PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football continues its commitment to providing a first-class game day experience, and with the return of fans to SHI Stadium this season, several key upgrades will take shape in Piscataway this fall. Rutgers opens the season on Thursday, Sept. 2 versus Temple at 6:30 p.m. at SHI Stadium in a game presented by PNC. Gates will open two hours prior to kickoff.
 
In an effort to encourage a safe environment for fans as well as improve the ease of entry into the stadium, Rutgers moved to mobile-only tickets, which can be added to an Apple Wallet or Google Pay app. Digital tickets provide for contactless entry, limiting person-to-person interactions, while speeding entry time into the venue and also offers a secure means to transfer and exchange tickets. Representatives from the Rutgers ticket staff will be on hand to help assists customers with any digital ticket related matters. Fans will also receive mobile parking passes that they can manage like their digital tickets. Fans are encouraged to download mobile tickets and parking passes to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay apps prior to arriving at the stadium.
 
Adding to the ease of entry for fans into SHI Stadium will be dedicated lines to designate between individuals with bags to be checked and those without. Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and approximately 12" x 6" x 12", or one-gallon clear plastic bags or similar, and small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, can be taken into athletic venues. More details on the stadium bag policy can be found HERE.
 
Students at SHI Stadium will have an easier time staying connected and posting exciting moments throughout the game on social media with upgraded Wi-Fi capabilities and increased bandwidth in the south end zone. Rutgers students who have RUWireless Secure properly setup on their devices will be able to take advantage of the newly installed Wi-Fi in the student section and south concourse.
 
Students will also benefit from the acceptance of the Rutgers Meal Plan and RU Express to make food and drink purchases at the south end zone concession stands behind the student section.
 
See below for a full list of elements highlighting the Rutgers football gameday experience. Click HERE for information on season tickets.
 
Scarlet Knights App – Available for download in the Apple and Google Play app stores, the Scarlet Knights app is the place for fans to access and manage their tickets, stream audio broadcasts, view statistical packages and engage with exclusive social media content. The Scarlet Knights app features schedules, rosters and a digital program. Fans will be able to receive push notifications with timely and critical information, as well as special discounted offerings on concessions and merchandise.
 
Scarlet Walk - A longstanding Rutgers football tradition that brings fans together to cheer the Scarlet Knights as they arrive at the stadium returns to Piscataway in 2021. Fans will be able to view the team arrival as each player and coach depart the bus, walk past the commemorative first game statue and into the stadium. Prior to the team's arrival, the Pride of New Jersey Scarlet Knight Marching Band, cheerleaders, dance team and Sir Henry will parade down Scarlet Knights Way, leading fans in a pregame pep rally in the Block R Party. The football team will make their way to SHI Stadium approximately two and a half hours prior to kickoff.  
 
Block R Party – Rutgers fans will be treated with an exciting pregame party at the Athlete's Glen, complete with live musical performances, games, giveaways and more. The Pride of New Jersey Scarlet Knight Marching Band and spirit teams will provide atmosphere and energy to the pregame event.
 
50/50 Raffle - The 50/50 raffle will start three hours prior to kickoff and conclude at the end of the third quarter. All 50/50 ticket sales will be CASH ONLY with net proceeds going to support Rutgers football. Touchdown Club members and 50/50 sellers roam the parking lots pregame and in the stadium during the game. Additionally, there will be 4 kiosks to purchase 50/50 tickets located behind sections 101, 116, 126, and 131. The winning number will be announced during the 4th quarter. The winner does NOT need to be present to win. The winner should email 5050@scarletknights.com with a picture of their ticket to collect their prize. More information, plus previous winning numbers, can be found at scarletknights.com/5050raffle.
 
Rutgers Merchandise - Scarlet Knight fans will have an opportunity to visit seven locations throughout SHI Stadium to purchase the latest in Rutgers and adidas branded merchandise. In addition to the North Plaza merchandise stand, there will be a merchandise kiosk on the southeast side of the stadium.
 
Game Day Parking - Rutgers Athletics offers game day cash parking lots on the Livingston, College Avenue and Busch campuses. Johnson Park, across from the south entrance to SHI Stadium on River Road, returns as a parking option on gameday in 2021. A full list of information on all game day parking lots can be accessed HERE.
 
Rutgers Athletics kindly reminds fans attending games at SHI Stadium to review our game day and facility policies which can be found HERE.
 
Under the direction of head coach Greg Schiano, Rutgers matched its program high with three Big Ten victories in 2020. The Scarlet Knights had 14 players recognized in the All-Big Ten voting, the most for the program since joining the league.
 
In addition, RU posted a team-best 26.7 points per game in a Big Ten season, a gain of 13.4 points per game from the previous season for the fourth-best improvement nationally. The defense collected 19 takeaways and led the conference with 7.8 tackles-for-loss, while the kick return units were one of four nationally with at least three kick return touchdowns. Academically, Rutgers saw 46 student-athletes earn Academic All-Big Ten honors, a program high.
 
Follow Rutgers football on Twitter (@RFootball), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel and bookmark Rutgers.Football, the Scarlet Knights' dedicated recruiting site.