Demolition underway on Akron’s famous stadium.
For almost 80 years, the Rubber Bowl stadium has played host to American football. From its opening in 1940 until 2008, it served as the home field of the Akron Zips football team of the University of Akron prior to the opening of InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field. Throughout its history, it has also hosted concerts, professional football, high school football, and other events. It was named after the predominance of the tire industry in Akron. The stadium had a seating capacity of 35,202.
But it’s coming down.
Louisville-based Eslich Wrecking Co is managing partial demolition of the Rubber Bowl. About 60 percent of the stadium will be torn down by the end of October.
Crews are beginning with the press box and the side abutting Derby Downs, because engineers determined them to be the most dangerous sections. The side nearest George Washington Boulevard will be left intact as it can’t be removed without disrupting the roadway, engineers have said.
