Rutgers put a pool in the football student section to get kids to come to its opener

Some college football teams have a packed student section for every game. Others do not, and they’re always looking for ways to drum up student interest. I went to Maryland, and one time I got a voucher for a free Nathan’s hot dog that was only redeemable after halftime. The hope was that I wouldn’t leave in the second quarter. I stayed and got my hot dog.

Rutgers is doing it for its opener on Friday against Washington. Via NJ Advance Media:

For the season-opener against No. 7 Washington at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1, Rutgers will install a temporary pool or Jacuzzi atop the student section, the school announced Thursday. Students will have an opportunity to win the premium select seats and cool off in the water.

For the crowd at large, there will be boats in the north end zone with all fans given the opportunity to win a seat and watch the game from field level. The stadium concession stands will also feature Jersey Shore-oriented options.

Here it was before the game:

And here’s when it started to fill in:

Also in the realm of attracting students, that report says the first 2,000 students in attendance will get Rutgers football Adidas tank tops and a pair of sunglasses.

College teams to get involved include UCF ...

... and Arkansas State.

In the NFL, Jaguars fans are already doing it.

And in baseball, the Diamondbacks were true pioneers:

Pools and sports: a generally good combination.