Akron is paying students to attend basketball games

University of Akron students can get some money just by attending basketball games for the remainder of the season thanks to a new "Student Appreciation Program" from the school.

University of Akron students can get some money just by attending basketball games for the remainder of the season thanks to a new "Student Appreciation Program" from the school.

The Zips have three home games left, all against MAC rivals, and they want the arena to be packed so they will be giving students $5 on their Zip Cards for each game they attend plus another $5 if they get to all three.

Spread the word @TheAKROWDIES & @uakron students! We need you at the JAR tonight vs. Toledo! #ZipsCity #ZipsGameday pic.twitter.com/PsrXznYHo2

— Akron Zips MBB (@ZipsMBB) February 18, 2015

• Jay Z thought David Wells was Curt Schilling

The Zip Card can be used at on and off campus eateries and stores by University students.

While this my seem like a ploy for team with struggling attendance numbers, the University's website says the promotion was actually spurred on by the team recently having its best attendance since coach Keith Dambrot took over as head coach in 2004.

The offer is only good if student attendance is over 800 at each game, so students would be wise to drag their friends along with them.

[Larry Brown Sports]

- Brendan Maloy