The Venue: SHI Stadium

Rutgers University—New Brunswick and Rutgers Health Commencement is held at SHI Stadium.

With more than 30,000 people expected on Commencement Day, the information below provides what you need to know about SHI Stadium.

Commencement Information

- Commencement is held rain or shine.

- SHI Stadium is an open-air venue. Guests may experience direct rain or sun.

- Attendees are advised to dress for the weather. Consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, and rain poncho, depending on the weather forecast.

- The weather can range from 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit and skies can change rapidly.

- Guests and graduates can expect a considerable amount of walking and are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes.

STADIUM SECURITY AND RESTRICTED BAG POLICY

- The SHI Stadium Bag Policy will be strictly enforced. Follow the guidelines below to expedite entry into the Commencement venue.

- Permitted items include clutches and wallets no larger than 4 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches, and clear plastic bags no larger than one gallon or 12 x 12 x 6 inches. Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection.

- Prohibited bags include purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags, camera bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size.

- Prohibited items include strollers, umbrellas, balloons, noisemakers, outside food, bottles or beverage containers of any kind, alcoholic beverages, poster signs, pets, smoking, weapons, and other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate.

- Guests must pass through security before entering the stadium. Those with oversized or prohibited items will be directed to return those items to their vehicle.

SHI Stadium Information

- Gate Procedures
  - All bags brought into the stadium will be inspected.
  - SHI Stadium regulations prohibit:
    - Food and beverages, bottles, cans, alcoholic beverages, coolers, umbrellas, noisemaking devices, balloons, laser pointers, pets (with the exception of service animals), balls, weapons, sticks/poles, containers, fireworks, and any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate from being brought into the facility.
- Smoking Policy
  - Per university regulations, smoking is not permitted in the stadium.
- Umbrellas
  - To ensure safety and good field visibility, umbrellas are not permitted in SHI Stadium.
- Solicitation
  - The selling of any item by anyone other than university-authorized personnel in and around SHI Stadium, including the parking lots, is prohibited. Violators are subject to prosecution.
- Stadium Gates
  - Guests are able to to access the stadium via Gates A, B, C, D, and E.
- Lightning Alert
  - Rutgers University Athletic Facilities are equipped with the Thor Guard Prediction System.
  - In the event that the system activates, proper evacuation policies and procedures will be implemented.
- SHI Stadium
  - Capacity is 52,454.
- Gates
  - Open at 8:00 a.m.
  - Access available via Gates A, B, C, D, and E
- First Aid
  - Event staff are able to call for Medical assistance.
- Lost & Found
  - Following the event, all lost & found items will be turned in to the Rutgers Police Department.
  - Please contact the non-emergent number at (732) 932.7211.
- Elevator
  - Located on the concourse behind Section 101 on the West side.
  - The elevator at Section 137 on the South side is limited to graduates accessing the assembly area. Guests needing to access seating are not able to use this elevator.
- Restrooms
  - Located throughout SHI Stadium and offer baby changing stations.
- Concessions
  - Booths and carts are located throughout SHI Stadium.
- Ushers
  - Located throughout SHI Stadium and are clearly identified with their yellow “Event Staff” jackets.
- Expect heavy traffic and delays the day of Commencement.
  - Plan to arrive by 8 a.m. to allow time for parking, shuttle bus transportation and walking to the stadium.
  - Carpooling or public transportation are recommended.
- Follow the driving directions provided in the parking mailing to access designated parking lot.
- All roads are not open on Commencement day.
- Commencement parking hangtags are REQUIRED to park.
  - Please visit the Parking & Maps page for more information.
- There is no curbside drop-off at any access point to the stadium.
  - For those unable to walk a distance, it is recommended to register for a special-needs parking hangtag.
- Uber or Lyft drop off at the College Avenue Student Center and take the free shuttle bus to Busch Campus.
- In accordance with Piscataway Township ordinance (Ord. No. 93-51; Ord. No. 2015-29; Ord. No. 2016-41), no person shall stop or stand a vehicle between all hours on River Road, from the intersection of River Road and Hoes lane West to the intersection of River Road and Ross Hall Boulevard.
- This will impact visitors to SHI Stadium.
  - Law enforcement officials will cite motorists in violation of the ordinance.
  - Passenger vehicle pick-up or drop-offs are strictly prohibited in front of the stadium’s south gate entrance along River Road.
- A full list of streets and intersections affected by the Piscataway Township ordinance are listed here.
- Seating at SHI Stadium is bench stadium seating, many of which have no seat backs.
- Stadium seats and cushions may be brought in.
- Guests should be prepared to sit for the duration of the ceremony in the open-air stadium, in all weather elements.
- Special-needs seating is available for guests with mobility limitations. Please visit the Accessibility page for detailed information.
- SHI Stadium map [PDF].

