You can’t follow football 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 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. Plus, there are a lot more events that happen here like concerts and other entertainment. Here’s what you should know as you map out your visit.
(Photo credit: Creative Commons)
How to Prepare
The first step in planning your 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 even offers 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 particular event. Through the online schedule, you can identify your preferred excursion and get all the necessary entrance info.
View this post on Instagram
With the online calendar, you can also opt to purchase tickets 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 you’re able to plan ahead, online ordering is perhaps the best bet to ensure you’re organized and ultimately happy with your 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 now completely a cash-free venue, so be sure to come prepared with other methods of payment.
Read More: NFL Players Who Have Lived in Hoboken + Jersey City
How to Get There
The Train
On game day, you’ll need to have a transportation plan. Meadowlands Rail Station is a half-mile walk from the stadium, so taking the train in is an excellent way to beat the traffic. Note that travelers from farther out (on the Montclair-Boonton Line or Morris and Essex Line, for example) will need to transfer at Secaucus Junction. A round trip from Secaucus will cost $4.50 in addition to the cost of a ticket from your origin station.
The Hoboken Line
A direct line also leaves from Hoboken Terminal, costing $8.50 for a round trip. Hobokenites might consider driving or using a rideshare service, as MetLife is roughly 15 minutes away by car. A designated rideshare zone is set up specifically for those moving by Uber or Lyft. However, on big event days, the traffic can be significant so plan accordingly.
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, so make sure your spread is contained by your car. You’re welcome to bring a picnic and can even grill in certain areas, though all waste must be properly disposed of as you enter 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
View this post on Instagram
Once inside, more fun awaits. MetLife features a number of strategically placed, state-of-the-art viewing screens to keep you abreast of all of the action no matter where you sit. Fans will be treated to trivia games and animated shorts displayed on these boards while their team is huddling.
See More: Going to a Concert at PNC? Here’s What to Know
Where to Eat
Concession stands line the halls, so you’re never too far from a hot dog or chicken tenders when you get 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. Forgot your Giants jersey? No problem. NFL merchandise is sold on-site in case you want to add team colors to your ensemble.
Keep up to speed with everything MetLife here, the Giants here, and the Jets here.
