July 22, 2011

Akron Athletics Launches “Stars and Stripes Ticket Program”

AKRON, Ohio – In a salute to the United States military, The University of Akron Department of Athletics announced on Friday its “Stars and Stripes Ticket Program” through which active, reserve and retired members of the armed services will be admitted free of charge to any Zips’ exhibition or regular-season home game. All military personnel with a valid military identification card may receive one general admission ticket for any of UA’s five ticketed sports – football, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s soccer (while supplies last). To redeem a complimentary ticket, armed services members must present their ID at the C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office.

The “Stars and Stripes Ticket Program” also includes a donation process that enables the general public to purchase a ticket at a discounted rate and gift it back to Akron Athletics for use by a military member or underprivileged Akron-area youth, with 100 percent of the ticket price being tax deductible. UA season ticket holders can also donate back tickets they don’t intend to use for that purpose as well.

Members of the armed services wishing to redeeming a complimentary ticket and fans interested in purchasing tickets for donation can do so from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Mondays through Fridays by visiting the C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets).

Akron is the only Mid-American Conference school and part of a short list of NCAA Division-I universities to have created an initiative such as this.

“This is a small way for The University of Akron and Zips Athletics to show its appreciation for the men and women who defend our country,” UA Director of Athletics Tom Wistrcill said. “Collegiate sports is unique to the American lifestyle, and we are thrilled to offer military members a complimentary ticket so they can enjoy watching our student-athletes compete. We hope that our fans will embrace the chance to support members of our armed forces by helping send them to a Zips game.”

The Akron football team’s home opener at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field comes on Sept. 10 versus Mid-American Conference East Division opponent Temple. That game will begin at 6 p.m. ET, and be covered by ESPN3, the network's broadband channel. A variety of special events will encompass the day, including a salute to local heroes (police, fire, safety) and a Military Appreciation Day, as well as ticket promotions designed for employees of both the city of Akron and Summit County, and local motorcycle organizations.

Earlier this month, the University was named by G.I. Jobs magazine as a military friendly campus for 2012.