FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field
| Company type | University sports facility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports venue |
| Founded | 1936-10-22 |
| Headquarters | Akron , United States |
Area served | University of Akron men's and women's soccer teams |
| Products | Soccer stadium services |
FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field, previously known as "Lee R. Jackson Soccer Field", is a soccer-specific stadium located on the University of Akron campus in Akron, Ohio. It serves as the home venue for both the men's and women's soccer teams. This stadium is a component of the 23-acre Lee Jackson Field Complex, which accommodates various intercollegiate athletic programs.
Originally dedicated on October 22, 1936, as Lee R. Jackson Field, the facility commemorates Lee R. Jackson, who was a former chairman of the University of Akron Board of Directors and a retired president of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. Jackson also held the position of captain for the 1910 football team and earned three varsity letters during his collegiate career.
Modern history
In 1988, lighting and a perimeter fence were installed around the soccer field, establishing it as one of the earliest illuminated venues within the Mid-American Conference. The playing surface benefits from an integrated drainage system to maintain optimal conditions. A new scoreboard was added in October 2000, with updated bleachers introduced at the southern end in 2005.
Additional improvements completed before the 2010 season included a newly installed playing field equipped with an irrigation system, upgraded lighting, and fencing enhancements. Fundraising efforts facilitated the addition of several stadium amenities such as dugouts, designated team rest spaces, a grandstand, a versatile press box/suite, concession stands, public restrooms, and an event plaza. On June 15, 2011, following an agreement securing naming rights from First Energy, the University of Akron officially renamed the venue FirstEnergy Stadium–Cub Cadet Field. Subsequent plans were unveiled to increase seating capacity and expand restroom and concession facilities.