From historic stadiums and championship golf courses to collegiate arenas and tournament-ready facilities, Akron and Summit County have a long history of welcoming athletes, teams and fans. Whether you're cheering from the stands, competing for a title or searching for the perfect location to host your next sporting event, there's plenty to discover. Explore nine standout sports venues that showcase why the Greater Akron area is the place to Come to Play!
1. Firestone Stadium
Firestone Stadium marked its 100th anniversary in 2025, making it one of the oldest softball venues in the country still in active use. Over the years, they have hosted professional women’s softball, OHSAA state championships, MAC and GMAC championships, and decades of regional and national tournaments. In 2023, a renovation added fully turfed fields to the historic complex, pairing a century of tradition with a modern playing experience. For softball events of any size, Firestone Stadium has been a proven host.
2. 7 17 Credit Union Park
Located in the heart of downtown Akron, 7 17 Credit Union Park is home to the Akron RubberDucks, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The brick ballpark opened in 1997 and was known as Canal Park from its first season through 2025. With a capacity of approximately 7,600, it hosts the OHSAA Baseball State Tournament, as well as concerts, festivals and large community gatherings throughout the year.
3. Rubber City Sports Group at Goodyear Hall
Housed in the historic Goodyear Hall on East Market Street, Rubber City Sports operates a 20,000 square foot gymnasium with mezzanine seating for up to 3,500 spectators. The venue welcomes tournaments and championships throughout the year, including the annual Great Lakes Regional Futsal Championships, the Rubber City Gymnastics Rumble, the Ohio State Line Gymnastics Championships and AAU Taekwondo state events. Its flexible floor space makes it a strong fit for indoor competition.
4. John S. Knight Center
Opened in 1994, the John S. Knight Center has 123,000 square feet of customizable space in downtown Akron, including a 28,000 square foot column-free exhibit hall, two ballrooms and 18 meeting rooms, all within walking distance of downtown hotels and restaurants. The Center functions as a multi-sport complex and is frequently used for cheer and dance competitions, while also serving as headquarters for tournaments, expos, banquets and multi-day events that need meeting and celebration space alongside competition venues.
5. The University of Akron
This one campus covers an impressive range of sports. InfoCision Stadium at Summa Health Field opened in 2009 and seats 30,000 for football, exhibitions and large outdoor events. James A. Rhodes Arena, known as the JAR, holds 5,500 for Zips basketball and volleyball and is a proven host for conference championships and mid-sized indoor competitions. FirstEnergy Stadium, known as Cub Cadet Field, is home to an Akron men’s soccer program that won a national championship in 2010 and consistently draws some of the largest crowds in college soccer.
The campus adds even more outdoors and in the water. Lee R. Jackson Track and Field Complex completed a $1.2 million renovation in 2022, adding an eight-lane, 400-meter surface, and it has hosted the 2023 Mid-American Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships and NCAA Division 1 Great Lakes Regional Cross Country Championships. Oliver J. Ocasek Natatorium features a 50-meter, Olympic-sized pool with 3 and 5-meter diving platforms. It regularly hosts collegiate invitationals and Ohio Athletic Conference championship meets.
6. Copley Road Soccer Complex
Operated by the City of Akron’s Sports and Athletics division, Copley Road Soccer Complex is a dedicated game day facility with a full lineup of nine grass fields in one location. The city staff that oversees the complex also assists with coordinating large tournaments, which makes it a natural home for youth soccer events that need multiple fields at one site.
7. Silver Creek Metro Park Cross Country Course
Silver Creek Metro Park is set for its biggest moment yet. On Dec. 12, 2026, the park’s cross-country course will host the USA Track and Field (USATF) Club Cross Country and National Championships, bringing approximately 2,000 athletes, coaches and supporters to the region for seven championship races spanning U20, open and masters divisions. Already known for hosting top high school and collegiate races, Silver Creek offers versatile terrain and a spectator-friendly layout.
8. Firestone Country Club
Firestone Country Club’s South Course has hosted golf at every level. The club hosted the PGA Championship in 1960, 1966 and 1975, and most recently hosted the Kaulig Companies Championship, which concluded its run in July 2026. The course also holds collegiate tournaments and state high school tournaments, most recently the OHSAA Division II Boys and Girls state tournament. Whether the event is professional, collegiate or scholastic, Firestone can handle the job.
9. Akron BMX at Derby Downs
Akron BMX has operated its USA BMX track at 800 Derby Downs Drive since 1981, making it one of Ohio’s premier BMX facilities. USA BMX-sanctioned events run throughout the season alongside weekly races, beginner leagues and open houses that introduce new riders to the sport. Akron BMX hosted the Stars and Stripes Nationals this year along with the state final race. Paired with the Soap Box Derby’s historic track next door, the Derby Downs area gives Summit County a sports story that no other destination can copy.
Whether you’re planning your next tournament or looking for your next gameday experience, Summit County has plenty of venues on display. Start planning your visit today and discover what Summit County has to offer.