Rutgers is bringing back one of its most recognizable game-day looks this fall.
“The Blackout is Back” for the Scarlet Knights’ Homecoming & Family Weekend matchup against Indiana on Saturday, Oct. 3 at SHI Stadium. The game, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, is set for an 8 p.m. kickoff.
Fans are being asked to show up in black and get to their seats by 7:30 p.m. for the pregame light and fireworks show. Rutgers will also be back in black uniforms and helmets for the night game. Blackout merchandise will be available at the Rutgers Team Shop, and students in attendance will receive a Blackout T-shirt while supplies last.
The day won’t be limited to the game itself. The Rutgers Boardwalk, presented by Visit New Jersey, opens at 4 p.m. and will feature free rides and games, activities, live entertainment and other family-friendly attractions.
Rutgers also said special recognitions are planned for the 2026 Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame class and the 1976 football team. That 11-0 Scarlet Knights group finished first in the nation in scoring defense at 7.6 points per game, total defense at 179.2 and rushing defense at 83.9, while holding eight opponents under 10 points and posting four shutouts.
Tickets for the Indiana game are on sale at ScarletKnights.com.
The Blackout is one piece of a loaded 2026 home schedule that opens Thursday, Sept. 3 against UMass at SHI Stadium. Season and single-game tickets for all seven home games are available through 2026 Ticket Central or by calling 866-445-GORU (4678).
Rutgers said season ticket holders have access to an exclusive chance to buy season parking on Busch campus within walking distance of SHI Stadium, along with a payment plan option and other ticket offers during the year.
The Provident Bank Stadium Club is also back as the stadium’s exclusive premium hospitality space, with limited seats still available.
Rutgers Athletics has also launched R Guest Services, a new game day unit designed to support fans across Scarlet Knights events. Team members will be positioned throughout venues to answer questions, give directions and information, help with guest needs and respond to concerns in real time.
The full 2026 Rutgers football schedule includes:
Thursday, Sept. 3 (Postgame Fireworks) vs. UMass, 6 p.m., Big Ten Network
Friday, Sept. 11 at Boston College, 7:30 p.m., ESPN2
Saturday, Sept. 19 (New Jersey Day/Scarlet Out) vs. USC*, 3:30 p.m., CBS (presented by Motorola Solutions)
Friday, Sept. 25 (Sir Henry's Birthday Bash & Eric LeGrand's "A Walk to Believe") vs. Howard, 7 p.m., Big Ten Network (presented by GGL Injury Lawyers)
Saturday, Oct. 3 (Homecoming & Family Weekend/The Blackout) vs. Indiana*, 8 p.m. (presented by RWJBarnabas Health)
Saturday, Oct. 17 at Maryland*, no later than 5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 24 at Northwestern*
Saturday, Oct. 31 (Halloween on the Banks) vs. Michigan* (presented by PNC Bank)
Saturday, Nov. 7 at Wisconsin*
Saturday, Nov. 14 (Military Appreciation) vs. Nebraska* (presented by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey)
Saturday, Nov. 21 at Penn State*
Saturday, Nov. 28 (Holiday Fest/Senior Day) vs. Michigan State* (presented by Provident Bank)
- Big Ten
All times Eastern.
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