FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field
FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field (formerly known as Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field) is the home soccer field of the Akron Zips men's and women's collegiate soccer team. The facility is part of the Lee Jackson Field Complex, a 23-acre (93,000 m2) multi-purpose facility which serves the University of Akron's various intercollegiate programs. Originally dedicated on October 22, 1936 as Lee R. Jackson Field it was named for the former chairman of the University of Akron Board of Directors and retired president of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Lee R. Jackson. Jackson was captain of the 1910 football Akron football team and a three-year letterman.
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| Former names | Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field |
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| Location | University of Akron Akron, Ohio |
| Coordinates | 41°4′27.19″N 81°30′40.25″W |
| Owner | University of Akron |
| Capacity | 5,800 |
| Record attendance | 5,819 (09/28/2011 v. Ohio State |
| Field size | 120 yd. long x 77 yd. wide (109.7 m x 70.4 m) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Built | 1936 |
| Renovated | 1988 |
| Expanded | 2010 |
| Tenants | |
| Akron Zips men's soccer (MAC) (1936-present) Akron Summit Assault (PDL) (2011) | |
History
In 1988 a fence enclosure and fixture of lights were added to the soccer field, making it one of the first lit playing fields in the Mid-American Conference. The facility is also equipped with a drainage system for the playing surface. In October 2000, a new scoreboard was added, and in the summer of 2005, new bleachers were added to the south end of the facility.[1]
Other improvements included a new field and irrigation system, with new lights and fencing around the stadium which was completed in time for the 2010 soccer season. Fundraising took place for other features of the stadium, which include dugouts and a rest area for each team, a new grandstand, a new multipurpose press box/suite, concessions, public restrooms, and event plaza.[2] On June 15, 2011, The University of Akron announced that the field was officially renamed FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field with naming rights paid by First Energy. Plans were announced to build more bleacher seats, restrooms, and a concession stand.[3]
References
- "Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field" at GoZips.com Retrieved December 17, 2009
- "UA soccer team to score stadium upgrade for 2010" – Ohio.com Retrieved December 17, 2009
- News: FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field is new name for soccer venue; retrieved June 16, 2011