Akron to Have InfoCision Stadium Groundbreaking Celebration

Akron, Ohio, April, 4 2008

AKRON – The University of Akron will have its official groundbreaking celebration for its new on-campus football facility and athletics complex – InfoCision Stadium/Summa Field – this Friday, including a public reception in the Louis and Freda Stile Athletics Field House from 12:45 – 1:30 pm.

The official groundbreaking ceremony will feature speakers UA Director of Athletics Mack Rhoades; UA President Dr. Luis Proenza; UA Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. William Demas; Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic; Ted Curtis, UA Vice President for Capital Planning and Facilities Management; InfoCision Founder and CEO Gary Taylor and his wife Karen; and Tom Strauss, President and CEO of Summa Health System.

Afterwards, starting at 12:45 p.m., the celebration will continue in the Stile Field House for a public reception. There, head football coach J.D. Brookhart and others will describe the project and what it means to the University. Also, the athletics department will also talk about the final year in the Rubber Bowl and how fans will be able to order their season tickets for the first year at InfoCision Stadium. The first game for the new facility is set for Sept. 19, 2009 versus the Indiana University Hoosiers.

There will be a limited amount of complimentary appetizers and refreshments as well. Please enter the field house through the main entrance on Union Street, near the softball field.

Following the celebration, there will be a full day of Zips’ sports to follow. First, the Akron softball team will host rival Kent State in a Friday afternoon doubleheader, starting at 1 pm. Later, the baseball team will host Eastern Michigan for the first of three weekend games. First pitch Friday is set for 3 pm.

The festivities will continue Saturday with the 2008 Zips Spring Festival, presented by Chick-Fil-A. The day will include: games, inflatables, face painting, live music, clowns, food and special appearances by Scooby Doo, the Chick-Fil-A Cow and your very own Zippy! The festival, which runs from 11 am-3 pm, will be held between the Stile Field House and Lee Jackson Field. Also, fans can get their fill of Akron sports as the Zips’ football, baseball, softball and men’s soccer teams will all be in action. Please see the schedule below:

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. – Spring Festival
Noon – Spring football game in the Louis and Freda Stile Athletics Field House
1:00 p.m. – Akron baseball hosts Eastern Michigan at Lee Jackson Baseball Field
2:00 p.m. – Akron softball hosts Buffalo at Lee Jackson Softball Field
5:00 p.m. – Akron men’s soccer hosts vs. Duquesne at Lee Jackson Soccer Field
Admission to all events is FREE!