Accessibility

- Special-needs seating is available for guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

- Rutgers University does not supply assistive devices. If you require a wheelchair or other device for mobility, you must bring it with you.

- Walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters are permitted in SHI stadium.

- Detailed information is available on the Accessibility page.

Accessibility

Alternate Viewing Locations On Campus

- Watch Commencement from the comfort of indoor viewing rooms at the Busch Student Center, Livingston Student Center, or College Avenue Student Center.

- Guests can enjoy a livestream of the ceremony in the comfort of air conditioning and cushioned seats and remain out of the sun and weather.

- Restrooms and limited concessions will be open.

- Curbside drop-off to any of these student centers is available as well.

- No tickets are required, and seating is general admission.

Stadium Highlights

SHI Stadium

Graduates gather in the marshaling area, below the large video board in the South side of the stadium, and then are led by Rutgers Board of Governors, Trustees, faculty and staff in a grand procession onto the field.

Family and friends of graduates are invited to sit in the stands in the lower and upper bowl of the stadium to cheer on the graduates.

SHI Stadium

Graduates and guests may enter from the West side of the stadium, Gates A and B, as well as the North side of the stadium, Gates C & D.

Drop off in front of the South side of the stadium on River Road is strictly prohibited.

North Side Entrance (Gates C & D)

Guests and graduates coming from parking lots on Busch, Livingston, and College Avenue campuses may enter the stadium through Gates C and D on the North side of the stadium.

North Side Entrance (Gates C & D)

"Victory"

Landmarks of note:

A towering bronze statue was privately funded by Ron and Joanna Garutti within the North Gate Plaza area of SHI Stadium.

The imposing 12-foot high statue, named "Victory," portrays the armored Scarlet Knight raising his sword in triumphant victory atop his steed after vanquishing an opponent in battle.

West Side Entrance (Gates A & B)

Guests and graduates coming from the Scarlet Zone parking lot may enter the stadium through Gates A and B on the West side of the stadium.

West Side Entrance (Gates A & B)

Entrance to Gate A

Guests may enter through either Gate A or Gate B.

Ring the Red Lion Bell

The Red Lion Bell was gifted to Rutgers in 2011. It is named after the former tavern, the Sign of the Red Lion, where Rutgers held its first classes in the 1770s.

The gift triggered a new tradition at Rutgers. Students ring the bell at the beginning of their studies during New Student Convocation and at the end of their journeys at Commencement.

Graduates are encouraged to ring the bell to signify your graduation before descending the stairs to the marshaling area.

Ring the Red Lion Bell

Graduates Ring the Bell

Graduates are seen here ringing the Red Lion Bell.

Assembly Area

The assembly area is located field level, under the stadium.

Upon arrival at the stadium, leave your guests to find their seats and head to the south end of the stadium, toward the large video board.

As you head to the assembly area, you ring the Red Lion Bell to signify your departure from Rutgers.

Go to the field level assembly area to gather with fellow graduates. An elevator is available for students with mobility challenges.

Grab your school’s spirit maker flag and line up with your classmates from the school issuing your degree. If you want to sit with friends, be sure they are standing in front of or behind you during the procession

During the procession, walk onto the field in a dignified, single file line, with some formality.

Assembly Area

Students line up in the marshaling area before the procession to their seats on the stadium floor.

Commencement Field & Stage

The field at SHI Stadium provides seating for graduates from all schools within Rutgers University–New Brunswick and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Family and friends are able to sit in the lower and upper bowls of the stadium.

Graduates names are listed on the ribbon board that sits below the upper deck and the stadium videoboard shows the speaker that is on the Commencement stage.

Commencement Field & Stage

The setting of the graduate seating area and stage is seen here.

Rutgers Celebratory Cannon

A beloved Commencement tradition, the cannon is shot at the conclusion of the ceremony to indicate students are now graduates of Rutgers University.

The cannon was purchased in order to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first college football game.

he group that operates the cannon is the Second Regiment Middlesex County Militia and members wear traditional Revolutionary War uniforms.

Commencement Ambassadors

Commencement Ambassadors help graduates and guests with any questions they may have, navigate the stadium, assist with special-needs guests and more.

Ambassadors are wearing red Rutgers t-shirts.

Find one today should you need any assistance during your visit.