Rutgers Reaches Out to Fans for Arena Input
The Rutgers Athletic Department is reaching out to the fans for input on renovations to Jersey Mike’s Arena.
In a story published by NJ.com, Rutgers sent out a survey to season and single-game ticket holders about the arena’s new look. According to Athletic Director Pat Hobbs, the goal is to “have everything done” for the 2025-26 winter sports season.
“Before the architects go forward, they need to get some feedback from our fanbase about what they want,” Hobbs to NJ.com. “We already know what they want: don’t change the atmosphere. We’re not going to change the atmosphere. We’re going to maintain the atmosphere, but folks know we need better concourses. We need more concessions. We need premium seating. We need a few more bathrooms — maybe four times what we have now.”
Rutgers is hoping to create a 360 degree open concourse that will contain a new external lobby. There would also be updates to the concourse, club level and priority level seating and various other upgrades.
Hobbs added that the focus for the Athletic Department is to do something with Jersey Mike’s Arena rather than build an entirely new facility.
AECOM is the architectural firm spearheading the project.
Rutgers expects to gather results from the survey and present its final renderings to University President Jonathan Holloway and the Board of Governors during their annual summer meeting, which is currently scheduled for June 20, 2024.
BACKGROUND
Formally known as the RAC (Rutgers Athletic Center), Rutgers signed a 20-year naming rights deal with Jersey Mike’s. The Arena has been the home to Rutgers men’s, women’s basketball, men’s and women’s volleyball, and wrestling.
4 Types Of People You Will Find At Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
The Costume Runner
Here is the spectacle runner, who is decked out in a giant turkey costume. They can’t breathe let alone run, but they certainly can waddle. If this person finishes actually runs and finishes the race, it is usually by Christmas time. Nonetheless, you must respect the fact that lots of thought and deliberation went into this decision. It may even take longer for the person to get properly fitted in the morning to get ready for the trot than it does for the actual turkey to cook.
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The I Need To Win And Beat The Best Time Ever Runner
With all due respect, this runner is there an hour early stretching, even though they already completely stretched at home prior to eating a full protein breakfast. This participant is fully rested, fully hydrated, and plans to smoke you like you are the turkey. Furthermore, while you are trucking through the first mile, gasping for breath, this runner is going to pass, but going the other direction. That is because this person finished the race already and is simply running back to the starting line as their “cool down.” We get it, your cross-country skills are superhuman, and you now own the Turkey Trot best time. Just don’t be the person that beats the day’s honoree.
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The Still Awake From Last Night "Runner"
It’s common knowledge that the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest party nights on the planet. It’s a special occasion where people come out of the woodwork and return to their hometown. The local pubs may make their annual quota based on Thanksgiving Eve sales. It’s great fun for sure, as long you have a responsible ride home. For some though, they have not even been home yet. It’s much more convenient to walk two blocks to the left to the downtown starting line at sunrise than it is to trek a half of a mile down Main Street to sleep it off for a few hours. This person looks and smells like the party. If there are woods adjacent to the 5k running route, you will usually find this runner in there immediately.
The Socialite Runner
Many towns that host Thanksgiving races are deep with tradition and local history. The families that call this place home often go back generations. Somehow, your grandmother had the same 4th grade teacher that your daughter currently has. The socialite is there to talk to everyone. They are in full-blown campaign mode, yet they are not running for anything. They simply love everything that has to do with their hometown and their mission for Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, is to see literally everyone, and spread some spirit. You have to respect that.
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