PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers Athletics held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly dedicated Marco Battaglia Practice Complex on Sunday. Named for former consensus All-American and Big East Offensive Player of the Year, the complex will serve as the practice site for the football program.
 
"I am proud to unveil the best practice facility in professional or college football today," Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs said at the dedication ceremony. "From when I first started here after hiring Chris Ash, we realized that this was a project that needed to be done. Now thanks to the generosity of Jeff and Amy Towers and the hard work of many, this complex is not only complete, but unparalleled. It will greatly impact our program as we continue to build a championship contender in the Big Ten."
 
"Today is a special day for our football program," head coach Chris Ash said in remarks dedicating the facility. "This project took a lot of time and effort and it shows that the people in this state and at Rutgers University can get things done and make a difference. I want to thank Pat Hobbs, the administration, the Towers family and supporters for their commitment. We look forward to getting the most out of this facility as we work to build a first-class football program."
 

The upgraded practice facility features two new Kentucky Bluegrass fields equipped with a state-of-the-art drainage and irrigation system. A separate FieldTurf playing surface with CoolPlay technology was installed, providing the Scarlet Knights with an additional area for practice drills. The complex has been fitted with a high-powered Musco LED light system. Two permanent 54-foot film towers were constructed in the complex along with two new scoreboards, a new LED video board and six game clocks. A 5,000 square foot storage unit was installed along with new maintenance equipment and permanent restrooms.
 
In addition to the functional improvements, the practice complex also underwent several aesthetical changes, including a new brick entranceway and wall, fencing around the perimeter and redesigned landscaping throughout the facility.
 
The outside facade of the complex features plaques commemorating the program's six College Football Hall of Fame honorees – Paul Robeson, Alex Kroll, Harvey Harmon, Homer Hazel, George Little and George Foster Sanford – and lists each All-American who represented Rutgers football. The entrance also includes a monument of Battaglia, the namesake of the complex.
 
"I want to thank Jeff and Amy Towers for this selfless act they have given to me and my family," Battaglia said. "I am honored that they chose my name to represent this complex that is best-in-class and allows the current student-athletes the opportunity to work on their craft. Simply, I can say this to be the best practice field that I have ever seen. This is a huge day for Rutgers football and Rutgers Athletics."
 
Battaglia finished his Rutgers career as one of the most decorated student-athletes in program history. A consensus All-American, Battaglia concluded his career ranked first in the RU record book amongst tight ends in reception yards (2,221), receptions (171), touchdowns (16) and 100-yard games (seven). As a senior captain in 1995, Battaglia was a unanimous first team All-American and led the nation's tight ends with 69 catches for 894 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to Big East Offensive Player of the Year accolades. The Queens, New York, native was selected in the second round (39th overall) of the 1996 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played from 1996 to 2001. Battaglia went on to enjoy an eight-year career in the NFL.
 
"R Big Ten Build," a targeted campaign to raise $100 million for new or upgraded facilities, was launched on Jan. 20, 2016. Phase I, created in collaboration with the University Physical Master Plan, includes three projects: The RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, a Lacrosse and Soccer Training Complex and a Football Training Complex/Expansion of the Hale Center.
 
"R Big Ten Build" surpassed the $50 million milestone in just 15 weeks. The initiative has received 14 donations of more than $1 million, including the three largest gifts in Rutgers Athletics history, which combine to exceed $11 million. As of Aug. 4, 2017, 2,765 donors had contributed $48.2 million, totaling $73.2 million toward the campaign. In addition to the $48.2 million contributed privately, tax credits of $25 million, which await final approval by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, will help fund the construction.
 
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