SHI Stadium: 2026 Know Before You Go
Aug 27 | Football
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers Athletics looks forward to welcoming fans to SHI Stadium for the 2026 football season with the return of favorites such as The Rutgers Boardwalk, plus the launch of R Guest Services, traffic pattern updates and more enhancements. All guests are advised to review the information below on several changes, upgrades and reminders before arriving on game day. Please visit Football Game Day Central for more information.
Rutgers opens the season Thursday, Sept. 3 hosting UMass at 6 p.m. at SHI Stadium. Season and single game tickets for all seven home games are on sale. To purchase, visit 2026 Ticket Central or call 866-445-GORU (4678). Benefits of being a season ticket holder include an exclusive opportunity to purchase season parking on Busch campus within walking distance to SHI Stadium, a payment plan option and other Rutgers ticket offers throughout the year.
STADIUM ENTRY
Fans will see an improved entry process at SHI Stadium with additional screening and ticket scanners throughout. Visitors will be directed to access optimal gates. Through the feedback received from postgame surveys completed by season ticket holders, fans and guests, the following adjustments will continue to remain in place:
• Fans are permitted to enter stadium gates with an approved bag.
• All students must enter the stadium through the South Gate (G&H).
• A full list of approved bag sizes and dimensions is available here. An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
• Lockers for a $12 fee are located in Athletes Glen across North Gate (C&D) and South Gate (G&H).
Fans are advised to arrive early to ensure a smooth entry into the stadium before kickoff. The walk-through weapons detection system, familiar to spectators who have attended other events in the region, does not require individuals to empty their pockets to enter. Those attending the event are asked to follow the instructions of public safety personnel.
R GUEST SERVICES
Rutgers Athletics is proud to announce the launch of R Guest Services, a new game day unit dedicated to providing exceptional support and assistance to fans attending Scarlet Knights sporting events. R Guest Services has been established to enhance the overall fan experience by serving as a visible, approachable resource throughout athletic venues on game day. Team members will be stationed strategically across venues to answer questions, provide directions and information, assist with guest needs and respond to customer concerns in real time.
A new helpline will be available to fans to report issues and receive assistance in venue when they text "KNIGHTS" to 69050 on game days. The R Guest Services staff can also be reached via email at guestservices@scarletknights.com.
TRAFFIC PATTERNS & PARKING
Third-party experts Populous and WSP conducted an extensive review of traffic patterns and parking, and pedestrian flow last season. As a result of those findings, fans will see an improved process for ingress and egress at the parking lots and gates at SHI Stadium. Traffic flows have been modified to direct vehicles into the most optimal routes for respective parking lots when leaving the stadium postgame.
Parking lots are set to open five hours prior to kickoff. Game day lots at Jersey Mike's Arena cost $32 per car (tax included). Johnson Park is no longer a parking option.
SCARLET KNIGHTS APP
Download the new and improved Scarlet Knights App, available on iOS and Android phones. Fans will need the app to manage their game day tickets. Enable push notifications to receive the latest news and updates around game day as well as information on upcoming events and all Rutgers Athletics programs.
Click here to download the Scarlet Knights App.
DIGITAL TICKETS
Rutgers continues to use digital tickets, which can be added to an Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app. Digital tickets provide for contactless entry, which can speed up entry time into the venue and offers a secure means to transfer and exchange tickets. Representatives from the Rutgers ticket staff will be on hand to help assist customers with any digital ticket related matters. Fans will also receive digital parking passes that they can manage like their digital tickets. Fans are encouraged to download digital tickets and parking passes to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet apps prior to arriving at the stadium to avoid any connectivity issues on game day.
THE RUTGERS BOARDWALK
The Rutgers Boardwalk, presented by Visit New Jersey, returns for year five to highlight the pregame festivities around SHI Stadium. The fun on Scarlet Knight Way begins four hours before each home game and is free for all fans to enjoy. Check out the top food trucks in New Jersey, plus free rides, mini golf, petting zoos, pony rides, prizes and live entertainment. Get to The Rutgers Boardwalk early for the pregame parade and pep rally featuring The Marching Scarlet Knights, Spirit Team, our mascot "Sir Henry," the Scarlet Knight horse "Excalibur" with the Knight and the Scarlet Walk.
Sir Henry's Kids Club enters its second year and is open to all children 12 and under. Visit the Kids Club area for crafts and activities at the bottom of The Rutgers Boardwalk near the stage. Click here for more information and to register.
