Obama At Rutgers: What You Need To Know

President Obama's speaking appearance at the 250th commencement will provide a cause for celebration. But it also could create a traffic nightmare.

The 250th Anniversary Commencement will be held on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in High Point Solutions Stadium at Rutgers University–New Brunswick on the Busch Campus in Piscataway. And unless you're planning on going, you'll want to avoid the area.

With an estimated 12,248 from Rutgers-New Brunswick graduates and a crowd as large as 52,000 on hand, the commencement always draws much additional traffic to the area.

Here are some things you're going to need to know, whether you plan to attend or not:

• Travel Advisory: Congestion is likely before and after the event on Routes 18 and 27, U.S. 1, and Interstate 78.
• Exit 9 (River Road) on Interstate 287 will be closed from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on May 15. It is suggested to utilize Exit 8 as an alternative. Please allow for extra travel time.
• Roadways including College Avenue, George Street, River Road, Hoes Lane, Metlars Lane and the John Lynch and Landing Lane bridges all will also experience heavy traffic.
• Starting Saturday, May 14, Sutphen Road on the Busch Campus will also close to all traffic except that directly associated with commencement setup.
• If you're attending, plan your driving route in advance and arrive two hours early.
• There will be a security checkpoint when entering the stadium. Bags or purses larger than 4.5 by 6.5 inches will not be permitted in the stadium.
• You may carry items in a clear plastic bag up to one gallon in size.
• Cameras, binoculars and seat cushions may be carried in on their own.
• Strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters and selfee sticks are permitted.
• Umbrellas and balloons are not permitted.
• Shuttle buses: Shuttles begin running at 7 a.m. See the overview map for shuttle stop information. Shuttle buses run between the following stops:
  • College Avenue Student Center (126 College Ave, New Brunswick) and High Point Solutions Stadium on the Busch Campus (Lot 48)
  • New Brunswick Train Station (Albany Street side) in downtown New Brunswick and High Point Solutions Stadium on the Busch Campus (Lot 48)
  • Rutgers Athletic Center (RAC) on the Livingston Campus and High Point Solutions Stadium on the Busch Campus (Practice Bubble)
  • Note: There is no shuttle service from the Cook/Douglass Campus. The closest stop is at the New Brunswick Train Station (Albany Street side)
• Walking from New Brunswick to the Stadium: If you plan to walk to the ceremony from the College Avenue Campus, please do not use the Landing Lane Bridge; take the walking path over Route 18 instead. Thewalking path entrance is at the end of College Avenue and the intersection of George Street (beyond the Rutgers Club, 199 College Ave).
• Parking for Guests Without a Commencement Parking Hangtag: Guests who are coming to Commencement and do not have a Commencement parking hangtag may park in downtown New Brunswickand take the shuttle bus from the Albany Street train station. Please note that a ticket is required to enter the stadium for University Commencement. Those without tickets can watch a live stream of the events from various Indoor and Off-Site Viewing Options.
• Scarlet ADA Hangtag Pass Holders: Download driving directions to the ADA Scarlet Lot (PDF). A Commencement ADA hangtag is required.

AT THE STADIUM

• Please arrive early, as you will be subject to airport-like screening as you enter the stadium.
• Stadium gates open at 8 a.m. and shuttle buses start running at 7 a.m. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.
• Photo ID and Tickets Required to Enter the Stadium: Graduating students and their guests must show valid photo identification and a barcoded ticket to enter High Point Solutions Stadium for University Commencement. See details on the Stadium Policies page.
• Permitted and Prohibited Items: See the updated list of permitted and prohibited items for guests and graduating students on the Stadium Policies page.
• Once you are in the stadium, you will not be able to leave until after University Commencement ends.

OTHER VIEWING OPTIONS

• More Ways to Watch University Commencement: Sites have been added to the Indoor and Off-Site Viewing Options.
• Opening times for New Brunswick-area Student Centers: The Busch and College Avenue student centers will be open by 7:00 a.m. for guests who wish to watch a live stream of University Commencement. The Livingston Student Center will open at 10 a.m. See the Indoor and Off-Site Viewing Options for more information.
• Television Coverage: The Indoor and Off-Site Viewing Options page has information about where to watch President Obama's Commencement speech on TV.