The Rubber Bowl is an abandoned and partially demolished stadium located in Akron, Ohio, that was primarily used for 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 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 and is located in southeastern Akron next to Akron Fulton International Airport and Derby Downs, about southeast of downtown. Since 2008, the stadium has been mostly vacant, hosting some high school football games. In 2013, the Rubber Bowl was acquired by Canton, Ohio-based Team1 Marketing Group Inc. with plans to renovate and update the structure as the home for a professional football team. Renovation work began later in 2013, but initial plans for a professional team in the revived United States Football League (USFL) fell through. The stadium was condemned in 2017, and partial demolition of the stadium began on June 20, 2018. As of 2020, the south and east tiers, built into the hillside, remain, along with their respective ticket booths, though all are in a dilapidated state from damage caused by vandals and weathering. Most of the artificial turf field, last used in 2008, also remains in place, though it has also been heavily damaged by vandals and the elements. The city of Akron announced in December 2022 it was seeking bids to demolish the remainder of the stadium, with the exception of parts of the East stands that support George Washington Boulevard, which runs directly behind it along the top of the stands. This part would be buried and wildflowers planted over it. History The movement to build a stadium in Akron began in 1939 when Akron Beacon Journal sports editor James Schlemmer and Akron Municipal Airport director Bain Fulton began a campaign asking patrons to donate $1 each. Later that year, the Works Progress Administration authorized construction of a horseshoe-shaped stadium in southern Akron adjacent to Derby Downs, the home of the Soap Box Derby that had been built in 1936. Construction lasted approximately one year and the first event hosted was a state music and drill competition in June 1940. Dedication ceremonies were held in August 1940