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JAR Arena, officially James A. Rhodes Arena, is the on-campus, multi-purpose home for the University of Akron Zips. With a flexible seating setup and a floor space that can expand to 18,000 square feet, it’s built to host athletics, concerts, and a variety of events. Located at 373 Carroll St on the University of Akron campus, this venue serves as a central hub for students, families, and fans in Akron and the surrounding region.

Whether you’re coming for basketball, volleyball, or a bigger show, we’ve got you covered with practical details to help secure your seats and plan your visit. This page covers seating configurations, parking, transit options, and nearby lodging and dining to make your trip easy.

JAR Arena consistently hosts notable events, including LeBron James Skills Academy and other high-profile showcases, alongside University athletics and concerts. The arena is commonly nicknamed JAR or Rhodes Arena, and it remains a key anchor on the Akron campus for fans and visitors alike. For the best experience, check transit schedules and parking options ahead of your visit, and consider nearby hotels and restaurants to complete your trip.

Seating and Capacity

Capacity: 5,500 seats for basketball configuration; floor can be retracted to accommodate an 18,000 sq ft event surface.
Seating layout: 1,323 chairbacks on the lower level, 773 chairbacks on the west-side upper level, with bleacher seating in other areas.
Flexibility: On-campus design supports a variety of events beyond basketball and volleyball.

Parking

On-campus options include East Campus Deck (Lot 1) and nearby Lots 10, 14, and 15.
Event parking details vary by event; check on-site signage or our page for the latest information.

Transit and Getting There

Public transit service: Akron METRO (METRO RTA).
Route 1 West Market serves the campus area and provides proximity to Rhodes Arena (Rhodes stop).
Plan extra time during peak event traffic, especially on game nights and major events.

Nearby Hotels and Dining

Blu-Tique Hotel Downtown Akron – contemporary lodging within easy reach of the campus area.
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Akron – convenient downtown option close to campus and attractions.
Recommended nearby dining: explore local eateries around downtown Akron and near-campus venues for a pre- or post-event meal.

Notable Events

LeBron James Skills Academy and other high-profile NI events have taken place at JAR Arena.
Regular home games for Zips basketball and volleyball, plus concerts and university events.

Official Social Media and Websites

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Capacity: 5,500 seats for basketball; seating is retractable to accommodate a full 18,000 sq ft floor for events.
Address: 373 Carroll St, Akron, OH 44325 (University of Akron campus).
Venue type: on-campus multi-purpose arena used for athletics and other events (Zips basketball and volleyball).
Seating configuration: 1,323 chairbacks on the lower level, 773 on the west-side upper level, with bleacher seating elsewhere.
Parking: on-campus parking options include East Campus Deck (Lot 1) and Lots 10, 14, 15 nearby; event parking commonly $3–$5 per vehicle.
Transit: served by the Akron METRO (METRO RTA); Route 1 West Market schedule indicates proximity to Rhodes Arena (Rhodes stop).
Nearby hotels: Blu-Tique Hotel Downtown Akron; Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Akron (examples of near-campus lodging).
Notable events hosted: has hosted LeBron James-related events (e.g., LeBron James Skills Academy) and other high-profile NI events like the King James Shooting Stars Classic; also hosts University events and concerts.
Renamed/demolished: not demolished or renamed; remains James A. Rhodes Arena, commonly nicknamed JAR or Rhodes Arena.

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