PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers Athletics will host pregame festivities outside Jersey Mike's Arena beginning Saturday, Dec. 3. The Rutgers Winter Village will be open to all fans for the next three home games against Indiana (Dec. 3), Seton Hall (Sunday, Dec. 11) and Wake Forest (Saturday, Dec. 17).
The Rutgers Winter Village will open two and a half hours before gametime for all three matchups.
On Saturday against Indiana, fans can plan for a 1:30 p.m. grand opening. The pregame activation will feature a Miller Lite Beer Garden, some of the best local New Jersey food and food trucks, live entertainment, and special guests. There will also be football and basketball games, entertainment for kids and special appearances from some of your favorite Rutgers Spirit groups and teams.
"We are super excited to bring a slice of The Rutgers Boardwalk over to Jersey Mike's Arena," head men's basketball coach Steve Pikiell said. "We have the best fans in the country, and we want them to enjoy themselves on gameday. The Rutgers Winter Village will help our fans show up loud and proud for tipoff on gameday. We are thrilled to add a convenient area just outside of Jersey Mike's Arena for fans to gather and enjoy comradery before our December games heading into the holiday season.
Fans can expect some of their favorite food trucks from The Rutgers Boardwalk outside of SHI Stadium to be there: "Smoke 'n' Roll Barbecue", "Let's Have a Ball Rice Balls", "Marley's Wings and Things" and "Martina's Melts and Soups". Cotton candy, roasted nuts, and hot chocolate will also be available.
The Rutgers Winter Village is open to all ages. Fans 21 years or older will have to show identification and receive a wristband to purchase alcohol. Some of the holiday programming includes winter décor, multiple television screens for viewing, face painting, a caricature artist, stilt walkers, inflatables, and holiday characters.
The entirety of the Rutgers Winter Village will be located on the grass oval in front of Jersey Mike's Arena. It will feature an enclosed heated tent, and an open-air fenced area with heat lamps, high top tables and chairs.
