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I think it’s a good idea. I give the Jets credit.
I’m talking about having their annual “Green and White” scrimmage this summer at Rutgers Stadium, instead of MetLife Stadium.
It was reportedly due to a scheduling conflict, but I like the decision nonetheless.
By the way, while this is called a “scrimmage” it’s not really a “scrimmage,” but more like a controlled practice. It’s more like a practice, featuring competitive drills. There is no tackling.
I think MetLife Stadium is too big for that event. The stadium holds 82,500, and that event usually draws about 10,000.
MetLife Stadium is way too cavernous for that event. It’s like having a musical act that belongs in a theatre playing in Madison Square Garden.
The best venue ever for this event was the Cortland Stadium when the Jets trained at SUNY-Cortland. That stadium holds 9,000, and it was sold out. It was the perfect vibe. It was a great evening for all involved.
Now I’m not saying the Jets should hold it up there now. They don’t train there anymore, and it’s a three-hour drive from their facility. It would be ridiculous to bus 90 players three hours for a two-hour scrimmage.
But the Rutgers Stadium, which holds 30,000 less than MetLife, is a perfect compromise.
The Jets held this scrimmage at Hofstra a few times. That is a good spot for that event also, in a 15,000 seat stadium, right in the heart of Long Island, a Jets fan stronghold.
But I have to be honest, and I’m from that area, the players and coaches don’t love going there. Nothing against the area, but the commute is a bear. I had to go out there for a funeral recently leaving from the Jets area of New Jersey. Two bridges, Cross Bronx Expressway (worst road in America). What a awful trip.
I remember one year, the Jets were scheduled to have the scrimmage at Hofstra, but there was a threat of a storm, and Rex Ryan pulled the plug rather quickly. He hated going out there. The weather turned out to be okay, but the event was already cancelled.
And I bet they get a bigger crowd at Rutgers than MetLife.
First of all, it’s a new experience for a lot of people, going to the Rutgers Stadium.
Also, there are a lot of Jets fans in that area, who should really get into this event.
One thing about the Garden State, not only are there are lot of Jets fans all over North and Central Jersey, but there are a lot of Jets fans from New York, who left the Empire State, to move to these areas.
Now the perfect-sized stadium for this event is probably the Red Bulls Stadium in Harrison, which holds about 20,000, but that wasn’t built for football. It was built with soccer in mind. The end zones might be a little tight.
The Rutgers Stadium is a true football stadium.
And it’s about half-hour from Jets camp – right up I-287, a highway close to Jets camp.
I could be wrong, but I think this event is going to be a big winner for the Jets and their fans.
Good decision.
June 21, 2018
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