Zipsrifle

I was under the impression that they forced everyone in GA to sit on the visitors side so that when the games were on TV, the stadium would actually look like there were a lot of people there. I also thought this was the reason they closed the endzone seating.

It amazes me how quickly people can turn on a coach. After the NC State win, everyone was counting the days till our coach was off to greener pastures. Now, I see a poll about when we should fire the guy??? CK hit the nail on the head. Even JD admits that last season's MAC Championship was "Ahead of Schedule". Was last season a disappointment, yes, but JD isn't going anywhere. We stuck with LO for 9 years. JD's recruiting efforts are going to be maturing this year and won't be boys among men anymore. I'm willing to give the guy 2 more seasons, no questions asked.

Check out these pics from BEFORE the RB was built! In one of them, it looks like they are having a Rodeo. Derby Downs is there, and the RB is just a hole in the ground. RB Construction Photos

This postcard underscores just how old the RB is. That is a WWII fighter, built by Goodyear, flying over the RB. GW Blvd. in the background appears to be dirt!

BTW, the soccer stadium is DEAD! Doesn't matter, the new UofA stadium will accomodate a MLS Soccer team! MLS Stadium is DEAD!

Looks like Concept 5 is probably what is going to be built.....at least that is the most recent picture I've seen the most of. It also has a later date on it, which indicates to me that the folks at the University sat down and did some brainstorming with HNTB. Still, I say Option 1 is my favorite by far....though I can see where sun could be an issue. The other options would most likely block the sun with the pressbox. Don't we play most of our games at night anyway?

CORRECTION....I HATE OPTION 3!!!

If you look in the appendix, there are several conceptual plans. Personally, I LOVE Concept #1. You can see the University and downtown Akron through the 1 endzone and you would have a great view of the stadium from the Highway. Really incorporates the city into the stadium. Looks like there would be some great plazas on each end of the stadium as well. Unfortunately, this is the first I've seen of this concept, which means it is probably not gonna happen. I like Option 3, (which I think is probably what will be built). The stadium is hidden from the street on 3 sides by other buildings. The only road it would butt up against (Spicer) is not that well traveled. If we are gonna build this thing, it needs to be ADVERTISED not Hidden!! I love the idea of moving the Heisman lodge from where it is by the RB to a new location. Great way of incorporating some history!

While digging around today I stumbled across a GOLDMINE of info on the new stadium. Looks fairly recent with details, even down the proposed floor plan of the pressbox! I can't believe this stuff was just sitting out there! Probably has to be posted. Look under "Project 06022", there are multiple links! ENJOY! Lots more details on other projects here too!!!Stadium Documentation

Yea, I got the call too. If I remember correctly, the question of how much it would cost to properly fix up the RB was not $450,000, but more like $20 Million. Think about it, to "Update" the Rubberbowl would require at a MINIMUM, new restrooms, probably some structural repairs, and new bleachers for the entire stadium. No way they get that done for 1/2 million. To update it the right way would require a new Press Box, actual seats in the reserved section, and that puts the price tag well into the millions. I was very happy to get the call. I'm glad that the fans are getting to put in their 2 cents.

I got mine today.....takes a little longer for things to get to Michigan. I didn't see the Rifle Coach's signiture on it though? I think this is a nice touch. I somehow feel "Included", though I know they are just working to keep my support.

I love how the outside of the SMU stadium looks. Definately something along these lines. Don't make it one of these stadiums that looks like a spaceship or some grey, Soviet Style Concrete building. I'm a big fan of making this thing multipurpose. I think they should have some dorms integraged with the stadium. Dr. Z posted a pic of Case Western's Stadium earlier this year Case Pic on Pg. 5. Obviously this is too small, but I love the idea. It seems to me that stadums are typically this barren thing that is somehow disconnected from the community. Camden yards has the warehouse in the outfield, CWRU has the dorms, Canal park has the hospital and surrounding city that pulls the outside in. I know it would be a lot of cash, but what a great way to get additional dorm space, make the stadium more a part of the university. Put some restaurants in the place, a zips team store, etc. Make it so the soccer teams can play there too. Dropping $60 million for a stadium that is only used 5-7 times a year seems foolish. This place should be a magnet for people of summit county.

