Here's what Rutgers players and coaches are saying about new stadium name
A contract with SHI International Corp netted the Rutgers Athletics Department more than $1 million in naming rights for this year, and social media made sure that Athletic Director Pat Hobbs earned every cent of it.
After the eight-year contract with HighPoint Solutions expired, a new contract that brought about the newly-named SHI Stadium came with a greater deal of controversy among fans, students and the media. Which is all just in time for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of college football.
As the Rutgers football team prepares to christen the newly-named stadium on a historic Friday night against UMass, The Daily Targum delved into just how the players and coaches feel about the name of their new home field.
Head coach Chris Ash:
“I’m more worried about the play in the stadium than I am the name of the stadium. Whatever is best for our athletic department and us generating revenue, I’m good with whatever it’s called.”
Defensive line coach Corey Brown:
"It's awesome. It's not something I pay attention to until we get in, to tell you the truth, but it happened for a reason. I'm just happy we get to go play another team there on Friday night."
Junior wide receiver Mohamed Jabbie:
“I think it’s beautiful. It’s quick. It’s just like, ‘I’m about to go to SHI Stadium,’ put it in the GPS, what’s the stadium name? SHI, it’s quick and easy, I like that.”
Junior nose tackle Julius Turner:
“I like the new stadium name. It’s unique, I like it and I don't have a problem with it.”
Sophomore defensive back Avery Young:
“I haven’t really paid too much attention to it. It doesn’t really bother me at all.”
Safeties coach Noah Joseph:
"I haven't paid any attention to it."
The overall vibe around training camp is a blend of positivity mixed with indifference. With kickoff only a matter of days away, the inaugural game of SHI Stadium's naming rights contract will get a special Friday night treatment mixed with the aura of the 150th anniversary. Will the program have a better record under the new name? Only time will tell.
For updates on the Rutgers football team, follow @TargumSports on Twitter.