COURTESY SHUTTLE
Rutgers will operate a courtesy shuttle on the Busch campus to serve fans parking in the outer lots. Shuttle bus pickup begins three hours before kickoff between the Purple and Black Lots on the corner of Brett Road and Bartholomew Road, and it will drop fans off near Athletes Glen. The shuttle will run for one hour following the game. Rutgers will continue to provide ADA shuttle service as in years past with pickup locations at Jersey Mike's Arena, the Busch Student Center and Lot 53.
Click here for more information on complimentary shuttles available on game day. Additionally, ridesharing apps offer fans another safe and reliable option to travel to and from SHI Stadium. The Light Blue Lot (Taylor Road, Piscataway NJ 08854) is designated as the drop-off and pick-up location on game day.
CONCESSION STANDS
The SHI Stadium concession stands continue to partner with Shift4 to serve fans better and expedite lines with more points of sales. A mobile ordering system is now available with pick up locations at sections 106, 113, 124 and 132. Fans can access by scanning the QR code on the main scoreboard.
Fans will be treated to new food and beverage offerings throughout the stadium, including several spirit-based cocktails featuring margaritas, rum punch and Moscow mules. These new cocktails will be available behind sections 105, 108, 113, 117 and 122. Also new in 2026 are SpikedAde and Sun Cruiser ready-to-drink spirits available for purchase inside SHI Stadium. Over at section 120, a Coors Light stand will offer several refreshing options, while Prime 52 and its popular prime rib sandwich are moving to section 102. Behind Enemy Lines near section 110 showcases New Jersey beers and a beer from the opponent's territory. The Red Zone Market returns and offers fans a contactless payment and checkout-free shopping experience on the first level near the southeast corner of SHI Stadium (behind section 127). Following the game, fans exiting the Horizon South Gate will receive Takis sampling as an exit giveaway.
CASHLESS
SHI Stadium is cashless at all merchandise and concession stands, and the ticket office and parking lots. Only credit or debit cards will be accepted. A cash-to-card kiosk (no fees) is available at section 113 to convert cash to a debit card. Cards can be loaded for any value up to $500 and cards will work anywhere in the U.S. that accepts MasterCard. No cardholder information is gathered, while purchases and refunds are handled like any other credit card.
Food trucks on The Rutgers Boardwalk determine their own payment system and may accept cash.
FAN EXPERIENCE
For first-time visitors to SHI Stadium or those celebrating a special occasion, stop by the R Guest Services booths on The Rutgers Boardwalk or inside SHI Stadium to pick up a commemorative button. The Rutgers Touchdown Club 50/50 raffle returns. Sales will end at the conclusion of the third quarter and the winning number will be posted here. The winner should email 5050@rutgerstdclub.com with a picture of their winning ticket within 30 days of the game to initiate the claim process.
TEAM SHOP
Gear up for game day at the Rutgers Team Shop, featuring a wide selection of official Scarlet Knights apparel, headwear, accessories and merchandise for fans of all ages. Visit us on The Rutgers Boardwalk or inside SHI Stadium behind Section 119 to find the latest Rutgers gear and show your Scarlet pride all season long.
CLOSED CAPTIONS
Live captioning is available on the ribbon boards inside SHI Stadium. Fans can also view closed captioning on their mobile devices when they download the Scarlet Knights app, available in Apple App Store or Google Play. Select the 'More' tab in the bottom right corner and scroll down to 'Closed Caption – SHI.'
MAMOVA PODS
Mamova Pods for nursing mothers are installed on the upper level of SHI Stadium, one on the Upper West and one on the Upper East.
2026 Rutgers Home Football
Thursday, Sept. 3 (Postgame Fireworks) vs. UMass, 6 p.m., Big Ten Network
Saturday, Sept. 19 (New Jersey Day/Scarlet Out) vs. USC*, 3:30 p.m., CBS (presented by Motorola Solutions)
Friday, Sept. 25 (Sir Henry's Birthday Bash & Eric LeGrand's "A Walk to Believe") vs. Howard, 7 p.m., Big Ten Network (presented by GGL Injury Lawyers)
Saturday, Oct. 3 (Homecoming & Family Weekend/The Blackout) vs. Indiana*, 8 p.m. (presented by RWJBarnabas Health)
Saturday, Oct. 31 (Halloween on the Banks) vs. Michigan* (presented by PNC Bank)
Saturday, Nov. 14 (Military Appreciation) vs. Nebraska* (presented by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey)
Saturday, Nov. 28 (Holiday Fest/Senior Day) vs. Michigan State* (presented by Provident Bank)
* - Big Ten
All Times Eastern
Follow Rutgers football on X (@RFootball & @RUboardwalk), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball & @ruboardwalk) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
Rutgers opens the season Thursday, Sept. 3 hosting UMass at 6 p.m. at SHI Stadium. Season and single game tickets for all seven home games are on sale. To purchase, visit 2026 Ticket Central or call 866-445-GORU (4678). Benefits of being a season ticket holder include an exclusive opportunity to purchase season parking on Busch campus within walking distance to SHI Stadium, a payment plan option and other Rutgers ticket offers throughout the year.
