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The Rubber Bowl is a stadium in Akron, Ohio. It is primarily used for American football, and is the home field of the University of Akron "Zips" and high school football on Fridays. It is named after the predominance of the tire industry in Akron. The stadium opened in 1940 with a capacity of 35,202, and is located about three miles away from the main campus, next to Akron Fulton International Airport.
In the winter 2007 newsletter of Hunt Construction, it was confirmed that the University has awarded Welty Building company the contract to construct a $55 million dollar, 25,000-30,000 seat stadium on East Exchange street, groundbreaking in 2008, and a slated opening of Fall 2009. The dorms phase of the project is being delayed, as some local business owners are refusing to sell. To alleviate that need and continue expanding the residence hall population, The University has purchased the Quaker Square hotel and shopping complex, converting the 189 rooms into a dormitory for 400 students.
On August 1, 2007, The University Officials officially announced the approval of the new stadium, which is slated for groundbreaking in October 2007. Construction started January 25th 2008 with the demo of dorms and houses on stadium footprint. An official ground breaking was on held April 4th 2008. The stadium construction is on target to be completed before first game that is slated to be held on September 19, 2009 against Indiana.
[edit] Trivia
- The stadium was sold to the University of Akron from the City of Akron for one dollar. The city still uses it for various public school functions.
- The stadium once held two "home" games in 1952 for the NFL's franchise, the Dallas Texans. In the second game they hosted the Chicago Bears and won, 27-23, for the franchise's only win in history.
[edit] External links
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