Princeton Tigers Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I (NCAA)

Head Coach: Mitch Henderson

Team Mascot: The Tiger

Year Opened: 1969

Capacity: 6854

City / State: Princeton / New Jersey

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Princeton Tigers vs Penn Quakers

Rival Team: Penn Quakers

Princeton and Penn are the two most successful basketball programs in the Ivy League and as a result, have developed a fierce rivalry over the years. The rivalry is particularly intense since the Ivy League typically only receives one NCAA Tournament bid each year giving each and every matchup extra importance. There is always a lot at stake when the Tigers and Quakers square-off, so make sure to be in attendance when Penn comes to Jadwin Gymnasium.

Princeton Tigers vs Harvard Crimson

Rival Team: Harvard Crimson

The hatred between Princeton and Harvard may not be as strong as it is between Princeton and Penn, but the Crimson’s recent success on the court has made Princeton-Harvard one of the best matchups in the league. If you want to see a hard-fought contest at Jadwin Gymnasium, then a Princeton-Harvard game is a must-see.

Princeton Tigers vs Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Rival Team: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Princeton has played in-state rivals Rutgers, more than any other non-conference opponent making a Princeton-Rutgers game a great time to see the Tigers play. The two New Jersey-based schools have played 120 times, and there is plenty of animosity between the two programs, so don’t miss it when Princeton and Rutgers meet on the hardwood.

Princeton Tigers Stadium Guide

In Game

Princeton is home to the famous Princeton Offense as well as one of the best game day experiences in the Ivy League. Jadwin Gymnasium boasts everything you could want in a college hoops experience including lots of history and pageantry as well as a great fan base.

Even before you step foot into Jadwin Gymnasium, you’ll see tributes to the best athletes in Tigers history. The Bill Bradley and Dick Kazmaier statues celebrate the best basketball and football players in Princeton history and are a must-see for anyone visiting Princeton. Once you enter the arena, you can snap a picture of Kazmaier’s Heisman Trophy or view any of the other trophies in the trophy case.

After walking the concourse and seeing all Jadwin Gymnasium has to offer, settle in for an intense game of college hoops. The Princeton fans come out in strong numbers to support their team, and the Jadwin Jungle provides a fantastic atmosphere that makes the event a fun time even for the more uninitiated.

Finally, take some time to explore the Princeton campus and downtown Princeton during your visit. Princeton is the fourth-oldest university in the United States, and as a result, there is lots of beautiful architecture for you to see. If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting, there are lots of excellent bars and restaurants downtown to check out including Hoagie Heaven and The Alchemist & Barrister.

A trip to Princeton is a great time for any college basketball fan, so start planning your trip today.

Things to check out

Bill Bradley and Dick Kazmaier Statues

Bradley and Kazmaier are the two most famous athletes in Tigers history, so stop by and snap a picture with the statues of these legends. The statues are must-sees for any college sports fan, especially Princeton fans.

Heisman Trophy

Located in the lobby of Jadwin Gymnasium, Dick Kazmaier’s Heisman Trophy is a can’t miss for anyone attending a Tigers basketball game. A trip to Princeton is an excellent opportunity for you to see a Heisman Trophy up close, so make sure to check it out during your visit.

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Tiger Statue

Snap a picture with the bronze tiger statue in the lobby. The statue offers a great photo op and a picture with the impressive statue is a nice keepsake to remember your trip to Princeton.

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Trophy Case

The Heisman Trophy isn’t the only award on display at Jadwin Gymnasium. The trophy case features tons of accolades won by Princeton athletes over the years, so stop by and see them all during your trip.

Banners

The Tigers have several banners hanging above the court honoring the best teams and players in Princeton basketball history. The crown jewel of these banners is the Tigers 1965 Final Four banner. Take in all the banners to remember your favorite Princeton basketball memories from over the years.

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Jadwin Jungle

The Jadwin Jungle is the largest student group on campus and home to the loudest and most dedicated fans at any Tigers basketball game. The students get into the heads of opponents with their cheers and antics and are a big part of any Princeton basketball game, so enjoy the noise they create during your visit to Jadwin Gymnasium.

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The Tiger

Keep an eye out for the Princeton mascot when attending a Tigers basketball game. The Tiger gets into all kinds of shenanigans and is beloved by all Princeton fans. Don’t miss the Tiger when taking in a game at Jadwin Gymnasium.