So, if the soccer stadium is built, what will the team be called? Summit county Tax Payers will pay for the stadium, but I'm pretty sure they will be named "The Cleveland XXXXXXX". That won't help Summit County/Akron with exposure, only a little extra money.It looks like Cow-lumbus attendance was OK. How many of those fans make the trip from the Akron/Cleveland area to see the games? Does the market exist in Ohio for TWO MLS Soccer teams? Seems to be that Soccer fans are pretty loyal to their sport, and would make the drive Columbus now. If a 2nd team shows up, my guess is that both teams would have crappy attendance.IMO, this is a gamble. Akron will still be playing football 30 years from now. The university isn't going to move if the soccer fanbase isn't there or another city offers a new stadium 20 years from now, that MLS team is gone!I was pretty pumped today, I got a call asking my opinion about a new football stadium. I have no doubt that a new on campus stadium will happen in the near future.....it's a done deal. I honestly believe that if the university does this right, it will be a huge asset to Akron and summit county. Sure football will only be played there 5-7 times a year, but there is no reason it couldn't also be utilized for HS games, concerts, etc. BTW, would it be a stretch to also have the UofA soccer team play in the new stadium? I think it would be great to have the facility multipurpose.

I took my season ticket stubs to the game last week, went to the merchandise stand and got my blankets. Football Progression over the past 4 years:Coach Offense Defense Special TeamsLO Explosive Horrible GoodJD Good OK GoodJD OK Good OKJD Bad Good HorribleI don't understand how JD was an Offensive Coordinator, and our offense and ST appear to be getting worse? Why did the players come out so prepared against Purdue, NC State, but don't seem to have it together other times?

I haven't been around much, but I've got to make a post about the Rifle team. They are on an absolute tear this season. They are still undefeated, a bit less than 1/2 way through the season! Even more amazing, the Gold and Blue teams have nailed down 1st and 2nd place in all but 1 match. You'll all be glad to know that the Zips have proven that last season was just an anamoly, as they regain their dominance over Ohio State. And I am again, very happy to announce that they knocked off Morehead State this past weekend (I can tell the story again if anyone is interested). As usual, coach is having a hard time picking the best shooters for the 1st and 2nd teams....there are just too many good shooters, all at about the same level. Take a look at the webpage of the best team on campus!Great job folks, keep up the good work! Akron Zips RifleA brief look at the results:Boilermaker Invitational:Team Results:1. University of Akron (Gold), 4,4882. University of Akron (Blue), 4,4523. University of Missouri Kansas City, 4,4374. University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, 3,8815. Grand Valley State University (Blue), 2,1036. Grand Valley State University (White), 1,7677. Purdue University, 1,649 Coast GuardTeam results:1. University of Akron (Gold), 4,5672. University of Akron (Blue), 4,5113. U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 4,421Ohio StateUniversity of Akron (Gold), 4,5422. The Ohio State University (Scarlet), 4,4673. University of Akron (Blue), 4,4594. The Ohio State University (Gray), 4,373University of Sciences PhiladelphiaTeam results:1. University of Akron (Gold), 4,5382. University of Akron (Blue), 4,5103. USP (Mixed), 4,2354. John Jay College, 4,2175. USP (Women), 1,786Morehead StateTeam results:1. University of Akron (Blue), 4,5112. University of Akron (Gold), 4,5043. Morehead State Unviersity, 4,4594. Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What now.... Prepare for the next game like it's the biggest game of the year....because it is. Your next game is always the biggest game of the year. Finish out the rest of the year strong.

I won't make it, but I'll dig up the "Zip Tailgating Checklist". I've got it down to a science, since if I forget something, I can't simply drive back to Michigan to get it. I usually show up way before game time (6 to 8 hours).

