Rutgers–Camden to Unveil New Scarlet Raptor Mascot at Raptor Rally 2026
Camden, NJ – February 5, 2026: Rutgers University–Camden will begin its next chapter of campus spirit with the official debut of its new Scarlet Raptor mascot during Raptor Rally 2026, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Athletic and Fitness Center (301 Linden Street, Camden, NJ 08102).
The free, family-friendly event brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members for an evening of pre-game festivities and a women’s and men’s basketball doubleheader as the Scarlet Raptors face New Jersey City University.
The festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with pre-game activities in the gym lobby, including a DJ, airbrush artist, roaming photo booth, complimentary refreshments, and giveaways.
At 5:30 p.m., the women’s basketball game tips off, followed by the public unveiling of the new Scarlet Raptor mascot at halftime, presented with support from the Raptor Royales and the Scarlet Raptors Cheer Team.
The excitement continues at 7:30 p.m. with the men’s basketball game, during which the university will recognize members of the Scarlet Raptors’ 1,000-Point Club.
Admission is free, but advance registration is encouraged.
About Rutgers University–Camden
Rutgers University–Camden is a hub of academic excellence and innovation, consistently ranked among the nation’s top public colleges and universities. Proudly recognized as one of the safest campuses in the region, the university is located in the “eds and meds” district of Camden, NJ—a city known for its cultural and historic attractions, vibrant arts community, renowned healthcare institutions, and headquarters of internationally recognized corporations. The campus offers a welcoming and engaging learning environment for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Just minutes from Center City Philadelphia—home to a thriving business district and a dynamic cultural scene—the campus also benefits from an array of transportation options for easy access in and around the city.
Home to approximately 6,000 students and more than 1,500 faculty and staff, Rutgers–Camden fosters a close-knit academic community where students enjoy the resources of a world-class research institution. Motivated scholars collaborate with world-renowned faculty, creating an environment defined by discovery and support.
As one of four chancellor-led units in the Rutgers University system, Rutgers–Camden is celebrated as a national model for civically engaged urban universities, earning the prestigious Community Engagement status from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. With its classification as an R2 research university, the campus contributes groundbreaking scholarship and creative output on a global scale.
Ranked among Washington Monthly’s "25 Best-in-Class Colleges", Rutgers University–Camden offers an exceptional environment for intellectual growth, community engagement, and personal achievement, empowering students to reach their highest potential.
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