PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers football looks forward to welcoming its fans for the "Back to the Birthplace Game" Sunday, Sept. 3 at SHI Stadium versus Northwestern, presented by Provident Bank. It will be the first time since joining the Big Ten that the Scarlet Knights open with a home conference game.

The "Back to the Birthplace Game" is the first of seven themes throughout the 2023 season, with Homecoming & Family Weekend previously announced for the Oct. 14 game against Michigan State (noon). The remaining five themes will be released in the coming weeks.

The season opener versus the Wildcats is set for a noon start in an exclusive national television window on CBS. Fans in attendance are encouraged to join the fun and wear red.

The Rutgers Boardwalk and Beer Garden returns in 2023. Stop by Scarlet Knight Way to enjoy the top food trucks in New Jersey, experience free rides, games, interactive experiences, prizes and live entertainment. Get to The Rutgers Boardwalk early for the pregame parade and pep rally featuring The Scarlet Knight Marching Band, Spirit Team, the Scarlet Knight horse "Excalibur" with the Knight and the football team arrival. The Rutgers Boardwalk opens four hours before each home game.

This will also be Youth Football Day at SHI Stadium, as participants will be invited to take part in the pregame parade down The Rutgers Boardwalk. That leads to the Scarlet Walk, which takes place approximately 2.5 hours prior to kickoff.

Giveaways for the season opener include Block R posters, "Beat Northwestern" buttons, shakers and the first version of the limited-edition new Rutgers comic series. "The Birthplace of College Football" t-shirt is available to purchase online. Season ticket holders receive a one-time 15 percent discount to the Rutgers Team Shop online, while gaining the same discount in-stadium multiples times throughout the year. More information will be sent out.



Student season ticket holders will additionally be served free food pregame inside the stadium.

With unbeatable sightlines and premium offerings for members, the Provident Bank Stadium Club offers Rutgers fans a comfortable, memorable and unmatched gameday experience. It is a perfect place for Rutgers alumni, fans and partners alike to have fun with family and friends.

Fans can also book full-service tailgates across the street from SHI Stadium in Tailgate City at Athlete's Glen in advance.

Season tickets are on sale for the home slate this fall, which features four games at SHI Stadium in September.

Rutgers is the "Birthplace of College Football," defeating Princeton, 6-4, in the first game on Nov. 6, 1869. The historic contest took place on a plot of ground where the present-day College Avenue Gymnasium now stands in New Brunswick.



2023 Rutgers Football Home Schedule
Sunday, Sept. 3 (Back to the Birthplace Game) vs. Northwestern (Noon, CBS)
Saturday, Sept. 9 vs. Temple (7:30 p.m., Big Ten Network)
Saturday, Sept. 16 vs. Virginia Tech (3:30 p.m., Big Ten Network)
Saturday, Sept. 30 vs. Wagner
Saturday, Oct. 14 (Homecoming & Family Weekend) vs. Michigan State
Saturday, Nov. 4 vs. Ohio State
Saturday, Nov. 25 vs. Maryland

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