Cities of the Big Ten in New Brunswick, NJ

New Brunswick is home to Rutgers University, the birthplace of college football and a member of the Big Ten conference. For a taste of the excitement of a Big Ten game, get in touch with the Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau. We are your guide to sports and entertainment in New Brunswick and beyond. With us, learn more about how you can experience Rutgers athletics with your next NJ vacation.

What Is the Big Ten?

The Big Ten is one of the oldest collegiate athletic conferences in the United States. It was founded in 1896 to develop principles and regulations for intercollegiate sports. Its first meeting produced a blueprint for administration; this blueprint would become the foundation for the college sports environment we know today.

Membership represents each participant’s commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. These teams are some of the most prestigious and famous in college sports. Their home cities host hundreds of athletic events every year, attracting crowds of fans from all over the nation.

Big Ten Cities

At its founding, the Big Ten included representatives from seven teams. It has since doubled in size with 14 big ten schools currently claiming membership and 14 cities proud to call them home. These include:

• Ann Arbor, Michigan: A city built for sports enthusiasts, Ann Arbor is home to both the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Sporting Commission for amateur events.
• Bloomington, Indiana: This quintessential college town is known for its enthusiastic school spirit, in addition to a thriving nightlife and gorgeous nature views.
• Champagne-Urbana, Illinois: At the heart of the Midwest, Champagne-Urbana offers outdoor adventures, international cuisine, and charming Midwestern hospitality.
• College Park, Maryland: The “Crown Jewel” of Maryland boasts a range of attractions including the National Harbor on the Potomac, Six Flags America, casinos, and more.
• Columbus, Ohio: One of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, Columbus has plenty to offer. Explore the University of Ohio, lively arts and entertainment, and great shopping.
• East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University has one of the most scenic campuses in the conference. The city around it offers shops and galleries, dining, and a booming theatre scene.
• Evanston, Illinois: Found right next door to Chicago, Evanston offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan alongside an urban community rich with restaurants and retailers.
• Iowa City, Iowa: The Collection of Curious Communities encourages tourists to reach, explore, appreciate, ask questions, and find answers.
• Lincoln, Nebraska: Titled the happiest city in America, Lincoln is full of attractions, including the University of Nebraska, stunning art galleries, and an active craft brewery scene.
• Madison, Wisconsin: Home of the University of Wisconsin, Madison was rated by USA Today as one of the nation’s best college sports towns.
• Minneapolis, Minnesota: This city is for the avid sports fans. In addition to conference sports, it offers five professional teams and the world’s largest amateur athletic facility.
• New Brunswick, New Jersey: At the center of New Jersey, New Brunswick offers rich experiences for foodies. It’s also only a short drive from the Jersey Shore.
• University Park, Pennsylvania: Happy Valley, PA offers every kind of adventure, from shopping, dining, outdoor activities, museums, and – of course – Penn State athletics.
• West Lafayette, Indiana: Home of Purdue University, West Lafayette is rich with tradition. It offers a thriving downtown, gorgeous architecture, and award-winning golfing.

Rutgers University in New Brunswick

For Big Ten fans, there’s nowhere better to experience football than with Rutgers athletics. The New Brunswick campus frequently plays host to powerhouse programs that compete at the SHI Stadium in Piscataway. Rutgers offers a festive pre-game atmosphere with tailgating, family-focused activities, and other exciting ways to build up game day hype. The stadium itself boasts clear sight lines and best-in-class amenities, promising a fan-friendly experience.

With hundreds of events each year, there’s always something going on for sports enjoyers – but Rutgers University has more to offer than athletics. Its location offers prime access to New York City and Philadelphia and is just a short drive away from the Shore, yet it maintains the classic campus atmosphere. It also places you at the center of New Brunswick and all its area attractions.

Experience Big Ten Football

If you are ready to experience Big Ten football at Rutgers University, get in touch with the Central Jersey Convention & Visitors Bureau. We are your guide to New Brunswick and beyond, providing useful guides on accommodations, events, sports, and entertainment. Plan your stay today.