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SHI Stadium - home of Rutgers in Piscataway, NJ
NCAA FBS

SHI StadiumPiscataway, New Jersey

Rutgers

👥
Capacity
52,454
🏆
Conference
Big Ten
📅
Opened
1994
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

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📖About SHI Stadium

SHI Stadium holds 52,454 and is the birthplace of college football—Rutgers played Princeton in the first game here on November 6, 1869. Named for Piscataway-based Summit Health Inc. (SHI International), the stadium sits on the Busch Campus where that historic game took place.

🏛️History

Origins

Originally Rutgers Stadium, opened September 12, 1994 with a 32-0 loss to Penn State. Built to replace the aging 23,000-seat Rutgers Stadium. The first intercollegiate football game was played on this ground in 1869.

Major Renovations

2009$102M expansion: south end zone enclosed, capacity to 52,454
2019New HD video board and enhanced sound system
2020SHI International acquired naming rights

Notable Moments

Nov 6, 1869First college football game ever: Rutgers beat Princeton 6-4 on this site
Nov 9, 2006Rutgers upset #3 Louisville 28-25 in prime time—national spotlight moment
Oct 14, 2023Rutgers upset #6 Michigan State 31-28 at home

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Premium seating in the Hale Center Suites and Club Level. Sections 117-119 offer midfield views. East side has afternoon shade. Student section is in sections 137-141 (south end zone).

Parking Tips

Stadium lots off River Road open 5 hours before kickoff. Yellow Lot is the main tailgate area. Free shuttle from Livingston Campus. Use NJ Transit train to New Brunswick and shuttle to stadium. Traffic on Route 18 is heavy.

Game Day

R Lot tailgating is legendary—grills, games, and Scarlet Knights spirit. Scarlet Walk brings players through fans 2 hours before kickoff. Learn the "Upstream, Red Team!" chant. Birthplace of College Football monument commemorates 1869. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Stuff Yer Face

$$

Famous for its "Boli" (stromboli) and huge selection of draught beers. A New Brunswick legend since 1977.

📍 1.2 miles49 Easton Ave

💡 Once featured on "Man v. Food." Order a Boli and a pitcher—it’s the Rutgers way.

Olive Branch

$

Classic campus dive bar with cheap drinks and a high-energy gameday crowd.

📍 1.2 miles37 Easton Ave

💡 Very crowded with students; perfect if you want the full "State University of NJ" experience.

Destination Dogs

$$

Gourmet hot dog spot with an extensive craft beer list and creative toppings.

📍 1.5 miles101 Paterson St

💡 Try the "Charles Dog" or any of their unique regional creations.

🍽️Restaurants

Hansel 'n Gratel

$

Home of the original "Fat Sandwich"—a New Brunswick culinary phenomenon.

📍 1.2 miles11 Easton Ave

💡 The "Fat Cat" is a classic. Be prepared: these sandwiches are massive and calorie-heavy.

Clydz

$$$

Upscale dining and creative cocktails in an elegant, subterranean setting.

📍 1.5 miles55 Paterson St

💡 Excellent for a celebratory post-game meal away from the student crowds.

Delta's Restaurant

$$

Southern-style soul food in a vibrant, friendly atmosphere.

📍 1.6 miles19 Dennis St

💡 The fried chicken and collard greens are highly recommended.

🏨Hotels

Hyatt Regency New Brunswick

$$$

Full-service hotel in the heart of downtown New Brunswick.

📍 1.5 miles2 Albany St

💡 Convenient access to the New Brunswick train station and campus shuttles.

The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center

$$$

Elegant hotel located directly across from the State Theatre.

📍 1.6 miles10 Livingston Ave

💡 Check out the onsite restaurant, Christopher’s, for a good hotel meal.

🎭Attractions

First Game Monument

$

Marker commemorating the site of the first-ever college football game in 1869.

📍 1.3 milesCollege Ave Campus

💡 A quick and essential stop for any college football history fan.

Zimmerli Art Museum

$

One of the largest and most distinguished university-based art museums in the country.

📍 1.4 miles71 Hamilton St

💡 Admission is free—great for a quiet morning before the stadium chaos.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Yellow Lot

$25-40
Lot📍 0.4 miles

💡 The primary gameday lot; tailgating is allowed and encouraged here.

🅿️

Scarlet Lot

$30
Lot📍 0.5 miles

💡 Good alternative surface lot near the stadium.

🅿️

Johnson Park Lots

$20
Lot📍 0.8 miles

💡 A bit of a walk across the river, but often easier to exit after the game.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near SHI Stadium? Share it with us.

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🔥Rivals

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Maryland

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Stadiums Near SHI Stadium

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Yankee Stadium

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References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.