Akron football just announced one of the most unique fan contests ever

Akron head coach Joe Moorhead. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Akron football just announced one of the most unique fan contests ever

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 4, 2026 8:00 PM ET

College football programs are constantly looking for creative ways to engage their fan bases, but the Akron Zips may have just raised the bar.

In one of the most unconventional promotions in recent memory, the program is giving one lucky season ticket holder the opportunity to design the offensive plays for the team's opening drive of the first home game 2026 season.

A fan is going to be allowed to do what?

That's right, the Zips are giving one lucky contest winner the opportunity to help script the opening drive of the football team's home season opener.

According to the team website, the lucky fan will "work directly with Zips' football head coach Joe Moorhead to help design the plays that open the game — a first-of-its-kind experience for the Akron program."

"We're always looking for new ways to bring our fans closer to the program," said Akron Director of Athletics Dr. Andrew T. Gooddrich. "This is about giving one of our most loyal supporters a seat at the table, right alongside our coaching staff, on the biggest night of the season."

Make history and be the lucky season ticket holder to design the opening drive of the home opener when @ZipsFB hosts Robert Morris‼️

️https://t.co/G5aTUlVpzT #GoZips #MakeTheClimb pic.twitter.com/Qzu1w0R29O
— Akron Football (@ZipsFB) August 4, 2026

How the contest will work

The rules for the contest were shared in a post from the official X account for the Akron Football program. To enter the contest, fans must do the following, per the program:

"All current UA season ticket holders are automatically entered into a random drawing for the promotion with every season ticket counting as an entry — e.g. 4 tickets equal 4 entries. Season ticket holders will receive additional entries for every new season ticket holder they successfully refer. Reach out to the ticket office directly or add referral information into the comments section when purchasing tickets. One winner will be selected at random from eligible entrants. The winner of the drawing will be announced on Wednesday, August 19."

It wasn't likely that many fans would've been tuned in to the Akron home opener on Sept. 12 against Robert Morris. Now, though, with the lucky winner getting to live out every want-to-be coordinator's dream, the Zips may shatter viewership records for their opening drive in Week 2.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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