Jersey Mike’s Arena — Attraction in Piscataway Township

I think it's important to put a few disclaimers out here right off the bat. I did not attend Rutgers, though I visited friends there two or three times in college. I'm a big college basketball fan (a non-bandwagon Gonzaga fan - I've been rooting for them since the late 90s) but most of my exposure to the sport is via ESPN telecasts, which understandably focuses on the bigger, blue blood programs like Duke, Kansas, etc. This is the first time I attended a college basketball game in person, and it might be the first time I've been to any type of competitive collegiate athletic event, period.

I attended the Rutgers/Michigan game at the RAC this past Tuesday with one of my chums (where Rutgers recorded their first ever win against the Wolverines - congratulations, gentlemen). It was a very nippy evening, and we both felt terrible for the employees outside directing traffic. Everyone we interacted with, from the parking attendants to the woman who checked our tickets, was remarkably pleasant, with one good-naturedly bemoaning the temperature but remaining in good spirits. We had a parking pass for the yellow area (looked to be the third-closest area to the arena, after the parking garage and the green area), but for those not lucky enough, it cost $15. Pretty high in my opinion, especially since the primary demographic you're catering to is the college student.

The arena itself is pretty drab and very much in need of an upgrade. I'm willing to acknowledge that I might not feel as strongly about it if I didn't see spiffier courts like Cameron Indoor and Rupp Arena on TV, but without getting too mired in the weeds about Division I, major conference athletics, this is absolutely one of the reasons high ranking recruits from the NY/NJ area are going elsewhere. Why play in what looks eerily similar to a salt storage building when you can get the luxury treatment (and the media exposure that comes with it) elsewhere?

The interior is predominantly cold concrete, and it felt like we were attending a local high school game rather than a Big Ten showdown. The bathrooms were clean enough, but the toilet paper is extremely cheap and rips easily, though that's unfortunately pretty standard for these types of venues. Due to COVID restrictions, the only items for sale beyond merchandise were water and soda. Absolutely seek sustenance beforehand. I get the mindset behind that decision (you're trying to limit COVID transmission), but there were still lines of people densely packed together and I didn't see anyone enforcing the indoor mask rule, so I'm not sure anything was really achieved here beyond empty virtue signaling. Maybe the compromise is no alcohol, but bringing back food options? The waters and soda were $5, which is probably slightly cheaper than at a professional sports stadium, but again, why upcharge for a contingent that's dominated by 18-year-olds with part-time jobs?

We were fortunate to attend a game featuring a solid performance by the home team. That certainly helped with atmosphere, especially in the second half when it was becoming clearer that we were witnessing an historic win for the program. The student section was appropriately rowdy, but this obviously isn't the level of enthusiasm that you're going to see from the home crowd of a nationally ranked team. Rutgers is also remote right now (and I believe they'd be on winter break anyway), so keep that in mind; for this particular game, I saw a lot of older people in the stands who weren't manically jumping up and down all game long.

With the amount they're charging for parking and amenities, MAYbe you're getting your money's worth, but it's hard to ignore the fact that you're sitting in a ye olde relic from the 1970s. A major conference program should play in a major...

Within the expansive arena that serves as a nurturing environment for the development and display of future athletic prowess, I recently attended a ceremony that celebrated the accomplishments and milestones of the students of Middlesex College. Their unwavering dedication and perseverance have led them to this remarkable achievement. The resounding cheers that reverberate through this spacious arena underscore the significance of this occasion. This venue is an ideal setting for this event.

Accessing this arena was exceptionally straightforward, with ample parking available for spectators. While there are no designated crosswalks, these complaints are directed towards the parking lot itself, not the arena itself.

The exterior of the building is well-maintained, with a verdant outdoor area surrounding the arena. The pathways are meticulously laid out, ensuring easy accessibility to all areas of the arena.

Similarly, the interior layout of the venue is straightforward and ADA-compliant. Clearly marked sections and easily readable signage indicate the availability of ADA-accessible seating. The walls are adorned with well-decorated murals that showcase the athletic achievements of Rutgers University, creating an atmosphere of pride and inspiration for all who enter the venue.

The seating arrangement within the arena offers an average level of comfort, with seats that are not excessively comfortable but also not overly uncomfortable. Accessing, navigating, and exiting the seating area proves to be relatively simple.

In my absence from the concession stands, I am unable to provide a comprehensive evaluation of their offerings. However, I can attest to the existence of a limited selection of options.

Whether attending a graduation commencement or a sporting event, this arena appears to be an exceptional venue for experiencing...

A group of us went to the RAC last night for the Rutgers Vs Penn State wrestling match. The experience was “sub par” to say the least. 1) Parking. The parking was abysmal. Despite having row after row of open slots, the spectators were corralled into a few entrances and being charged $30. To travel 1/2 mile to the spot took almost 30 minutes. It was so bad, that I complained to the attendant and he handed us our money back. 2) Entering the arena was another SNAFU. This was a sold out event (and cold), yet they did not have all of the entrances open, maybe half were. Some lines didn’t move for 10 mins. Then, when we were just about to enter, a security guard went and told us to move back so he could close the doors for the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. Why is this? We were all standing. Not to mention that the arena is very small in comparison to other arenas in the Big 10. Additionally, the announcer and the information screens were lacking to say the least. They did not post the name of the opponent and hardly ever mentioned their names! I can only recall 2 of the Penn State wrestler’s names being announced. The scoreboard should have had the team score on one side (like it did) and the individuals on the other with the bout score. This was not the case. The announcer never stated who had the advantage, what was going on in the bout and still, no names. I’ve seen HS announcers do far superior jobs calling a JV match. Honestly, it was...