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Piscataway
Game Day

Next Home Game — UMass· Sep 3, 2026
172Days
13Hrs
39Min
56Sec
TBATBA
Book Your Crawl

Quick Facts

School

Rutgers University

Stadium

SHI Stadium

Capacity

52,454

Conference

Big Ten

2026 Football Schedule

Official Rutgers University Rutgers Scarlet Knights home & away games

DateOpponentLocationTV / Time
Sep 3, 2026UMassHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 11, 2026at Boston CollegeAwayTBA· TBA
Sep 19, 2026USCHomeTBA· TBA
Sep 26, 2026HowardHomeTBA· TBA
Oct 3, 2026IndianaHomeTBA· TBA
Oct 17, 2026at MarylandAwayTBA· TBA
Oct 24, 2026at NorthwesternAwayTBA· TBA
Oct 31, 2026MichiganHomeTBA· TBA
Nov 7, 2026at WisconsinAwayTBA· TBA
Nov 14, 2026NebraskaHomeTBA· TBA
Nov 21, 2026at Penn StateAwayTBA· TBA
Nov 28, 2026Michigan StateHomeTBA· TBA

* Schedule subject to change. Always verify with the official athletic department.

Fan Planning Guide

Game Day Weather

Piscataway enjoys mild Mid-Atlantic fall weather — warm in September, crisp in October, and cool by November. Being close to NYC, the weather is milder than most Big Ten cities.

September

warm

78°

High

/

57°

Low

5 rainy days
Warm and comfortable — light layers are perfect. College Ave patios are packed with scarlet fans.
⭐ Best Month

October

crisp

64°

High

/

45°

Low

5 rainy days
Perfect Scarlet Knights weather. A light jacket and jeans are ideal. NJ fall foliage is beautiful.
❄️ Toughest

November

cool

51°

High

/

36°

Low

5 rainy days
Cool but manageable — a medium-weight coat is enough. Milder than most Big Ten cities in November.

Game Day Packing List

  • Scarlet layers for any temperature
  • Waterproof jacket for fall rain
  • Medium-weight coat for November
  • NJ Transit card — easiest way from NYC
  • Comfortable shoes for the College Ave crawl
  • Stromboli from Stuff Yer Face — a Rutgers tradition

Best Time to Visit

October

These months offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor tailgating and the walk to SHI Stadium.

Bundle Up For

November

Late-season games can be cold and unpredictable. Dress in warm layers and check the forecast before heading out.

Best Game Day Bar Districts

The top neighborhoods to celebrate in Piscataway on game day

College Avenue

The heart of Rutgers gameday with bars, restaurants, and Scarlet Knights fans packed wall to wall

  • Walking distance to stadium
  • Classic college bars
  • Scarlet spirit everywhere

Easton Avenue

Main strip connecting campus to the stadium, lined with sports bars and casual eateries

  • Easy stadium access
  • Variety of venues
  • Lively atmosphere

New Brunswick Downtown

Just across the river, New Brunswick offers upscale bars, craft breweries, and a vibrant nightlife scene

  • Craft cocktails
  • Upscale options
  • Train access from NYC

Top Bars for Game Day

The best spots near SHI Stadium for Rutgers Scarlet Knights fans

Olde Queens Tavern

0.8 miles from stadium·Historic college bar institution
Rutgers memorabiliaCold pitchersGameday specials
Open in Google Maps

The Scarlet Pub

0.6 miles from stadium·Classic sports bar
Multiple screensScarlet Knight cocktailsLoud and lively
Open in Google Maps

Stuff Yer Face

1.0 miles from stadium·Stromboli & beer joint
Famous strombolisCold beerRutgers tradition since 1977
Open in Google Maps

Harvest Moon Brewery

1.2 miles from stadium·Craft brewery
Local craft beersOutdoor patioGameday releases
Open in Google Maps

The Knight Club

0.5 miles from stadium·Dive bar
Cheap drinksPool tablesNo-frills fun
Open in Google Maps
Official Game Day Route

Bar Crawl Route Map

The ultimate walking route between the top game day bars near SHI Stadium — follow the stops in order for the best experience

