With only two cable/satellite TV companies in New Jersey showing the opening Rutgers football game against Washington, fans flock to College Avenue to watch on giant screen
NEW BRUNSWICK - With the Rutgers football team trailing Washington 24-0 after the first quarter, basketball coach Steve Pikiell addressed the College Avenue crowd watching the game on a giant screen television. "We're a second half team! Remember that."
The final score was 48-13.
As the first game of the "Chris Ash Era" kicked off in Seattle, most fans in New Jersey were left without an option to watch the game, which was being broadcast on the Pac-12 Network. Only two cable/satellite TV companies in New Jersey -- The DISH Network and Xfinity/Comcast -- carry the Pac-12 Network.
Other than a handful of area sports bars, the 12-foot x 30-foot high definition video board, which is the centerpiece of The Yard @ College Avenue in New Brunswick, provided the best viewing spot for local fans.
Rutgers vs. Washington: Live updates
The new College Avenue Apartments are located at the corner of College Avenue and Hamilton Street. In addition to featuring 135 apartments, the facility also showcases a 25,000-square-foot public green space, which includes the giant TV. The space opened with a screening of the movie "Monsters University" Friday night.
"We are very thankful to our IMG College partners, the Pac-12 Network and RU-tv for making this feed possible," Rutgers athletics director Pat Hobbs said in a statement.
The courtyard is surrounded with many eateries set to open soon, including Jersey Mike's Subs, RU Hungry? and Surf Taco with a Bella Burger Shack already opened.
John Munson may be reached at jmunson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @john_munson. Find NJ.com on Facebook.