SHI Stadium

Interstate 287, Route 18 and River Road provide the principal approaches. Busch Campus lots are color-coded and have distinct directions; entering from the wrong road can require a long loop around the controlled footprint.

Driving & Parking

• Driving
  Use Route 18's Busch Campus exits for many eastern lots and River Road from I-287 for stadium-side areas. Route directly to the color printed on the digital pass.
• Parking
  Season lots near SHI Stadium are assigned by donor priority. Day-of inventory is offered on Livingston, College Avenue and parts of Busch Campus, with free shuttles from remote locations.
• Parking
  Johnson Park sits across River Road from the south entrance and opens five hours before kickoff. The current posted rate is $40, availability is weather-dependent and spaces fill first come, first served.
• Parking
  Jersey Mike's Arena is the most dependable remote hub for public and accessible parking. Free buses run to the stadium beginning three hours before kickoff.
• Parking
  Lots fill front to back. To park beside another vehicle, arrive together with matching lot access; attendants will not save or rearrange spaces.
• Parking
  Limited single-game accessible spaces are available at Jersey Mike's Arena with a dedicated shuttle. A valid placard or plate and the appropriate football parking credential are required for reserved accessible lots.
• Parking
  RVs, buses and oversized vehicles use Jersey Mike's Arena at the current $100 gameday rate, first come, first served. Towed cars incur a separate charge.

Public Transit

• NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor connects New York Penn Station, Newark, Metropark, Trenton and Philadelphia connections with New Brunswick station.
• Rutgers operates a free football shuttle from the Albany Street bus stop beside New Brunswick station. Buses begin three hours before kickoff and return for as long as three hours after the game.
• Free campus buses also connect College Avenue parking and Jersey Mike's Arena with the stadium area. College Avenue buses use Johnson Park on the south side; arena buses run throughout the game.
• Accessible shuttles operate from Jersey Mike's Arena, Blue Lot and Silver Lot to Athlete's Glen. These are distinct from ordinary Rutgers buses, so ask the attendant for the ADA queue.
• The Knightengale courtesy route around Busch Campus has been discontinued. Guests who cannot manage a long walk should arrange the proper accessible shuttle rather than expecting an interior cart loop.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

• The official drop-off point is beyond the roundabout across from Blue Lot. Lot 49 is the designated postgame pickup location.
• Do not use the stadium street address as the pickup pin. Road closures and pedestrian traffic prevent drivers from reaching most gates.
• For New York-area visitors, the train-and-shuttle combination is usually more predictable than a long rideshare through postgame Route 18 traffic.
• After the game, confirm whether the driver is approaching from Route 18 or River Road and move only through marked pedestrian crossings.

The Rutgers Boardwalk has transformed the public pregame into a destination rather than a pass-through. It opens four hours before kickoff on Scarlet Knight Way and leads naturally into the parade, pep rally and Scarlet Walk.

Tailgating

• Football lots open five hours before kickoff and close at dusk under the current policy. Tailgating must stay in a small area immediately in front of or behind the vehicle.
• Tents and canopies may not exceed 10 by 10 feet. Kegs, beer balls, trailers and blocking an adjacent stall or traffic aisle are prohibited.
• Approved grills are allowed, but campfires, bonfires and other open flames are not. Deposit charcoal in the marked yellow barrels and never grill beneath solar panels.
• Alcohol rules under New Jersey law and university policy are enforced. Use non-glass containers, provide food and a sober driver, and stop service to minors.
• Rutgers Boardwalk
  The free event offers New Jersey food trucks, rides, mini golf, petting zoos, games, giveaways, music and opponent-specific themes. Individual food trucks set their own payment rules.
• Block R Party
  Athlete's Glen hosts a more structured pregame near the Scarlet Walk, with an R Bar, entertainment and reservable group tents.
• Turnkey packages provide tents, tables, chairs, catering, televisions and coolers. Parking and game tickets may not be included.
• A mobile locker truck near Scarlet Knight Way and Sutphen Road rents cashless bag storage beginning two hours before kickoff, useful for train travelers who cannot return to a car.

