zips-football

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, University of Akron Director of Athletics Larry Williams and head coach Terry Bowden are working to generate greater community interaction with the university.

AKRON, Ohio -- The University of Akron spends $8 million annually on its Zips football program and $4.3 million on its $65 million, 30,000-seat InfoCision Stadium. But despite a winning season, the team drew only 55,000 fans last year, the lowest attendance among all NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision teams.

Which is why the city of Akron is teaming up with the university to boost community engagement with the university, its athletic programs and the stadium.

"This is our home grown university, it's right downtown and we encourage people to visit campus," Mayor Dan Horrigan said at a press conference Tuesday. "We're promoting each other, and as an institution we're both integral in our growth and strength."

And with 24 local athletes playing football this year, Horrigan encourages alumni and those living in the broader community to come out to support the team. That support dovetails with the city's growth strategy to keep students in Akron after graduation, working, buying houses and raising families.

How? The city is including coupons in Akron's utility bills to buy general admission tickets to university athletic events.

A press conference Tuesday focused on generating excitement about university activities, beginning with the Zips home opener Saturday against the Virginia Military Institute Keydets.

From 1 to 6 p.m. the university is hosting the free Touchdown Music Fest at the Lee R. Jackson Track & Field Complex, featuring live music, a food truck village, a beer garden, tailgate lots and a kids' play zone. Game kick off is 6:30 p.m.

The university wants to build on the Zips' 2015 Idaho Potato Bowl win, said Zips' Director of Athletics Larry Williams. The athletics department also this week brought on board a new marketing and promotions director.

"I'm impressed by the way Northeast Ohio residents rally together and really enjoy each others company and enjoy success," said Williams, who hails from California. "I know what's in the heart of people here and that is community support that is second to none."

Zips head coach Terry Bowden said athletics are an important part of the excitement of a community.

"We're going to win, but it's so much more important we win with our local community being involved in it, filling that stadium," Bowden said. "Our goal is to sustain success to give local fans something they can be proud of, something they can want to come see."