FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field explained

FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field
Former Names:Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field
Location:University of Akron
Akron, Ohio
Coordinates:41.0742°N -81.5112°W
Built:1936
Renovated:1988
Expanded:2010
Owner:University of Akron
Surface:Grass
Capacity:5,800
Record Attendance:5,819 (September 28, 2011 v. Ohio State)
Dimensions:120 yd. long x 77 yd. wide (109.7 m x 70.4 m)
Tenants:Akron Zips (NCAA)
Men's soccer 1936–present
Women's soccer 2001–present
Akron Summit Assault (PDL) 2011

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 23acres 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 and retired president of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. Jackson was captain of the 1910 football Akron football team and a three-year letterman.

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]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.gozips.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10800&ATCLID=323236 "Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field" at GoZips.com
  2. http://www.ohio.com/news/top_stories/79535902.html "UA soccer team to score stadium upgrade for 2010" – Ohio.com
  3. 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