Pregame Bars & Restaurants

• Stuff Yer Face
  The Easton Avenue institution is known for stromboli and a long beer list. It is a quintessential Rutgers meal before taking the station shuttle.
• Destination Dogs
  Downtown on Paterson Street, this restaurant builds globally themed hot dogs and sausages. It suits groups that want something distinctly local and casual.
• Old Man Rafferty's
  A broad American menu, desserts and family-friendly dining make the Albany Street restaurant a reliable mixed-group option near the station.
• Harvest Moon Brewery & Cafe
  The George Street brewpub serves house beer, burgers and American fare. It is convenient for the train and College Avenue shuttle plan.
• Golden Rail Pub
  The Easton Avenue bar opens early for Rutgers home games, with televisions and game specials. Expect a student-oriented adult crowd.
• Tavern on George
  This downtown gastropub offers burgers, tacos, cocktails and local beer in a more polished setting. It works best Friday evening or several hours before the shuttle rush.

• Scarlet Walk
  Two hours 15 minutes before kickoff, the team arrives outside the North Gate and touches the First Football Game Monument before entering SHI Stadium.
• Rutgers Boardwalk parade
  The Marching Scarlet Knights, Spirit Team, Sir Henry, the mounted Scarlet Knight and Excalibur build the crowd before the team arrival.
• Mounted Scarlet Knight
  A costumed knight rides the horse Excalibur, giving Rutgers one of the sport's more literal mascot presentations. The mounted figure appears during pregame and ceremonial moments.
• “The Bells Must Ring”
  Rutgers' fight song follows scores and band movements. The title references the bells of Old Queens, the university's historic building in New Brunswick.
• “R-U Rah Rah”
  The compact cheer spells out Rutgers and is easy for visitors to follow. The marching band and student section use it throughout the game.
• “On the Banks of the Old Raritan”
  The alma mater connects the dispersed campuses to the river. The band sings and plays it before and after games.
• Loyal Sons
  The Marching Scarlet Knights traditionally close their postgame performance with “Loyal Sons of Rutgers,” maintaining the ritual even after the crowd thins.
• Blackout and theme games
  Selected games use black uniforms, shirts, lights and fireworks, while Homecoming, Military Appreciation and R Community dates add their own parade elements.

• First Football Game Monument
  Installed in 1997 along the Scarlet Walk, the sculpture commemorates Rutgers' 6-4 victory over Princeton on November 6, 1869. The historic game occurred in New Brunswick, not at SHI Stadium.
• Victory statue
  Donated by Ron and Joanna Garutti in 2019, the heroic Scarlet Knight stands outside the North Gate as a symbol of aspiration and a second major photo stop.
• Birthplace identity
  Signs, uniforms and presentations emphasize Rutgers' role in the first intercollegiate game. The phrase is a program identity, not proof that the present stadium occupies the original field.
• Enclosed south end
  The 2009 expansion added roughly 11,500 lower-level seats, closing the bowl and giving the stadium its current 52,454 capacity.
• Athlete's Glen
  The landscaped north approach hosts hospitality and team-arrival activity between the stadium and Rutgers' newer athletics buildings.
• Hale Center
  The football operations building adjoins the stadium and contains team, training and recruiting spaces. It is not generally a public gameday attraction.
• Raritan River setting
  The stadium sits near the river on Busch Campus, geographically connecting the Piscataway venue with the “On the Banks” language used across Rutgers.

History & Notable Moments

• Old Rutgers Stadium opened on this Piscataway site in 1938. Rutgers played the 1993 season at Giants Stadium while the old ground was replaced.
• The present 41,500-seat Rutgers Stadium opened September 3, 1994, when Rutgers defeated Kent State 28-6. GSGSBH designed the $28 million venue.
• FieldTurf replaced natural grass in 2004. That season Rutgers defeated Michigan State 19-14 before a sold-out national television audience.
• On November 9, 2006, Rutgers rallied from an 18-point deficit to upset No. 3 Louisville 28-25. The celebration became known as “Pandemonium in Piscataway.”
• A two-phase, $102 million expansion completed in 2009 added club and loge seats, enclosed the south end and upgraded concessions, restrooms, video, sound and entrances.
• Rutgers hosted Penn State before 53,774 in its first Big Ten home game in 2014, then defeated Michigan 26-24 for its first conference victory three weeks later.
• Naming changed from Rutgers Stadium to High Point Solutions Stadium in 2011, HighPoint.com Stadium in 2018 and SHI Stadium in 2019.
• A record 55,676 attended the 2022 game against No. 11 Penn State. That year also brought targeted LED lighting, scoreboard and sound upgrades.

