Rutgers football is back in action for the annual Scarlet-White game.

For the first time since December 2019, Rutgers fans were back inside the stadium to watch their team in person.

“After such a long time and it’s a beautiful evening and I know everyone worked so hard and we’re going to have fun, fun, fun,” said Debra Josephs, of Hackensack.

Up to 5,000 fans were permitted to watch the annual game. It was the first time that fans were able to physically see head coach Greg Schiano in action since he was brought back to Rutgers more than a year ago.

“I mean we all went crazy when he came out at the Seton Hall game for basketball and then nobody got to cheer for him here, so tonight's the night,” said Denise Moore, of Roxbury.

The Scarlet-White game caps a spring season consisting of 15 practices. Fans said that after seeing what Schiano did with the team last season, they were ready for more.

“You know, with the COVID, giving the kids an extra year, they should be real good this year. A couple of kids go extra years, you know,” said Ron Jackson, of Paterson.

Football isn’t the only team that fans are excited about right now. Fans said that it is a good time to be a Scarlet Knight.

“All the teams are doing good. Basketball made the tournament, the lacrosse team made [the tournament.] All the teams are good,” said Ed Garber, of Edison.

Rutgers opens the 2021 football season Sept. 4 against Temple.