Key Takeaways
- Seating Capacity: 30,000 seats, making it one of the mid-sized venues in the Mid-American Conference.
- Opened: 2009 as the home of the Akron Zips football team.
- Construction Cost: Approximately $61.6 million.
- Location: On-campus at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.
- Naming Rights: Named for InfoCision Management Corporation, with the field named Summa Field after Summa Health.
- Primary Use: NCAA Division I FBS football and major university and community events.
Overview of InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field
InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field is a modern, on-campus college football stadium located at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. Since opening in 2009, it has served as the home of the Akron Zips football team, competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Mid-American Conference.
The stadium marked a major turning point for Akron football. Before its construction, the Zips played at the Rubber Bowl, an aging off-campus facility that had limited revenue opportunities and modern amenities. InfoCision Stadium ushered in a new era focused on fan experience, recruiting, and long-term athletic growth.
Stadium Capacity and Seating Layout
Official Capacity
InfoCision Stadium has an official seating capacity of 30,000. This places it squarely among mid-tier Mid-American Conference venues and aligns with the university’s enrollment and fan base.
Seating Design and Structure
The stadium features a symmetrical bowl design, with the majority of seating concentrated on the west side, where premium amenities and the press box are located. Notable features include:
- Club seating and luxury suites
- Spacious concourses for improved traffic flow
- Chairback seating in premium sections
- Student section integrated into the lower bowl
The layout ensures clear sightlines from every seat. Compared to the steep, concrete structure of the former Rubber Bowl, the newer design emphasizes comfort, accessibility, and proximity to the field.
Playing Surface and Technology
The field features modern artificial turf designed for durability and optimal performance. A high-definition scoreboard and advanced sound system enhance the game-day atmosphere, while updated broadcasting facilities support regional and national television coverage through partners such as ESPN College Football.
Construction and Architectural History
Why the Stadium Was Built
By the early 2000s, Akron’s Rubber Bowl had become outdated and financially inefficient. The venue required extensive repairs, and its location away from campus limited student engagement.
The University of Akron announced plans for a new on-campus stadium in 2007. Groundbreaking took place later that year, and construction was completed in time for the 2009 season. The total cost of approximately $61.6 million was funded through a combination of university bonds, private donations, and naming-rights agreements.
Naming Rights and Sponsorship
The facility is named after InfoCision Management Corporation, an Akron-based company that secured naming rights through a long-term agreement. The field itself is called Summa Field, named after Summa Health, a regional healthcare provider.
This dual naming structure reflects strong local corporate support and reinforces the stadium’s community ties.
Architectural Design
The stadium was designed to balance cost efficiency with long-term flexibility. Key architectural goals included:
- On-campus integration with academic buildings
- Expandable seating capability for future growth
- Improved revenue through suites and premium seating
- Enhanced accessibility and ADA compliance
The west-side press tower serves as a visual centerpiece, giving the stadium a recognizable skyline presence within downtown Akron.
Akron Zips Football: A New Era
Transition From the Rubber Bowl
The Akron Zips played at the Rubber Bowl from 1940 to 2008. While historic, the facility lacked modern amenities and generated limited game-day revenue. The move to InfoCision Stadium represented a strategic reset for the program.
The first game at the new stadium was played on September 12, 2009. This milestone signaled Akron’s commitment to competing at the highest level of the Mid-American Conference and enhancing recruiting efforts.
Notable Games and Moments
While InfoCision Stadium has not yet hosted a conference championship game, it has been the site of several memorable victories and nationally televised matchups. High-profile non-conference opponents and rivalry clashes have drawn strong attendance, creating electric atmospheres that highlight the stadium’s design strengths.
For official records and statistics, visit the NCAA Akron athletics page.
Impact on Recruiting and Player Development
Modern college football recruiting relies heavily on facilities. InfoCision Stadium provides:
- State-of-the-art locker rooms
- Strength and conditioning facilities nearby
- Professional-level press and media accommodations
- Enhanced athlete training infrastructure
These upgrades have helped Akron position itself competitively within the MAC and maintain NCAA Division I standards.
Fan Experience and Game-Day Atmosphere
Game-Day Environment
Unlike the cavernous feel of older concrete stadiums, InfoCision Stadium creates an intimate, energized environment. The 30,000-seat capacity allows crowd noise to remain concentrated, especially during rivalry and conference matchups.
The marching band, student section, and structured tailgating areas contribute to a vibrant collegiate atmosphere that strengthens alumni and community engagement.
Accessibility and Location
Located directly on the University of Akron campus, the stadium benefits from walkability and proximity to downtown Akron. This urban setting supports local businesses and integrates football Saturdays into the city’s broader activity.
For directions and visitor guidance, consult the University of Akron campus maps.
Comparison With Other MAC Stadiums
Within the Mid-American Conference, stadium capacities vary widely:
Stadium School Capacity InfoCision Stadium Akron 30,000 Doyt L. Perry Stadium Bowling Green 23,000 Rynearson Stadium Eastern Michigan 30,200 Waldo Stadium Western Michigan 30,200
Akron’s venue ranks competitively in size while offering one of the more modern game-day experiences in the conference.
Economic and Community Impact
The construction of InfoCision Stadium contributed to Akron’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. By hosting collegiate games, commencement ceremonies, concerts, and community events, the stadium serves as a multi-purpose asset.
Local sponsorship from companies like InfoCision and Summa Health demonstrates how regional partnerships can strengthen both higher education and economic development. The stadium anchors campus expansion and reinforces the university’s visibility across Northeast Ohio.
Upgrades and Future Outlook
Since opening in 2009, the stadium has received incremental technology upgrades, including improvements to video boards and audiovisual systems. As college football continues evolving with NIL opportunities and expanded media coverage, facilities like InfoCision Stadium are expected to adapt with enhanced premium spaces and fan-facing technology.
Its expandable design leaves room for capacity growth or additional amenities if program momentum and attendance demand increase in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions about InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field
Where is InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field located?
InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field is on the University of Akron campus in Akron, Ohio, near downtown. You can find walking and driving directions on the University of Akron campus maps page.
What is the seating capacity of InfoCision Stadium?
The official seating capacity of InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field is 30,000. This makes it a mid-sized venue within the Mid-American Conference and a good fit for the University of Akron’s fan base.
When did InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field open?
The stadium opened in 2009. The Akron Zips football team played its first game there on September 12, 2009, after moving from the historic Rubber Bowl, which hosted Zips games from 1940 to 2008.
Who plays at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field?
The primary tenant is the University of Akron’s Akron Zips football team, which competes in NCAA Division I FBS as part of the Mid-American Conference. You can view schedules and rosters on the official Akron Zips football site or the NCAA Akron athletics page.
How much did InfoCision Stadium cost to build?
Construction of InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field cost about $61.6 million. Funding came from university bonds, private donations, and long-term naming-rights agreements with InfoCision Management Corporation and Summa Health.
Why is it called InfoCision Stadium and Summa Field?
The facility is named InfoCision Stadium through a naming-rights partnership with InfoCision Management Corporation, an Akron-based company. The playing surface is called Summa Field in recognition of support from Summa Health, a regional healthcare system.
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