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Fight Songs

  1. “Old Nassau”

    Tune ev’ry heart and ev’ry voice,

    Bid ev’ry care withdraw;

    Let all with one accord rejoice,

    In praise of Old Nassau.

     

    CHORUS

    In praise of Old Nassau, we sing,

    Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

    Our hearts will give, while we shall live,

    Three cheers for Old Nassau.

    Let music rule the fleeting hour,

    Her mantle round us draw;

    And thrill each heart with all her pow’r,

    In praise of Old Nassau.

     

    CHORUS

    And when these walls in dust are laid,

    With reverence and awe

    Another throng shall breathe our song,

    In praise of Old Nassau.

     

    CHORUS

    Till then with joy our songs we’ll bring,

    And while a breath we draw,

    We’ll all unite to shout and sing:

    Long life to Old Nassau. chorus…

    Long life to Old Nassau, etc.

  2. “The Orange and the Black”

    Although Yale has always favored

    The violet’s dark blue,

    And the many sons of Harvard

    To the crimson rose are true,

    We will own the lilies slender,

    Nor honor shall they lack,

    While the Tiger stands defender

    Of the Orange and the Black.

    We will own the lilies slender,

    Nor honor shall they lack,

    While the Tiger stands defender

    Of the Orange and the Black.

    Thro’ the four long years of college,

    ‘Midst the scenes we know so well,

    As the mystic charm to knowledge

    We vainly seek to spell;

    Or, we win athletic vict’ries

    On the football field or track,

    Still we work for dear old Prince-ton,

    And the Orange and the Black.

    Or, we win athletic vict’ries

    On the football field or track,

    Still we work for dear old Prince-ton,

    And the Orange and the Black.

    When the cares of life o’ertake us,

    Mingling fast our locks with grey,

    Should our dearest hopes betray us,

    False Fortune fall away,

    Still we’ll banish care and sadness

    As we turn our mem’ries back,

    And recall those days of gladness

    ‘Neath the Orange and the Black.

    Still we’ll banish care and sadness

    As we turn our mem’ries back,

    And recall those days of gladness

    ‘Neath the Orange and the Black.

  3. “The Princeton Cannon Song”

    In Princeton town we’ve got a team

    That knows the way to play.

    With Princeton spirit back of them

    They’re sure to win the day.

    With cheer [cheers?]

    and song we’ll rally ’round

    The Cannon as of yore,

    And Nassau’s walls will echo with

    The Princeton Tiger’s roar:

    CHORUS

    (And then we’ll) Crash through that [the?] line of blue

    And send the backs on ’round the end!

    Fight, fight for ev’ry yard,

    Princeton’s honor to defend.

    Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah!

    Tiger sis boom ah!

    And locomotives by the score!

    For we’ll fight with a vim

    That is dead sure to win For Old Nassau!

  4. “Going Back to Nassau Hall”

    When the sons of Princeton Gather anywhere,

    There’s a place they think of,

    Longing to be there.

    It’s the one and only University,

    Situated and celebrated

    In New Jersee

     

    CHORUS

    Going back, going back,

    Going back to Nassau Hall.

    Going back, going back,

    To the best old place of all.

    Going back, going back,

    From all this earthly ball.

    We’ll clear the track as we go back,

    Going back to Nassau Hall.

    Let’s go back to Princeton

    At commencement time,

    Sample each reunion:

    That’s the life for mine!

    Ramble round the campus,

    Full of jollity,

    Our location for celebration

    Is New Jersee. Chorus

    They are great at football

    Down in Princeton town,

    And likewise in baseball

    They have won renown.

    Soon we’ll see them winning

    One more victory,

    And bonfires burning when we’re returning

    To New Jersee

     

    CHORUS

  5. “Princeton, Forward March”

    Come, fall in line,

    we’re all in line for Princeton,

    To show we’re true to team and crew.

    We’ll march along with cheer and song for Princeton,

    To show we’re loyal through and through.

    Ready Nassau Hall, hear that battle call:

    “Princeton, forward march!” Yea!

     

    CHORUS

    Princeton, forward march to victory,

    Princeton, lead the way.

    Princeton, forward march to victory,

    This is the tiger’s day. Yea!

    Princeton, forward march to victory,

    Fight with brain and brawn.

    We’ll leave old Eli trailing in the dust,

    As we go marching on.

  6. “Here Comes That Tiger”

    Oh boy! Oh boy! Here comes that Tiger, wow!

    He’s running wild, They’ll never stop him now!

    He’ll prowl around and then he’ll let out a roar

    When eleven Princeton football players start to score.

