Bainton Field - Rutgers Scarlet Knights
- Justin Cayea
- May 12
- 4 min read
Updated: May 14
Photos by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14
Bainton Field 25 Hospital Rd Piscataway, NJ 08854
Year Opened: 2007
Capacity: 1,308
Afternoon Baseball in Jersey
Bainton Field/Class of 1953 Gruinger Baseball Complex serves as the home to the Rutgers University Baseball program. Originally opened in 2007, the facility received major upgrades in the fall of 2020 through the generous support of Ron and Pat Bainton.
Their $1.25 million donation was the largest single contribution ever made and helped provide a modern Fieldturf playing surface and paved the way for future improvements. Before the 2026 season, the stadium completed its major renovation project with upgrades by removing the bleachers and installing a new seating structure, which features 402 chairback seats with a total capacity of 1,308. Additional fan enhancements include a high-quality sound system, ADA accessible ramps, and a brand-new scoreboard and video board, which was installed in 2023.
Food & Beverage 1
The recent renovations to Bainton Field did not include the park’s concessions. There is only one concession stand at Bainton Field. It is located behind home plate. The concession stand provides fans with typical basic ballpark food. These food and beverage items are hot dogs, nachos, and pretzels with a cost of around $7. Candy, chips, and peanuts will cost between $3.50 and $5.00. Bottled water costs $5.25, and soda costs $6.25.
The concession stand, although being basic, does serve alcohol. You are able to purchase beer, which costs $15 for domestic beers and $16 for premium domestic beers.
Atmosphere 2
Bainton Field gives you more of a college baseball atmosphere than it may have in the past with the recent renovations. In April of 2023, Rutgers installed lights at Bainton Field, which allows the team to not have to battle with darkness and allows them to schedule games and bring a better atmosphere for home games.
Neighborhood 3
Bainton Field is located in Piscataway, New Jersey, on Rutgers’ Livingston campus across the river from New Brunswick. Piscataway and New Brunswick combine to bring out the charm of a campus and urban neighborhood with plenty of food options and hotels. If you just want a quick pregame slice, you can find them at Daniel’s Pizzeria or Biggie's Slice House. If you are looking for a good pub to have a pregame or postgame meal, there are Tavern on George or the Scarlet Pub. Some of the more convenient lodging options for those who may be staying for a weekend series near Bainton Field are the Hyatt Regency and the Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center.
Fans 2
The Rutgers fan enhancements to the ballfield are great, but it doesn't seem to improve in bringing in more fans. Rutgers baseball attendance ranks among the lowest numbers in the Big Ten Conference. 247sports reports that the average attendance in 2025 for Rutgers baseball games was 351. Despite the small numbers, the fans that do show up for the program seem to be closely invested in the team.
Access 3
Getting to Bainton Field can be confusing for those who are not from the area. The ballfield sits just off the New Jersey Turnpike, about 30 miles south of Newark. Rutgers University currently has a total of three separate campuses in the local area, with Bainton Field being on the Busch campus. There is parking directly around the ballfield, or you are also able to park in the lots next to Jersey Mike’s Arena, the home of the Men's and Women's Basketball programs. All parking is free.
Return on Investment 3
Admission and parking to Rutgers baseball at Bainton Field are free, as tickets are not sold for games here. The concession prices are a little high for this type of ballfield, even though it is on par with other sports venues. Overall, attending a game here can be worthwhile if you're looking for a casual outing with family or if your favorite college baseball team is the opponent.
Extras 1
Bainton Field has a list of its alumni who are in the MLB on a banner that is on one of the fences of the Rutgers bullpen. Notably, the top alum would be a local Little League World Series Champion, Todd Frasier. Todd was the Big East player of the year and an All-American in 2007 for the Scarlett Knights. He became the third Rutgers baseball player to be picked in the first Round of the Major League Baseball Draft when the Cincinnati Reds selected him as the 34th overall selection.
Final Thoughts
Bainton Field has received plenty of upgrades in the past few years, and it is an enjoyable place to watch a ballgame. Although it may be quiet and the ballfield may not be packed, you can never go wrong with free baseball.