STADIUM ENTRY
Fans will see an improved entry process at SHI Stadium with additional screening and ticket scanners throughout. Visitors will be directed to access optimal gates. Through the feedback received from postgame surveys completed by season ticket holders, fans and guests, the following adjustments will continue to remain in place:
• Fans are permitted to enter stadium gates with an approved bag.
• All students must enter the stadium through the South Gate (G&H).
• A full list of approved bag sizes and dimensions is available here. An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.
• Lockers for a $12 fee are located in Athletes Glen across North Gate (C&D) and South Gate (G&H).
Fans are advised to arrive early to ensure a smooth entry into the stadium before kickoff. The walk-through weapons detection system, familiar to spectators who have attended other events in the region, does not require individuals to empty their pockets to enter. Those attending the event are asked to follow the instructions of public safety personnel.
R GUEST SERVICES
Rutgers Athletics is proud to announce the launch of R Guest Services, a new game day unit dedicated to providing exceptional support and assistance to fans attending Scarlet Knights sporting events. R Guest Services has been established to enhance the overall fan experience by serving as a visible, approachable resource throughout athletic venues on game day. Team members will be stationed strategically across venues to answer questions, provide directions and information, assist with guest needs and respond to customer concerns in real time.
A new helpline will be available to fans to report issues and receive assistance in venue when they text "KNIGHTS" to 69050 on game days. The R Guest Services staff can also be reached via email at guestservices@scarletknights.com.
TRAFFIC PATTERNS & PARKING
Third-party experts Populous and WSP conducted an extensive review of traffic patterns and parking, and pedestrian flow last season. As a result of those findings, fans will see an improved process for ingress and egress at the parking lots and gates at SHI Stadium. Traffic flows have been modified to direct vehicles into the most optimal routes for respective parking lots when leaving the stadium postgame.
Parking lots are set to open five hours prior to kickoff. Game day lots at Jersey Mike's Arena cost $32 per car (tax included). Johnson Park is no longer a parking option.
SCARLET KNIGHTS APP
Download the new and improved Scarlet Knights App, available on iOS and Android phones. Fans will need the app to manage their game day tickets. Enable push notifications to receive the latest news and updates around game day as well as information on upcoming events and all Rutgers Athletics programs.
Click here to download the Scarlet Knights App.
DIGITAL TICKETS
Rutgers continues to use digital tickets, which can be added to an Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app. Digital tickets provide for contactless entry, which can speed up entry time into the venue and offers a secure means to transfer and exchange tickets. Representatives from the Rutgers ticket staff will be on hand to help assist customers with any digital ticket related matters. Fans will also receive digital parking passes that they can manage like their digital tickets. Fans are encouraged to download digital tickets and parking passes to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet apps prior to arriving at the stadium to avoid any connectivity issues on game day.
THE RUTGERS BOARDWALK
The Rutgers Boardwalk, presented by Visit New Jersey, returns for year five to highlight the pregame festivities around SHI Stadium. The fun on Scarlet Knight Way begins four hours before each home game and is free for all fans to enjoy. Check out the top food trucks in New Jersey, plus free rides, mini golf, petting zoos, pony rides, prizes and live entertainment. Get to The Rutgers Boardwalk early for the pregame parade and pep rally featuring The Marching Scarlet Knights, Spirit Team, our mascot "Sir Henry," the Scarlet Knight horse "Excalibur" with the Knight and the Scarlet Walk.
Sir Henry's Kids Club enters its second year and is open to all children 12 and under. Visit the Kids Club area for crafts and activities at the bottom of The Rutgers Boardwalk near the stage. Click here for more information and to register.
COURTESY SHUTTLE
Rutgers will operate a courtesy shuttle on the Busch campus to serve fans parking in the outer lots. Shuttle bus pickup begins three hours before kickoff between the Purple and Black Lots on the corner of Brett Road and Bartholomew Road, and it will drop fans off near Athletes Glen. The shuttle will run for one hour following the game. Rutgers will continue to provide ADA shuttle service as in years past with pickup locations at Jersey Mike's Arena, the Busch Student Center and Lot 53.