    He likes to play in any game that’s tough

    And lead the way to where the going’s rough.

    What is the one team that always wears the crown?

    It’s that Royal Bengal Tiger down in Princeton town!

  7. “Princeton’s Sons”

    Princeton’s Sons are (Nineteen Seven’s) back again

    Into the Tiger’s den once more.

    Back with the class

    And back where the Nass Used to stand in days of yore.

    They’ve come back from far and near,

    Back to Princeton ev’ry year,

    To cheer once more

    For Old Nassau With a Tiger sis boom bah!

  8. “The Princeton Band”

    Oh here we are, The Princeton Band,

    Playing songs of Old Nassau.

    That old refrain Will sound again,

    And you will hear the tiger’s roar. Roar!

    The slide trombone, The saxophone, and the bass drum sounding grand.

    With a boom boom boom, And a zoom zoom zoom.

    Oh, when you hear the Princeton Band!

  9. “Princeton Stadium Song”

    Princeton’s team today will win more laurels.

    Our Tiger team will win again today.

    See them march out on the field;

    Johnny Harvard’s fate is sealed In the good old Princeton way.

    So, CHORUS Princeton will rule the stadium.

    Nassau will win the fight.

    Over the line we will push to score.

    Bright Princeton stars will shine here tonight,

    so we will Sing out our cheers for Princeton.

    Triumph will come once more.

    Hoist the banner to the skies;

    The Nassau team will take the prize,

    so Let the Tiger roar!

  10. “Princeton Forever”

    Princeton Men, once again, one and all

    Give a cheer, when you hear the tiger’s call.

    Let him roar, while Nassau wins the game.

    He’ll defend to the end our fame.

    March a-long with a song, once again

    Raise your voice and rejoice,

    my Princeton men Singing yea! Let’s go! Nassau!

    We shoot as one. Forever more, Princeton!

  11. “Locomotive”

    Princeton cheer

    Leader:
    “Locomotive [Who You’re Cheering]!  HIP, HIP…”

    Crowd:
    ‘RAH! ‘RAH! ‘RAH!
    TIGER! TIGER! TIGER!
    SIS! SIS! SIS!
    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
    AHHHHHHH….
    [Who You’re Cheering]!!! [Who You’re Cheering]!!! [Who You’re Cheering]!!!

Princeton Tigers Bars & Restaurants

  1. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen

    The Dinky Bar and Kitchen

    A onetime train station offering beer, cocktails & small & large American plates amid rustic decor.

    94 University Pl, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Yankee Doodle Tap Room

    Yankee Doodle Tap Room

    In the historical Nassau Inn, this spot features pub fare & a Norman Rockwell mural behind the bar.

    10 Palmer Square E, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Alchemist & Barrister

    Alchemist and Barrister

    Quaint restaurant offering up standard American bar food in a rustic interior & on a patio.

    28 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Ivy Inn

    beer

    Enduring, laid-back watering hole featuring DJs, live music & karaoke, with pub grub & a patio.

    248 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  5. Winberie’s

    Winberies

    Casual eatery that serves up burgers, brews & brunch, plus a gluten-free menu.

    1 Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Seasons 52

    Wine

    Rotating menu of seasonal American dishes alongside international wines in an upscale setting.

    3535 US-1, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  7. Princetonian Diner

    Diner

    Built in 1966, this diner serves up classic fare & desserts that are made on the premises.

    3509 US-1, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  8. PJ’s Pancake House

    Pancakes

    It's not just about the pancakes!

    154 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Hoagie Haven

    Hoagie

    The best hoagies in the world for over four decades

    242 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  10. Mistral

    Mistral

    Sophisticated, globally-inspired small plates in a serene & modern space with blond wood.

    66 Witherspoon St, Princeton, NJ 08542, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  11. Vidalia Italian Restaurant

    Pasta Robertos

    Guests at this BYOB Italian bistro can dine on the garden patio or in the cozy interior.

    21 Phillips Ave, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648, USA

    Bar website

    italian - $$

  12. The Tiger’s Tale

    beer glass

    Bustling, casual bar serving up traditional pub bites as well as a more substantial dining menu.

    1290 US-206, Skillman, NJ 08558, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Rocky Hill Inn & Tavern

    Rocky Hill Tavern

    A historic Colonial inn houses this gastropub with multiple rooms, craft beers & American cuisine.

    137 Washington St, Rocky Hill, NJ 08553, USA

    Bar website

    american - $