Rutgers: The Birthplace of College Football

By Alex Toomey, Rutgers University, USA

Before I came to Rutgers, I thought American football was just… a worse rugby with more padding and commercials. But little did I know, game days here are a full cultural event—like a mix of a music festival, street fair, and sports match all rolled into one. Whether you’re into sports or just here for the vibes (#guilty), trust me when I say: you don’t want to miss this part of the Rutgers experience. So, here’s everything I wish I’d known before my first game day…

The Basics: So, What Even Is American Football?

• The field is 100 yards long, and the goal is to move the ball into the opposing team’s end zone to score a touchdown (6 points).
• After a touchdown, the team can try for an extra point (kick = 1 point) or a 2-point conversion (harder, but more points).
• The game is split into 4 quarters, and yes, it takes way longer than you think it should. Some games lasted 3 hours with the halftime show and everything.
• You’ll hear terms like “downs,” “interceptions,” and “sacks”—just smile and nod. It’s part of the charm. 

And if you’re ever totally lost, just ask someone nearby. Americans love explaining football—like, truly.

The Spirit: Merch and Chants

First rule of game day: WEAR RED. Like, head-to-toe red if you can. Showing school pride is half the fun. Head to the shop Scarlet Fever beforehand and buy something small it’s honestly so fun to dress up and it’s the perfect sovenier to bring back home afterwards. I promise it’s not as cringe as it would be in Manchester and everybody definitely goes all out.

Some key Rutgers chants and traditions:

• “R! U! Rah! Rah!” – You’ll hear this everywhere, usually yelled by the cheerleaders and echoed by the crowd. Simple, easy, effective.
• “Let’s go RU!” – A classic. Start clapping in rhythm and you’re basically part of the squad.
• The Scarlet Knight himself (yes, a guy in full armor on horseback) charges across the field with a sword before kickoff. Is it dramatic? Yes. Do we love it? Absolutely.

• Rutgers’ marching band brings the drama and the volume, and honestly, their halftime show is sometimes more exciting than the actual game.
• There are also Blackout games which means ignore my previous advice about Red, it switches to Black in this instance. These games take place in the evenings and often involve fireworks and light shows. Definitely my favourite game of the year!

The Boardwalk

One of the coolest things about Rutgers football? The Boardwalk, which is basically a pre-game street festival right outside SHI Stadium.

• Where? Just outside the stadium on the Busch campus.
• When? Starts a few hours before kickoff—usually 3 hours before game time.
• What’s there? Think: carnival games, petting zoos, food trucks, music, face painting, giveaways, even mechanical bulls sometimes
• There’s often live music or DJs, and it’s a great place to grab free merch, hang out with friends, and soak up the energy before heading into the stadium.

It’s all open to students, so definitely make time for it. Bring your student ID, some cash or card for snacks, and energy.

Tailgating

Welcome to the land of tailgates—basically parking lot picnics on steroids. People show up hours before the game with grills, coolers, lawn chairs, speakers, and party tents. If you’re lucky enough to get invited to one, GO. You don’t need to bring anything, but showing up with a small snack or drink is always a good move. There’s often music, dancing, barbecuing, and lots of “What part of the UK are you from?” conversations.

Getting Into the Game

• Tickets? You get them free with your Rutgers student ID, but you’ll need to reserve them through the Rutgers Student Ticket Portal (they’ll email you).
• Seating? There is a student section where everyone stands—get there early if you want a good view or plan to stand with friends.
• What not to bring: BAGS!! (I cannot express this more, I spent 2 hours queueing to retrieve my bag from the lockers outside as I wasn’t allowed to bring it in), They’re strict at security so even if its small I would recommend just holding your things in your hand! 

Game Day Survival Tips

• Pace yourself its a busy and heavy day. Whether it’s the queuing, cheering, or pregames—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
• Comfort is key. Cute outfits are great, but you’ll be standing for hours so bear that in mind.
• You can get hotdogs and popcorn inside the stadium using your meal swipes. So don’t bring any outside food in as they will take it off you on entry.
• Know the schedule. Games usually happen on Saturdays, but the exact time varies. Check the Rutgers Athletics website for kickoff times.
• Take photos, but live in the moment. Game days are chaotic, silly, and full of energy—you’ll want to remember it all.

Final Thoughts: Even If You Don’t Care About Football…

Go anyway. Seriously. I still to this day don’t care about football at all, but it one of the most fun and unique things I’ve ever experienced in my life. Game days are about school pride, shared excitement, and making memories—not just touchdowns and tackles. Whether you’re watching every play or just shaking pom-poms, you’ll feel like part of something bigger. It truly feels like being in a movie, so slap on that scarlet hoodie, grab your friends, and head to the stadium. You didn’t come all the way to New Jersey just to skip the most American thing ever.