/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69709983/133477029.0.jpg)
The great thing about sports is how it brings people together and unites them within their community. That’s what we try to do here with On The Banks. The past year plus has been difficult and disconnecting for most. However, with Rutgers allowing fans to attend football games this fall, it’s not just an opportunity to see friends and family while rooting for our favorite team. It’s also a chance to give back to those who have been on the front lines and helped make our lives better before and during this global pandemic.
Since 2016, the Rutgers ticket department has run the R Hero program. It has always focused on donating football tickets to military members and their families. With all that’s happened and continues to occur with COVID-19, the program has expanded. Rutgers is now incorporating healthcare heroes into the program as well due to their tireless work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For this season, Rutgers will recognize healthcare heroes in the home opener on September 2 against Temple. They’ll recognize military heroes on November 6 when Rutgers hosts Wisconsin.
This program could not exist without the generosity and kindness of Rutgers fans. By contributing to the R Hero program, you are giving back to two groups of professionals that have made great sacrifices to protect us and keep us safe.
You can donate one ticket for $20, two tickets for $35 or as many as you’d like. It’s a tax deductible donation and contributes to Priority Points if you are a season ticket holder. You can make your donation here.
Seat donations will be pooled and donated to local organizations. Rutgers ROTC and Vet Tix are two groups in particular that help distribute tickets donated to military heroes by Rutgers season ticket holders and fans. Other groups help distribute to the military as well. Rutgers has also partnered with RWJBarnabas Health to find healthcare workers to donate tickets to.
The Rutgers community has donated over 11,500 seats local organizations in the past five years. It’s projected that now with both the military and healthcare programs, the number of donated tickets should exceed 15,000.
It’s been a difficult year for everyone. If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to give back to our military and healthcare heroes, please consider doing so. It’s a great way to say thank you for all that they have done and will do in the future.
SUPPORT R HEROES & MAKE YOUR DONATION TODAY!
If there are any local organizations looking to get involved, please email tickets@scarletknights.com.