Rockets Host Akron in 95th Annual Homecoming Game on Saturday

Rockets Host Akron in 95th Annual Homecoming Game on Saturday

Toledo returns home to face the Akron Zips in the 95th annual Homecoming Game at the Glass Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 27 (3:30 p.m./ESPN+).

Attendance to the Homecoming Game is free for students, while faculty, alumni and fans may purchase tickets online at UTRockets.com/FBtix, by phone at 419-530-GOLD (4653) or at the Rocket Ticket Office in Savage Arena.

The Rockets (2-2, 0-1 MAC) are coming off a 14-13 loss at Western Michigan last Saturday. Toledo put on a dominating display of defense for much of the game, but a late touchdown and two-point conversion sent the Rockets to defeat in the MAC opener for both teams.

Toledo built up a 13-0 lead midway through the third quarter, including senior Chip Trayanum's 63-yard touchdown run, but the Broncos came back on touchdown drives late in the third and fourth quarters to come out on top.

Toledo's defense held the Broncos to 291 yards and secured three takeaways and four sacks. Sophomore Chris D'Appolonia tied for the team lead with eight tackles, including seven solo stops. Senior Emmanuel McNeil-Warren also had eight tackles and added a forced fumble. Senior Andre Fuller had an interception and a fumble recovery to go with six tackles.

Trayanum led the offense with 153 yards on 26 carries, averaging 5.9 yards per rush.

Akron (1-3, 0-0 MAC) won its first game of the season last week, 51-7 over Duquesne. The Zips began the season with losses to Wyoming (10-0), Nebraska (68-0) and UAB (31-28).

Toledo leads the series between the two teams, 13-10. The Zips won the last meeting, a 21-14 overtime victory at home in 2024. The Rockets are 66-28 in Homecoming games, including a 1-0 mark vs. Akron.

PARKING REMINDER

As part of Homecoming, on-campus parking for ParkUToledo permit holders will be affected beginning at 6 p.m. today, Sept. 26, with the closure of Area 13 and sections of Area 6. Vehicles not moved out of the parking area will be ticketed beginning at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, all vehicles must be moved from the following parking areas by the designated times:

• Area 13: Vehicles must be moved out of Area 13 by 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26.

• Areas 3, 4 and 5: Vehicles must be moved by 6 a.m.

• Area 6, 10: Vehicles must be moved by 6 a.m. Sections of Area 6 will be blocked off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26.

• Area 8: Vehicles must be moved out of Area 8 by 6 a.m.

• Area 9: Vehicles must be moved out of Area 9 by 3 a.m. Vehicles not moved out of Area 9 by 3 a.m. will be towed.

• Area 18: Vehicles must be moved out of Area 18 by 6 a.m. as Area 18 shifts to disabled parking.

• Area 28: Vehicles must be moved out of Area 28 by 6 a.m. as Area 28 shifts to pass only parking.

• Main Campus parking permits will not be enforced on Saturday, Sept. 27, except for disabled, metered and reserved spaces.

• Regular permit enforcement resumes at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28.

HOMECOMING PARADE

All parties coming to campus for Saturday's annual Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade are encouraged to park in Areas 1N, 1S, 2, 12 and 25.

The Homecoming Parade will step off at 10 a.m. in the Old Orchard neighborhood. The parade will showcase floats, dignitaries, alumni, honorees, the Rocket Marching Band and mascots Rocky and Rocksy, with President James Holloway serving as grand marshal.

Sponsored by the Blue Key National Honor Society and supported by the Office of Student Engagement and Connections and the Office of Alumni Engagement, the parade will begin at West Bancroft Street and Campus Road, proceed east to Cheltenham Road, Christie Street and Middlesex Drive, before returning to West Bancroft Street.

Parade-goers are encouraged to stop by Sweet Nate's food truck along Bancroft Street before or during the parade for snacks, coffee and other non-alcoholic beverages beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Parade float winners will be announced during the game, along with a halftime performance by the Rocket Marching Band.

For more information about the Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade, visit the event's website.