Like others have said here before, it would be nice to build this stadium with class! We have a clean sheet here....not many other schools get this chance. They have to upgrade an existing facility. I would hate to see us throw something together that is inexpensive, but looks like Doyt Perry at BG. I would like to see something keeping with the industrial past of Akron. NOT something that looks like a spaceship (Oregon). Someone else said something to the effect of "The Camden Yards of College Football"..... I like that. As for the size, I have no problem starting out at 25,000. In the 11 years I've been watching Zips games, I think one had more than 25,000 people at the game. The important point is that the plan should allow for future expansion to double that (50,000). We are hoping this program goes "Big Time" aren't we? I know this stuff costs money, something that UA isn't as blessed as other schools to have. This administrations has done an excellent job so far, and if past experience is any indications, the stadium will be excellent!

If anything, this thread is a testament to the fans here. If Michigan had lost yesterday to ND (the #2 team in the country), by a FG in the 2nd OT, this would be the response. If OSU could win nearly every game for years, but lose the last game of the year on a regular basis, this was the reaction. As Akron fans, we know we can't win every game, recognize we have a good thing going and that we have an improving program. I think our expectatons are reasonable, and we don't spout off the mindless phrase "Fire the Coach" the minute things don't go our way.

I'm sure Newt would like more money, and he deserves more money. For Newt, it's a labor of Love. The guy has dedicated his life to building up this program, and give the circumstances he's had to deal with, he's done an amazing job. The other Collegiate shooting programs in the state (OSU, and formerly Xavier), had more $$$ support and bigger names. Despite this the Zips have been just a bit better than OSU in recent years and have outlasted National Shooting Powerhouse Xavier, who's team was sacrificed in favor of higher profile sports and, IMO, because it wasn't P.C.

The duck calls are a great idea. Maybe for the other games, we keep with the Kangaroo/Aussie theme and have everyone bring boomerangs. We can throw them at the other team. That would really intimidate any opposing team in the RB!

I'm amazed at how, because CMU was coming into this game at 0-2, they are thought to be a crappy team. They took BC to the wire (BC knocked off a top 25 last week) and played a great game against UofM last week, even though the score didn't reflect it. You won't see many better MAC Matchups this season. IMO, this was 2 of the best teams in the MAC playing today, and the smarter, more diciplined team won. I'm impressed with how we came back late in the game and, IMO, were overall the better team. We need to learn from this game and apply it to the rest of the MAC Games. I believe we are good enough to run the table in the MAC. If we do it, is another matter.P.S.Though Brookhart has instilled the "How are we going to pull this one out" attitude. His Achilles Heel appears to be losing the game after the big win.

Well, another exciting game. IMO, we didn't deserve to win this one. Central played a great game. They didn't have a lot of dumb penalties. They had a solid D and their offense got it done when it mattered. They took advantage of our mistakes and didn't have many mistakes of their own. Sounded like they were a bit better conditioned than our guys too. We were our own worst enemies in this game. I'm most concerned about Kennedy. That guy has done everything in the past few weeks. On the bright side, that injury seemed to force our passing game to come alive.As much as I was hoping for a win, this isn't necessairly a bad thing. I think CMU is the best team in the West. I think overall, we were a better team, but did't take care of the little things as well. Maybe now we'll use our heads a bit more when the opponent has 3rd and 5, late in the game, and we go over the back to get a pass interferance penalty. For all of those already wishing JD a fond farewell. Kelley is a damn good coach. He hasn't lost to the Zips yet, and if we make it to Detroit again for a Thursday Night game, my money is that we'll be seeing these guys again.

ONSIDE Kick here........We don't deserve to get it.....but COMEON ZIPS!!!!!

Man, Akron games are going to kill me! How many games in a row are we fighting at the end. I like this, but come on! If we were to clean up some of the mistakes, it wouldn't be this way!