The Marco Battaglia Practice Complex serves as the practice site for the football program. As part of the “R Big Ten Build” targeted campaign, the top-to-bottom renovation of the football practice field complex was completed in August of 2017.
"I am proud to unveil the best practice facility in professional or college football today," Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs said at the dedication ceremony. "From when I first started here after hiring
Chris Ash, we realized that this was a project that needed to be done. Now thanks to the generosity of Jeff and Amy Towers and the hard work of many, this complex is not only complete, but unparalleled. It will greatly impact our program as we continue to build a championship contender in the Big Ten."
The upgraded practice facility features two new Kentucky Bluegrass fields equipped with a state-of-the-art drainage and irrigation system. A separate FieldTurf playing surface with CoolPlay technology was installed, providing the Scarlet Knights with an additional area for practice drills. The complex has been fitted with a high-powered Musco LED light system. Two permanent 54-foot film towers were constructed in the complex along with two new scoreboards, a new LED video board and six game clocks. A 5,000 square foot storage unit was installed along with new maintenance equipment and permanent restrooms.
In addition to the functional improvements, the practice complex also underwent several aesthetical changes, including a new brick entranceway and wall, fencing around the perimeter and redesigned landscaping throughout the facility.
The outside facade of the complex features plaques commemorating the program's six College Football Hall of Fame honorees – Paul Robeson, Alex Kroll, Harvey Harmon, Homer Hazel, George Little and George Foster Sanford – and lists each All-American who represented Rutgers football. The entrance also includes a monument of Battaglia, the namesake of the complex.
Battaglia finished his Rutgers career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in program history. A consensus All-American, Battaglia concluded his career ranked first in the RU record book amongst tight ends in reception yards (2,221), receptions (171), touchdowns (16) and 100-yard games (seven). As a senior captain in 1995, Battaglia was a unanimous first team All-American and led the nation's tight ends with 69 catches for 894 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to Big East Offensive Player of the Year accolades. The Queens, New York, native was selected in the second round (39th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played from 1996 to 2001. Battaglia went on to enjoy an eight-year career in the NFL.
The Queens, New York, native was selected in the second round (39th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played from 1996 to 2001. Battaglia went on to enjoy an eight-year career in the NFL.