Total Distance

1.2 miles

Estimated Time

4 hours

Bar Stops

5 Stops

Route Type

Walking Route

Start Here

Easton Ave / College Ave

1
Stop 1First Stop

Olde Queens Tavern

Piscataway, NJ

Rutgers memorabilia
Get Directions
3–5 min walk
2
Stop 2

The Scarlet Pub

Piscataway, NJ

Multiple screens
Get Directions
3–5 min walk
3
Stop 3

Stuff Yer Face

Piscataway, NJ

Famous strombolis
Get Directions
3–5 min walk
4
Stop 4

Harvest Moon Brewery

Piscataway, NJ

Local craft beers
Get Directions
3–5 min walk
5
Stop 5Final Stop

The Knight Club

Piscataway, NJ

Cheap drinks
Get Directions

End Point

The Knight Club

Live Route Map

Full Route
1

Olde Queens Tavern

Stop 1 of 5

Rutgers memorabilia

1 / 6
1.2 miles
4 hours
5 bars + stadium
Full Route
Pro Tip

Wear your Rutgers Scarlet Knights gear and meet fellow fans at every stop along the route!

Join the Official Crawl

Skip the planning — book a guided bar crawl and we'll lead you through every stop

Book Your Spot
Fan Culture

Game Day Traditions

The rituals, chants, and moments that make Rutgers University Rutgers Scarlet Knights game day unlike anywhere else

Pre-Game Tailgate

3–4 hours before kickoff

Piscataway fans gather hours before kickoff to tailgate near SHI Stadium. Grills fire up, team colors fill the lots, and the energy builds to a fever pitch before the gates open.

Arrive early for the best spots

Team Entrance Cheer

At kickoff

When the Rutgers Scarlet Knights take the field, the stadium erupts. Fans pack the tunnel entrance and create a wall of noise that opposing teams dread. It's one of the loudest moments in college football.

One of the loudest moments in the game

Victory Celebration

Post-game

After a Rutgers Scarlet Knights win, the party moves back to the bar district. Fans flood the streets, bars stay packed until last call, and the celebration carries well into the night.

The bar district comes alive after wins

Fight Song Singalong

After every score

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights fight song is belted out by every fan in the stadium after every score. Learn the words before you arrive — you'll be expected to sing along with 60,000 of your closest friends.

Know the words before you arrive

Experience Every Tradition Live

Join our guided bar crawl and we'll make sure you don't miss a single Rutgers Scarlet Knights ritual

Earn Money on Game Day

Host a Piscataway GameDay Crawl

Turn your love of Rutgers Scarlet Knights football into income. Organize bar crawls on game days, build your crew, and get paid doing what you love.

  • Earn $200–$800 per crawl
  • Set your own schedule
  • Join a host community

Tailgate & Parking Info

Everything you need to know before you arrive at SHI Stadium

Tailgate Zones

Lot 34 / Scarlet Knight WayOpens 4 hrs before kickoff

Primary tailgate lot right next to SHI Stadium. The go-to spot for Rutgers faithful.

College Ave PatiosOpens 3 hrs before kickoff

Bar patios along College Ave serve as the unofficial outdoor tailgate zone for students and alumni.

Busch Campus LotsOpens 4 hrs before kickoff

Large open lots on Busch Campus with RVs, tents, and grills. Free with stadium ticket.

Parking & Transit Tips

  • Purchase official Rutgers parking passes at scarletknights.com — lots sell out for Big Ten games.
  • NJ Transit to New Brunswick station is the easiest option — short rideshare to campus.
  • Arrive 3+ hours early for noon games — Route 18 and College Ave back up significantly.
  • Rideshare drop-off on Scarlet Knight Way near the stadium entrance is most convenient.

Rideshare Drop-off

Uber/Lyft drop-off on Scarlet Knight Way near SHI Stadium. Expect surge pricing on game days.

Shuttle Service

Rutgers University runs free game day shuttles between all campuses and SHI Stadium.

Where to Stay

Top hotels near SHI Stadium for game day weekend

Heldrich Hotel New Brunswick

$$$
1.5 miles from stadium
  • Downtown New Brunswick
  • Steps from NJ Transit
  • Upscale amenities
Book 3-4 months out for Penn State and Michigan weekends.

Courtyard Marriott New Brunswick

$$$
2.0 miles from stadium
  • Full-service hotel
  • Easy transit access
  • On-site restaurant
Great mid-range option. Book early for Big Ten rivalry games.

Hyatt Place Piscataway

$$
1.0 mile from stadium
  • Closest hotel to stadium
  • Free parking
  • Modern rooms
Best value closest to SHI Stadium. Book early for big games.

Game Day FAQ

Everything you need to know about Piscataway game day bar crawls

Ready for the Ultimate Piscataway Game Day?

Book your Rutgers University Rutgers Scarlet Knights game day bar crawl and experience Piscataway nightlife like never before!

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