Several speakers addressed the crowd outside for the groundbreaking at the corner of Vine and Spicer streets on campus at the University of Akron Friday, addressing their excitement over the new football stadium in 2009. 

WATCH slideshow from the groundbreaking

LISTEN to Taylor explain what the new stadium means to Akron's economy

University of Akron President Luis Proenza says the $55 million dollar project has been in the works for almost five years and he believes it's the missing key to campus activities and to attracting new students.

Dr. Proenza says the stadium is the missing piece to the University of Akron

"It'll be a source of togetherness," explains Tom Strauss, Summa Health Systems CEO. He also thinks it'll help boost Akron's economy.

HEAR Strauss talk about the new stadium and its impact on Akron

Head football coach J.D. Brookhart is excited as well, "what it means to the football program is very obvious, but it reaches far beyond that. It completes the campus in many ways and really will create a community that's been missing as you drive out to the Rubber Bowl."

LISTEN to Coach Brookhart describe his excitement about the new stadium on campus

All believe the InfoCision Stadium/Summa Field will be built for the community and improve the quality of life.

All 17 suites inside are already committed . Loge and club seats are going quickly and with the kickoff of groundbreaking, it's also the kickoff for season tickets.

On Saturday, April 5, there will be a spring game in the new field house at noon.

The goals for the University include building tradition, which the college is actively working toward and giving students an experience, athletically, socially and academically.

InfoCision Stadium/Summa Field will seat 27,000, expandable to 31,000. Already, the east wall of the stadium is going up.

Opening kickoff is set for September 19, 2009 when the Zips take on the Indiana Hoosiers. Mayor Don Plusquellic will throw the first pass on opening day.

The graduation rate for U of A athletes is now 78%, up 18% from one year ago, according to Mack Rhoades, U of A's Athletic Director. The state average is 62%; Rhodes wants the U of A's number to continue climbing and believes it'll happen with this new stadium.

You can track the stadium's progress at http://www.uakron.edu/stadium/cams/videoFeed.html.

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