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When entering the city of
Toledo, it may be challenging to locate clues that suggest that it's gameday.
There are not hoards of people shuffling toward the stadium, or bars
overflowing with anxious fans, or even many cars zipping around with Toledo
flags attached to windows. When nearing campus, the reason becomes
clear. The University of Toledo is very isolated from the rest of the
town, as it really feels like its own city in a city. The area of
Toledo that the campus rests on doesn't seem like a glamorous part of town,
either. But, once settled on university ground, evidence of tailgaters
and the buzz of gameday commences. Folks rally together in school
parking lots and engage in common tailgating in anticipation for the game.
The Rocket and Rocketman mascots pay a visit, and fans scramble to snap a
photo with the Toledo celebrities. Fraternity row, which is more like
a fraternity courtyard in the way it's set up, overlooks the Glass Bowl,
where blue and gold fans begin motioning towards as kickoff draws near.
The stadium is anchored by a beautiful stone wall that surrounds the arena
and almost has a castle-like quality. the pillars lining the north end
of the stadium unveil tributes to former "rocket legends." Staying on
this side, one can see the rocket monument that graces an entryway to the
Glass Bowl. The north side is the attractive side of the stadium as it
looks over the outstretched buildings of campus. From anywhere around
the stadium, fans can't miss the gigantic press and luxury boxes.
Compared to the size of the stadium, these boxes look really out of place as
though Toledo drove down to Columbus and stole Ohio State's. It is
evidence that Toledo football is a big deal and even though the rustic charm
of the stadium has not been compromised, the modern advances are necessary
to satisfy the fans. Rocket fans are very hardy and knowledgeable
about football. From the bands entrance when they form a T followed by
the shape of a rocket, to the sound of the cannon that blasts for each
score, Toledo fans love their team and get behind them even when they are
down. Experiencing Rocket football certainly left a lasting memory and
the Middle American Conference should be proud of having the Glass Bowl a
part of their league.
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