- Party on Vine StreetThe free 2026 opener event runs on Vine Street with food trucks, interactive football games, music, vendors, Zippy and a beer garden. Future dates and hours must be confirmed game by game.
- Student energyThe AK-Rowdies traditionally gather near the east side and residence halls. Expect blue-and-gold chants and a younger, louder atmosphere rather than a visitor-oriented hospitality zone.
- Pack before entryStadium reentry is prohibited. Secure coolers, grills and noncompliant bags in the vehicle before walking to the gate.
- Weather preparationThe open upper decks catch wind, and November MACtion can turn cold quickly. Tailgate with layers you can carry inside the clear-bag rules.
Pregame Bars & Restaurants
- LockviewAt 207 South Main Street, this downtown bar is known for grilled-cheese variations, beer and a rooftop patio. Saturday hours begin later than lunch on some dates, so verify before an early kickoff.
- At 540 South Main Street, Suite 112, the brewery pours a broad house-beer list in the Canal Place complex and sits a short ride or purposeful walk from campus.
- The longstanding North Main Street institution serves pizza and Italian-American comfort food beneath walls of Akron memorabilia. It is better as a meal stop than a stadium-adjacent walk-in.
- Party on Vine food trucksFor games with the public event, rotating trucks are the simplest last-hour food choice because they avoid a second parking move.
Gameday Traditions
- ZippyAkron's kangaroo mascot is one of the few female mascots in major college athletics. She circulates through family events, student areas and the stadium; a photo with Zippy is the signature visitor moment.
- “Go Zips” and AK-Rowdies chantsThe student section works through “Go Zips,” “When the Zips Go Marching In” and the older “Glory to the Zippers.” Follow the east stand and marching band for the cue.
- Ohio's PrideAkron's marching band performs pregame on campus and takes the stadium field 19 minutes before kickoff. Be through security early enough to see the full show.
- Team entranceThe Zips enter roughly five minutes before kickoff beneath the video-board presentation. The west tower and enclosed north end help concentrate the sound.
- Wagon Wheel rivalryA Kent State visit carries extra weight. The schools have played for the Wagon Wheel since 1946, and rivalry games draw stronger tailgates and more visiting color than an ordinary MAC date.
Monuments & Features
- Ring of HonorPlaques honoring Akron football greats and historic teams appear outside the north-end facility. Look for program figures including Jim Dennison and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
- Seven-level west towerThe building combines 17 suites, club and loge seating, media facilities and university academic rooms—a visible expression of the stadium's dual athletics-and-campus design.
- Summa Health FieldThe field sponsor sits within the InfoCision Stadium identity. Use the complete name when distinguishing the playing surface from the building.
- South video boardThe privately funded 84-by-23-foot display debuted in 2024, paired with an east ribbon board and updated game presentation.
History & Notable Moments
- On-campus return (2009)Akron left the Rubber Bowl and opened InfoCision with a 41-0 win over Morgan State before the official sellout crowd of 27,881.
- First Wagon Wheel game (2009)The Zips defeated Kent State 28-20 in the rivalry's first game at the new stadium.
- Record-setting rout (2012)A 66-6 win over Morgan State produced or tied multiple school, individual and conference records.
- Bowden's first home win (2013)Akron edged James Madison 35-33 to give Terry Bowden his first stadium victory as Zips coach.
- MAC East push (2017)Akron beat Ohio 37-34 to become bowl eligible, then defeated Kent State 24-14 to win the division.
- Display upgrade (2024)The new south video board and east ribbon display modernized the in-stadium presentation.
Seating & Sections
The broad east and west sidelines hold most spectators; the premium tower rises above the west stand, and the south board faces the north end. The official 30,000 inventory exceeds Akron's published 27,881 football sellout threshold.
- West lower sidelineReserved sections provide the best conventional midfield angles and sit beneath the premium tower. They are convenient to Gate 1 and the main team shop.
- West club seatsSections in the 500 level offer partially covered outdoor seating and access to the Kaulig Club. Confirm whether food, parking or hospitality is included with the exact ticket.
- Loge boxes and suitesCovered open-air loges and private suites supply elevated west-side views. They use controlled access separate from ordinary concourse seating.
- East sidelineThe student section and general fan areas face the tower. Afternoon sun can be direct; the east side is also the place for the most persistent AK-Rowdies energy.
- Family/value seatsAkron markets family inventory in Section 104 and general-admission packages. These are good low-cost choices when midfield location matters less than space and atmosphere.
- Alcohol-free sectionSection 201 is designated alcohol-free under Akron's concessions policy.
- Accessible seatingWheelchair locations exist on both sidelines. Buy through the ticket office in advance when possible rather than relying on a game-day exchange.
Concessions
The stadium has ten concession locations and became cashless for tickets, merchandise and food in 2025. Bring a card or mobile wallet; there are no ATMs inside.
- Zippy's Sideline GrillsLocations around Sections 106, 113 and 114 carry burgers, chicken tenders, fries, pizza, sausage, nachos, pretzels and other substantial stadium food.
- Chick-fil-A pointsPublished stands near Sections 101 and 112 sell chicken sandwiches, lemonade and bottled water. Availability can change by game.
- Gate 1 standThis location offers hot dogs, brats, Italian sausage, chili-cheese dogs, popcorn and drinks near the southwest entry.
- Beer serviceDraft sales are centered near Section 110, with canned products at several sideline stands. Identification is required, purchases are limited and sales end by the close of the third quarter or earlier.
- Team ShopThe store near Gate 1 opens three hours before kickoff and remains open after the game. It changes from exterior to interior access as kickoff approaches.
Bag Policy
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags may not exceed 12 by 12 by 6 inches.
- A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag is permitted.
- One small clutch approximately the size of a hand may be carried, with or without a strap.
- Medical bags receive an exception after inspection.
- Backpacks, purses, fanny packs, binocular and camera cases, mesh bags, printed bags and tinted plastic bags are prohibited.
- Outside food and beverages, alcohol, coolers, weapons, laser pointers, skateboards, artificial noisemakers and signs larger than 2 by 3 feet are prohibited.
- Nonprofessional cameras are permitted without long telephoto lenses, tripods or large cases.
- Gates open one hour before kickoff, the venue is smoke-free and guests may not reenter after leaving.
Upcoming Games
3Stadium Information
Notable Events
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium