Basketball season is back in the Glass City, and the Toledo Rockets are ready to take off!
Written by: Eric Strayer
10/28/2025
With both the men’s and women’s programs poised for big runs in the 2025–26 season, there’s no better time to see why Savage Arena is one of the most electric venues in the Mid-American Conference. From thrilling rivalries to the roar of 7,000 fans in midnight blue and gold, University of Toledo basketball is more than a game, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Toledo Rockets Men’s Basketball
The Toledo Rockets men’s basketball team enters the 2025–26 season ready to extend its winning legacy under longtime head coach Tod Kowalczyk. Now in his 16th year at the helm, Kowalczyk has built Toledo into one of the Mid-American Conference’s most consistent contenders, posting eight 20-win seasons over the past 12 years and a remarkable 258–138 record during that stretch.\
This year’s Rockets combine veteran leadership and new firepower. Dynamic guard Sonny Wilson returns to lead a confident backcourt, while former Ohio State center Austin Parks, sharpshooter Kyler Vanderjagt (CMU), and versatile forward Rodney Johnson Jr. (Tennessee Tech) headline a talented transfer class. Add in a promising freshmen class and Toledo’s roster has the depth and athleticism to challenge for another MAC title.
For visitors, a men’s game at Savage Arena isn’t just basketball, it’s an introduction to Toledo’s proud, passionate sports culture. The energy is contagious, the competition fierce, and the experience unforgettable.
Men’s Home Schedule
- Mon, Nov. 3 | 7:00 PM – vs. South Alabama
- Sat, Nov. 8 | 2:00 PM – vs. Marshall
- Sat, Nov. 15 | 1:00 PM – vs. Detroit Mercy
- Wed, Nov. 19 | 7:00 PM – vs. Youngstown State
- Mon, Dec. 1 | 6:30 PM – vs. Central State
- Sat, Dec. 20 | 12:00 PM – vs. Lourdes
- Tue, Dec. 30 | 6:30 PM – vs. Western Michigan
- Sat, Jan. 10 | Time TBA – vs. Miami (OH)
- Tue, Jan. 13 | 7:00 PM – vs. Ohio
- Sat, Jan. 24 | 5:00 PM – vs. Bowling Green
- Sat, Jan. 31 | Time TBA – vs. Ball State
- Tue, Feb. 3 | 7:00 PM – vs. Kent State
- Sat, Feb. 21 | 2:00 PM – vs. Eastern Michigan
- Tue, Feb. 24 | 7:00 PM – vs. Northern Illinois
Toledo Rockets Women’s Basketball
The Toledo women’s basketball team has long been a source of pride for Rocket Nation—and in 2025–26, the excitement continues. Under second-year head coach Ginny Boggess, the Rockets are looking to build on last season’s 24–9 record and MAC Tournament Championship appearance.
With returning stars Kendall Carruthers, Cadence Dykstra, Ella Weaver, and Faith Fedd-Robinson, plus a group of hungry newcomers, this team has both experience and ambition. Their goal? A return to the NCAA Tournament—and the continued dominance that’s made them one of the top programs in the MAC.
The Rockets also boast one of the most loyal fanbases in the country, leading the conference in attendance for 30 consecutive seasons and ranking among the Top 30 nationally in eight of the last nine years. Their electric atmosphere reached legendary status in 2011 when over 7,300 fans packed Savage Arena for Toledo’s WNIT Championship win over USC. For visitors, a women’s game offers the perfect blend of elite basketball and community spirit, a can’t-miss Toledo experience that captures the city’s pride.
Women’s Home Schedule
- Tue, Dec. 2 | 7:00 PM – vs. Morgan State
- Sat, Dec. 6 | 2:00 PM – vs. Northern Iowa
- Wed, Dec. 17 | 7:00 PM – vs. Wayne State
- Wed, Dec. 31 | Time TBA – vs. Buffalo
- Sat, Jan. 10 | 2:00 PM – vs. Western Michigan
- Wed, Jan. 14 | 7:00 PM – vs. Northern Illinois
- Wed, Jan. 28 | 7:00 PM – vs. Kent State
- Sat, Jan. 31 | Time TBA – vs. Bowling Green
- Sat, Feb. 7 | 2:00 PM – MAC vs. SBC Challenge
- Tue, Feb. 10 | 7:00 PM – vs. Ohio University
- Sat, Feb. 14 | 2:00 PM – vs. Eastern Michigan
- Wed, Feb. 25 | 7:00 PM – vs. Central Michigan
- Sat, Mar. 7 | 2:00 PM – vs. Ball State
Savage Arena
John F. Savage Arena isn’t just where the Rockets play, it’s where Toledo comes alive. Opened in 1976 as Centennial Hall and reimagined by a $30 million renovation in 2008, Savage blends modern comfort with decades of Rocket tradition. Bowl-style seating keeps fans close to the action, while premium suites, a state-of-the-art video board, and the bright glass atrium of the Sullivan Athletic Complex make it one of the Midwest’s top venues.
Inside, the energy is unmistakable, loud, loyal, and family-friendly. Fans can shop Rocket gear at Rocky’s Locker, visit the Varsity ‘T’ Hall of Fame, or grab local favorites from the concessions before tipoff. Whether it’s a men’s matchup under the lights or a record-breaking women’s crowd, every game feels like a community celebration.
For nearly 50 years, Savage Arena has been where legends rise and memories are made, a place where championship dreams and hometown pride meet, one game at a time.
Find the full team schedules, tickets, and updates here: UTRockets.com
Before and After the Game: Eat, Drink & Celebrate Around Campus
A Rockets game at Savage Arena is just the beginning of the excitement. The University of Toledo campus and surrounding neighborhoods are home to some of the best local spots to fuel up before tipoff or celebrate a win after the final buzzer. Whether you’re a student, alum, or visiting fan, these nearby favorites make game day feel like a full Rocket experience.
Stubborn Brother Pizza Bar
Located on the corner of campus, Stubborn Brother is a go-to for artisan, stone-baked pizzas, cold craft beer, and a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for pregame gatherings or postgame celebrations. Grab a seat with friends and enjoy one of Toledo’s most popular pies.
The Fieldhouse at Inside the Five Brewing
Located near campus, The Fieldhouse brings together local craft brews, craveable chicken sandwiches and smash burgers, and a relaxed vibe designed keep the energy going after a Rockets victory.
Jake’s Saloon
A campus classic, Jake’s is the kind of place where the game never really ends. Featuring HomeSlice Pizza, cold drinks, and a laid-back, friendly crowd, it’s a favorite hangout for students and alumni alike.
Arnie’s Toledo
A longtime local fixture just minutes from Savage Arena, Arnie’s combines classic American comfort food with plenty of TVs, drinks, and good company, perfect for a casual meal after the game.
The Rockets are ready to take their place atop the MAC once again, and there’s no better place to witness it than inside Savage Arena. The energy is rising, the teams are stacked, and the fans are louder than ever. This season, be part of the noise, the tradition, and the next great chapter of Rocket basketball.