SHI Stadium has lower-bowl sections in the 100s, upper east and west stands in the 200s, and premium areas along the sidelines. Most general seats are benches; rent a Knight Kushion on the north concourse if desired.

• Lower sidelines
  Sections near midfield give the best conventional sightlines. Very low rows can be obstructed by personnel, benches and cameras.
• Upper east
  The elevated view shows formations clearly but receives strong afternoon sun. The southeast corner provides quick access to the Red Zone market.
• Upper west
  These seats gain earlier shade for afternoon games. Elevators behind sections 101 and 138 assist guests with mobility needs, subject to event access rules.
• South end zone
  The 2009 seating is fully enclosed and close to the student atmosphere. Lower rows look directly toward the open north entrance and monuments.
• Student section
  Rutgers students create the loudest environment and generally stand. Theme-game giveaways and Blackout shirts intensify demand.
• Visitor seating
  Visiting allotments typically occupy upper or corner sections. Confirm the current map and entry gate because conference allocations can vary.
• Provident Bank Stadium Club, loges and suites
  Premium tickets provide indoor hospitality, chairbacks and dedicated service. Verify whether food, beer and parking are included in a resale ticket.
• Accessibility
  Platforms, companion seating, elevators and ticket exchanges are available. Game-day requests are subject to availability, so call before traveling.

SHI Stadium is cashless at concessions, merchandise, parking and the ticket office. A no-fee cash-to-card kiosk at section 113 can load a Mastercard debit card; Boardwalk food trucks may set separate rules.

• Standard stands sell hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, nachos, candy, soda and water throughout the 100 and 200 levels.
• Current specialty options include Blue Moon behind section 111 with beer, empanadas and burgers; Fry Shack behind section 143 with wings and loaded fries; and Prime 52's prime-rib sandwich near section 127.
• Behind Enemy Lines near section 110 pairs New Jersey beer with a selection from the opponent's region, turning the schedule into a rotating craft-beer feature.
• The Red Zone near the southeast corner uses checkout-free technology. Enter with a card or supported contactless credential, take packaged food and drinks, and exit for automatic charging.
• Mobile ordering offers pickup at sections 106, 113, 124 and 132. Scan the stadium QR code and order before quarter breaks to avoid the longest lines.
• Beer and wine are available to guests 21 and older. Outside alcohol, food, beverages, bottles and cans are prohibited.
• Guests with medically necessary food or drink should use a designated Guest Services entrance for inspection rather than an ordinary queue.

• Each ticketed guest may bring one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag approximately 12 by 6 by 12 inches, or one one-gallon clear plastic storage bag.
• One small clutch approximately the size of a hand is also permitted, with or without a strap. Rutgers does not publish a more precise clutch dimension on the current football page.
• Baby supplies should be carried in an approved clear bag. Medically necessary alternative bags and equipment are allowed after inspection at designated Guest Services gates.
• Approved bags may enter through all gates and pass through the walk-through weapons-detection system. Follow security staff instructions without emptying pockets unless directed.
• Backpacks, ordinary purses, coolers and other opaque bags are prohibited. A paid locker truck operates outside the stadium, but availability should not be assumed near kickoff.
• Outside food and beverages, bottles, cans, umbrellas, strollers, noisemakers, balls, poles, selfie sticks, fireworks and weapons are prohibited. Blankets and clothing may be carried over an arm for inspection.
• There is no re-entry. Save the mobile ticket and parking pass to the phone wallet before arrival, because stadium connectivity can slow retrieval.