Construction is expected to begin shortly with approximately 1,000 new mezzanine seats added to the existing structure by the start of the 2008 season. Another 1,000 bench seats will be added to the north end zone and 12,000 new seats will be built as part of a newly constructed south end zone section. Plans also call for a new entrance off River Road that will increase the stadium’s visibility while helping to ease traffic congestion on game days.

In addition to the new seating, the expansion will upgrade the stadium’s sound system, scoreboard and video screen; add new elevators, concession stands and restrooms; and upgrade and add player and spectator support facilities.

Rutgers Stadium Expansion Facts

Rutgers Stadium Expansion FAQ's

What is the scope of the stadium expansion?
The stadium project will add nearly 14,000 seats, with 12,000 of those in the south end zone.  It will also provide additional restrooms, concession stands, locker rooms, a media room, and recruiting lounge. A striking new entrance off River Road will increase the stadium’s visibility while helping to ease traffic congestion during game days.

What are the costs and how will the project be financed?
No public money will be used to fund the stadium expansion. The total project cost is $102 million, with $30 million raised through private fund raising and the remaining $72 million through issuance of Rutgers bonds. Debt service on the bond will be financed entirely through the sale of the additional 14,000 seats and associated revenues.

How will the plans affect the availability of tickets for students, faculty and staff?
The project will not have any impact on regular student tickets, which are free. At the request of students, Rutgers is considering reinstating the practice of reserving a small block of tickets for students who wish to purchase season tickets.  The university appreciates the support the football program receives from faculty and staff, and will work with these constituencies so they can continue to attend football games.

Will the construction divert money from academics or student services to athletics?
The stadium expansion will be completely self-supporting and will not divert any money from academics or student services to athletics.  In fact, financial models project that additional revenues generated as a result of the stadium project will be sufficient to move the Athletic Department toward greater self-sufficiency.  This will allow the university to redirect funds currently spent on athletics to academic and student life programs.

Will this project impact tuition or affect the development of other capital projects?
The stadium expansion will be self-supporting and will have no impact on tuition or other planned campus construction.

How does expanding the stadium benefit the university overall?
A quality athletic program generates pride and school spirit, benefiting the entire university and the State of New Jersey.  At Rutgers, recent athletic successes have sparked greater interest by prospective students, a higher academic profile among admitted students, and record fund raising for academic programs. In 2007, Rutgers received more than 32,000 applications from prospective first-year students, a record number; saw a 65 percent increase in the number of prospective students and their family members taking the admissions tour; and collected a record $100 million in cash donations, a 31 percent increase over the previous year.

How does this investment in athletics fit in with other university priorities?
Academics are – and will remain – the top priority at Rutgers.  Rutgers has invested and will continue to invest far more on academic programs, services and facilities than on athletics. In the past five years, for example, the university invested approximately $700 million in construction and renovation of teaching, research, residential and campus life facilities. This is more than 20 times greater than the $28 million spent on athletic facilities in the same period.

Where does the $30 million fund-raising effort currently stand?
The Rutgers University Foundation, New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine, and Senator Raymond J. Lesniak are working in collaboration to raise funds for the project.

How will the expansion affect parking and transportation?
The university is commissioning a traffic analysis to determine the most effective ways to accommodate additional vehicles and will continue to work with the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and with local government officials to mitigate the impact of increased game-day traffic both on campus and in the surrounding communities. Among improvements, the new River Road entrance will ease congestion near the stadium and provide improved access for bus pick-up and drop-off. Rutgers is also identifying locations in Piscataway and New Brunswick that could be used for a park-and-shuttle system.

Mezzanine Seating/Season Tickets FAQ's

Can you tell me about mezzanine seats?
At this time we are taking information requests from customers interested in learning more about mezzanine seating opportunities.  We anticipate sales beginning shortly after the April 30, 2008 football priority point deadline.  Prior to this date we will send you a detailed mezzanine seating brochure.

How will purchasing opportunities and seat locations be determined?
As with all Rutgers Athletics ticketed events, purchase opportunities and seat locations will be determined in priority point order.

What are priority points and how can I accumulate them?
Priority points help measure an individual’s support of Rutgers Athletics.  A point system is used to reward donors and returning season ticket holders.  You can learn more about the priority point system at www.scarletr.org or by calling the Department of Athletic Development/Scarlet R Club at 732-932-7629.

How many mezzanine seats will be available?
Approximately 1,000 mezzanine seats will be available for purchase.

How much will seats costs?
At this time the final pricing structure is being finalized and will be available in the brochure that will be sent to you. 

How many mezzanine seats can I buy?
The quantity of tickets available for each person will be based upon your priority point total and the total number of requests for mezzanine seating.

If I already have seats in the stadium can I also buy mezzanine seats?
Yes.  If you qualify to purchase mezzanine seats based on your priority point total, you will have the option to keep your non-mezzanine seats or to cancel them. 

When do you plan to send ticket information out?
Season ticket renewals will be sent by the first week of March.  Detailed mezzanine seating information will become available as we near the football priority point deadline of April 30, 2008.

I am on the waiting list, can I use my deposit for mezzanine seats?
Yes, your $20/seat deposit can be credited toward the ticket price of the mezzanine seats.

I am on the waiting list, am I guaranteed seats when the additional 13,000 seats are built?
All purchasing opportunities and seating assignments will be handled in priority point order.  However, if priority point totals are equal, the waiting list deposit date will determine priority.

How do I get my name on the waiting list?
You may go online at www.scarletknights.com or you may call the Athletic Ticket Office at 732-445-2766.  A $20 deposit is required for each ticket you would like to request on the waiting list.

What if I am a season ticket holder and would like to request additional non-mezzanine seats?
You may request these seats on your renewal form, which will be sent in March.  All additional seat requests will be assigned in priority point order.  This includes current season ticket holders requesting additional tickets as well as those on the waiting list.  (Note that limits may be imposed on large requests.)

For additional information, please contact the Athletics Ticket Office at 732-445-2766 or the Department of Athletic Development/Scarlet R Club at 732-932-7629.