Letter to all of ZIPSNATION

[UAM]

Dear Zips Fans,

Thank you for your loyal support of Akron Athletics. This has been a great fall for our sports teams as we have crowned a pair of Mid-American Conference Champions in women's cross country and men's soccer, and on the verge of a third after football earning its first-ever East Division title last week.

Two of our championship teams are active this week in key postseason games and we need you on the road as the Zips are pursuing titles.

This is your chance to be part of school history and make a memory for a lifetime. Supporting your Zips teams in person at national postseason events is an important part of our continued evolution as a Department of Athletics. The student-athletes, coaches and administration have built champions, and now it's time for you to come along for the ride.

This is Akron's first trip back to the NCAA Men's Soccer Elite Eight since our national runner-up finish in 1986. It is also our first-ever appearance in the MAC Football Championship Game. It's time to show the nation our pride in The University of Akron and your Zips teams.

Northern Illinois University is expecting to bring more than 9,000 fans to the game. This is the first trip for the either school to the MAC title game, and we need to show the millions of ESPN viewers worldwide that The University of Akron and its alumni, students, and fans are something special. You only get one chance to make a first impression with bowl scouts and this is our time. We need you to rise to the occasion and be in Detroit.

In addition, Ken Lolla's soccer team needs you at The University of Maryland for Saturday's Elite Eight match (1 p.m.). The Terrapins are the top seed in this year's NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament and one of the toughest teams to beat in the nation, especially at home.

While Akron has already defeated Maryland this year in the Westfield Cup final, the Zips have experienced the tough ground of Ludwig Field, most recently during the third round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament. I was in Connecticut on Sunday and it was one of the greatest thrills of my life watching the Zips topple the Huskies in penalty kicks. You do not want to miss what Ken Lolla's team has to offer.

Our ticket office has several very affordable ticket and travel packages on sale now for both of this week's major events. I am personally asking all Zips fans to "Hop On Board" and travel with our teams over the next week. I am taking my family to both games and I hope that you will follow suit and be a part of this magical time for the Zips.

As always if you have any questions please contact our Zips Athletics Ticket Office at 1-888-99-AKRON.

In Blue & Gold Pride,

Mike Waddell

Interim Director of Athletics

INFORMATION FOR FANS

FOOTBALL vs. Northern Illinois

Thursday, Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., Detroit

Plan 1 - $20.00

Game ticket only at Ford Field in the Zips Section

Plan 2 - $75.00

Game ticket and ground transportation to and from Akron on gameday (Charter Coach departs at noon Thursday from Rhodes Arena and returns immediately following the game)

Plan 3 - $119.00

Game ticket and official team hotel lodging (Thursday night) (Hotel room can ONLY be booked with this package. Room sleeps up to four people). No transportation is provided with this option.

MEN'S SOCCER vs. Maryland

Saturday, Dec 3, 1 p.m., College Park, Md.

Plan 1 - $7.00 for adults, $3.00 for youth and senior citizens Game ticket only at Ludwig Field in the Zips Section

Plan 2 - $75.00

Game ticket and ground transportation to and from Akron on gameday (Charter Coach departs at 4 a.m. Saturday from Rhodes Arena and returns immediately following the game).

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

The UA Department of Athletics has arranged for complimentary tickets and buses for students to Thursday night's 7:30 p.m. Mid-American Conference Championship Football Game in Detroit and the NCAA Men's Soccer Elite Eight match-up with Maryland, Saturday at 1 p.m. in College Park, Md.

In order to take advantage of the football offer, UA students can register at the Zips Athletics Ticket Office during business hours Sunday-Tuesday. The deadline for registration is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

UA students may register for the Soccer Trip at the Zips Athletics Ticket Office during business hours Monday-Thursday. The deadline for registration is 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Students must present a valid ZIPcard ID, at which time they will be issued a voucher for a game ticket and round-trip bus transportation to Detroit and/or College Park.

These vouchers must be presented during load-in for the buses, which will leave from Rhodes Arena at noon Thursday for the football game and 4 a.m. Saturday for the soccer match. The buses will depart the venues minutes following the game for the return trip to Akron.

For more information on these special postseason travel offers, please contact the Zips Athletics Ticket Office at 1-888-99-AKRON. Office hours are 1-5 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.