Click here for more information on complimentary shuttles available on game day. Additionally, ridesharing apps offer fans another safe and reliable option to travel to and from SHI Stadium. The Light Blue Lot (Taylor Road, Piscataway NJ 08854) is designated as the drop-off and pick-up location on game day.
CONCESSION STANDS
The SHI Stadium concession stands continue to partner with Shift4 to serve fans better and expedite lines with more points of sales. A mobile ordering system is now available with pick up locations at sections 106, 113, 124 and 132. Fans can access by scanning the QR code on the main scoreboard.
Fans will be treated to new food and beverage offerings throughout the stadium, including several spirit-based cocktails featuring margaritas, rum punch and Moscow mules. These new cocktails will be available behind sections 105, 108, 113, 117 and 122. Also new in 2026 are SpikedAde and Sun Cruiser ready-to-drink spirits available for purchase inside SHI Stadium. Over at section 120, a Coors Light stand will offer several refreshing options, while Prime 52 and its popular prime rib sandwich are moving to section 102. Behind Enemy Lines near section 110 showcases New Jersey beers and a beer from the opponent's territory. The Red Zone Market returns and offers fans a contactless payment and checkout-free shopping experience on the first level near the southeast corner of SHI Stadium (behind section 127). Following the game, fans exiting the Horizon South Gate will receive Takis sampling as an exit giveaway.
CASHLESS
SHI Stadium is cashless at all merchandise and concession stands, and the ticket office and parking lots. Only credit or debit cards will be accepted. A cash-to-card kiosk (no fees) is available at section 113 to convert cash to a debit card. Cards can be loaded for any value up to $500 and cards will work anywhere in the U.S. that accepts MasterCard. No cardholder information is gathered, while purchases and refunds are handled like any other credit card.
Food trucks on The Rutgers Boardwalk determine their own payment system and may accept cash.
FAN EXPERIENCE
For first-time visitors to SHI Stadium or those celebrating a special occasion, stop by the R Guest Services booths on The Rutgers Boardwalk or inside SHI Stadium to pick up a commemorative button. The Rutgers Touchdown Club 50/50 raffle returns. Sales will end at the conclusion of the third quarter and the winning number will be posted here. The winner should email 5050@rutgerstdclub.com with a picture of their winning ticket within 30 days of the game to initiate the claim process.
TEAM SHOP
Gear up for game day at the Rutgers Team Shop, featuring a wide selection of official Scarlet Knights apparel, headwear, accessories and merchandise for fans of all ages. Visit us on The Rutgers Boardwalk or inside SHI Stadium behind Section 119 to find the latest Rutgers gear and show your Scarlet pride all season long.
CLOSED CAPTIONS
Live captioning is available on the ribbon boards inside SHI Stadium. Fans can also view closed captioning on their mobile devices when they download the Scarlet Knights app, available in Apple App Store or Google Play. Select the 'More' tab in the bottom right corner and scroll down to 'Closed Caption – SHI.'
MAMOVA PODS
Mamova Pods for nursing mothers are installed on the upper level of SHI Stadium, one on the Upper West and one on the Upper East.
2026 Rutgers Home Football
Thursday, Sept. 3 (Postgame Fireworks) vs. UMass, 6 p.m., Big Ten Network
Saturday, Sept. 19 (New Jersey Day/Scarlet Out) vs. USC*, 3:30 p.m., CBS (presented by Motorola Solutions)
Friday, Sept. 25 (Sir Henry's Birthday Bash & Eric LeGrand's "A Walk to Believe") vs. Howard, 7 p.m., Big Ten Network (presented by GGL Injury Lawyers)
Saturday, Oct. 3 (Homecoming & Family Weekend/The Blackout) vs. Indiana*, 8 p.m. (presented by RWJBarnabas Health)
Saturday, Oct. 31 (Halloween on the Banks) vs. Michigan* (presented by PNC Bank)
Saturday, Nov. 14 (Military Appreciation) vs. Nebraska* (presented by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey)
Saturday, Nov. 28 (Holiday Fest/Senior Day) vs. Michigan State* (presented by Provident Bank)
* - Big Ten
All Times Eastern
Follow Rutgers football on X (@RFootball & @RUboardwalk), Facebook (/RFootballShow) and Instagram (@rfootball & @ruboardwalk) for the latest news and updates. Also subscribe to the YouTube channel.
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