Toledo Athletics on Wednesday announced major enhancements to the game-day experience for football games at the Glass Bowl in 2023.
Among the changes are a new tailgate area for University of Toledo students located closer to the Glass Bowl; a Kid Zone with inflatables and other family-friendly activities; improved and increased concessions offerings; new in-game elements, and more.
Toledo Football fans can check out the new Game-Day Experiences beginning with the home opener vs. Texas Southern at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 9.
“Game days in the Glass Bowl are truly one-of-a-kind, featuring a championship program competing in an iconic college football venue,” said Vice President and Athletic Director Bryan B. Blair. “While we have great tradition and atmosphere, our staff will constantly look for ways to enhance the fan experience. We want every fan and student to leave our home games with a special memory of every element of game day, from tailgating to the postgame singing of the alma mater, and everything in between.
“I want to thank our campus colleagues, athletic department staff, vendors and countless other partners who helped make these changes a reality,” Blair added. “The #TeamToledo spirit is alive and well, and I’m excited for our fans to experience the fruits of this teamwork this fall.”
Toledo Football has led the Mid-American Conference in attendance for each of the past five seasons. Last year, the Rockets became the first MAC program ever to lead the conference in Football, Men’s Basketball and Women’s Basketball attendance in the same season.
The Rockets open their home season with four consecutive Saturday games, beginning with “The Biggest Party in Toledo,” a 3:30 p.m. game vs. Texas Southern on Sept. 9. The remaining games in September are Sept. 16 vs. San Jose State, Sept. 23 vs. Western Michigan, and the Homecoming Game vs. Northern Illinois on Sept. 30.
Toledo closes the home schedule with two midweek MACtion games, Tuesday, Oct. 31, vs. Buffalo and Wednesday, Nov. 8, vs. Eastern Michigan.
“Shortly after our championship season in 2022, we started the process of connecting with our students and fans to learn more about their game-day experience,” said Deputy Athletic Director Al Tomlinson. “Through that process, we identified many opportunities to make enhancements and to deliver on what our fans are asking for more of or less of this season. We are excited to roll out several new and unique enhancements that we feel will fuel a more spirited environment in the Glass Bowl.”
Game-day enhancements for 2023 include:
• 600 new chairback seats in mid-field sections;
• Upgrades to concessions;
• Enhanced team entrance to include additional fireworks and pyrotechnics;
• Several “social proof” locations for sharable photos;
• “First Rocket” fan experience for fans attending their first Toledo Football game;
• Revamped pre-game “Rocket Walk”;
• New family-friendly Kid Zone featuring inflatables and other activities; and
• Other special surprises to be revealed at the home opener on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Enhancements for UToledo students include:
• A new tailgating location closer to the stadium;
• Special giveaways at the tailgate and throughout each game;
• Added Rowdy Row and other student-driven special experience opportunities; nd
• Dedication of the entire Third Quarter to our students, including on-field promotions, video board visibility, contests, giveaways, and more.
To order tickets or for more information, go to the UTRockets website, call/text 419.530.GOLD (4653) or stop by the Rocket Ticket Office located in the Sullivan Athletic Complex at Savage Arena during office hours.
