The Akron Zips gain their team nickname from an invention of their university; the zipper. The Zips basketball team are also supported at games by Zippy, a kangaroo and one of the only female college mascots in the US.
Based out of the University of Akron, the Akron Zips were first established in 1870. The Zips have played over one hundred seasons of basketball since, with an all-time record in 2006 of 1313-889. The Zips’ home arena is the James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, with a seating capacity of more than 4,800.