FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field
{{Short description|Soccer stadium in Akron, Ohio}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox venue
| name = FirstEnergy Stadium
| nickname =
| logo_image = Akron_Zips_2022_A_icon_soccer_blue-gold.svg
| logo_size = 30
| image = Cub Cadet Field 1.jpg
| caption = View of the stadium in 2014
| fullname = FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field
| former_names = Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field
| type = Soccer-specific stadium
| currentuse =
| address =
| city = Akron, Oh
| country = United States
| location =
| coordinates = {{coord|41|4|27.19|N|81|30|40.25|W|display=inline,title}}
| broke_ground =
| built = 1936
| opened = {{start date and age|1936}}
| renovated = 1988
| expanded = 2010
| closed =
| demolished =
| owner = University of Akron
| operator = Univ. of Akron Athletics
| surface = Artificial turf
| scoreboard =
| estimated_cost =
| suites =
| architect =
| project_manager =
| structural engineer =
| services engineer =
| general_contractor =
| main_contractors =
| capacity = 5,800
| record_attendance = 5,819 (Akron v Ohio State, 28 Sep 2011)
| dimensions = 109 x 70 m
| tenants = {{plainlist|
- Akron Zips (NCAA) teams:
- men's soccer (1936–present)
- women's soccer (2001–present)
- Professional teams:
- Akron Summit Assault (PDL) (2011)
}}
| website = {{URL|https://gozips.com/facilities/firstenergy-stadium/3|gozips.com/firstenergy-stadium}}
}}
FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field, formerly known as "Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field", is a soccer-specific stadium on the campus of the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, United States. It is the home field of the Akron Zips men's and women's soccer teams. The facility is part of the Lee Jackson Field Complex, a {{convert|23|acre|adj=on}} multi-purpose facility which serves the University of Akron's various intercollegiate programs.
Originally dedicated on October 22, 1936, as Lee R. Jackson Field, after the former chairman of the University of Akron Board of Directors[https://www.uakron.edu/im/news/support-for-track-renovation-campaign Support for Track Renovation campaign] on University of Akron, 3 Mar 2022 and retired president of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.[https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/2014236862/1961-02-17/ed-1/seq-2.pdf Lee R. Jackson Retires After 49 Years Of Service] on Firestone News. 17 Feb 1960 Jackson was captain of the 1910 Akron football team and a three-year letterman.
Modern 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.[http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=323236 "Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field" at GoZips.com]{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Retrieved December 17, 2009
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.[http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/79535902.html "UA soccer team to score stadium upgrade for 2010" – Ohio.com] Retrieved December 17, 2009 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.[http://www.uakron.edu/im/online-newsroom/news_details.dot?newsId=2041333&crumbTitle=FirstEnergy%20Stadium–Cub%20Cadet%20Field%20is%20new%20name%20for%20soccer%20venue News: FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field is new name for soccer venue]; retrieved June 16, 2011
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{official website}}
{{Akron Zips men's soccer navbox}}
{{University of Akron|Athletics}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:FirstEnergy Stadium-Cub Cadet Field}}
Category:College soccer venues in the United States
Category:1936 establishments in Ohio
Category:Sports venues completed in 1936