Football can’t be followed in northern New Jersey without making an official visit to MetLife Stadium. Each fall, football fans return to the space (which seats 82,500) to support their teams and be immersed in the experience of an American pastime. The destination is one of a kind, as it is the only active stadium to serve as the home base for two NFL teams — the New York Giants, and the New York Jets. No matter which team fans support, all agree that watching a game at MetLife is a spectacular way to spend a Sunday. Especially for Bergen County locals, a trip to MetLife Stadium is a part of the local experience. There are more events that happening here like concerts and other entertainment. Read on for what to know when visiting Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
^ The 2024 NHL Stadium Series at Metlife Stadium
How to Prepare
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The first step in planning the MetLife experience is buying a ticket. An event calendar is available online, detailing all upcoming happenings at the stadium. Football might be the main draw, but it is certainly not the only attraction. MetLife also hosts concerts, performances, and regular tours of the stadium itself. Tickets are required for all games and shows, though young children may be admitted for free, depending on the event. Through the online schedule, one can identify their preferred excursion and get all the necessary entrance info.
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With the online calendar, tickets can also be purchased through an affiliated portal powered by Ticketmaster. On-site ticket booths open about three hours before each event starts, and sales tend to close at halftime or intermission. If planning ahead is an option, opting for online ordering is perhaps the best way to stay organized and satisfied with the chosen seat. Scalping, or the resale of tickets at a significant markup, is strictly prohibited on stadium grounds and surrounding roadways. Such activity should be reported when encountered. The stadium is also completely a cash-free venue, so be sure to come prepared with other methods of payment.
How to Get There
The Train
On game day, visitors need to have a transportation plan. Meadowlands Rail Station is a half-mile walk from the stadium, so taking the train is an excellent way to beat the traffic no matter where you’re coming from. The NJ Transit trains do not stop at Meadowlands Station, even on game days and during events, but there is a shuttle to get there by train. By going to Secaucus Junction, one may take an NJ Transit shuttle train that travels directly to the Meadowlands Station in time for the event. It will cost $4.50 roundtrip per adult and $2.10 for children, seniors, and the disabled from Secaucus Junction. Make sure to buy the tickets before boarding the train to save the additional $5.00 charge for the ticket.
Bus
Traveling by bus is the cheapest and most convenient way to get to MetLife on time for a desired game. There are many buses that either travel to MetLife Stadium or nearby, like the American Dream or Meadowlands Racetrack. The American Dream Mall has a variety of NJ Transit buses that stop there — the 703 bus from Paterson Broadway Terminal and the 772 from Hackensack. All lines run every day and the bus is a convenient way to travel when there’s time to spare before a game. Depending on location, there is one bus from NJ Transit that provides service to Meadowlands Racetrack and areas near Metlife. The 160 bus has service each hour every day from Elmwood Park to the racetrack and has a stop about a mile from Metlife.
Driving
For those arriving by personal car, tailgating is popular. Parking passes are pre-sold by NFL teams or can be purchased online. While pricing varies by game, a spot can cost $25 to $40 for a typical car. Larger vehicles, like buses, can cost from $75 to $150. All tailgating should be confined to the parking space purchased, ensuring that the setup remains within the designated area. Visitors can bring a picnic and grill in certain areas, though proper disposal of all waste is required upon entering the game. To prevent fire hazards, coals from a grill should be discarded in the designated containers provided at each parking lot.
Inside the Stadium
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Once inside, more fun awaits. MetLife boosts strategically placed, state-of-the-art viewing screens to ensure everyone stays abreast of all of the action no matter where they sit. Fans will be treated to trivia games and animated shorts displayed on these boards while their team is huddling.
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Where to Eat
Concession stands line the halls, ensuring one is never too far from a hot dog or chicken tenders when feeling peckish. Adult and non-alcoholic beverages can also be purchased at certain vendors, and free WiFi is available throughout the stadium as an additional perk. For anyone who forgets their Giants jersey, no problem. NFL merchandise is sold on-site in case someone wants to add team colors to their ensemble.
Keep up to speed with everything MetLife here, the Giants here, and the Jets here.
