MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, 5 miles (8km) from New York City centre, is worth visiting even if only for the fact that it is officially the largest sports stadium in the USA with capacity for American football and soccer matches at 82,500. 

Built only in 2010 to replace the old Giants Stadium the new ground has all expected commodities and interactive experiences for visitors. MetLife Stadium is an open-air venue and the memorable at times New York weather can add to the experience. 

The stadium’s exterior is coated in a metallic skin that reflects the surrounding lights, creating a dazzling effect during night games and events. The arena is equipped with 2,100 HD screens so virtually wherever you are you can follow the action even if you happen to be away from the pitch-view zones. 

MetLife Stadium is famous for providing an excellent atmosphere for NFL matches. The front row seats are only 46 feet (14m) from the sideline, which is officially the shortest distance in the entire NFL between the action area and the fans. 

The new stadium seating bowl is laid out similar to that of the old Giants Stadium, but it also includes 10,005 club seats and approximately 218 luxury suites. Also, MetLife Stadium doesn’t have overhanging upper decks. This provides a perfect view of the entire pitch no matter where you’re seated. 

When was MetLife Stadium built?

MetLife Stadium took 3 years to be completed. The work took place between 2008 and 2010, with the new stadium built right on top of the demolished 30-year-old Giants Stadium. 

​What is the main sport played at MetLife Stadium?

The arena is built mainly for American Football with both New York State franchises the New York Giants and the New Jersey Jets playing all of their home NFL matches at MetLife Stadium their home since 2010. 

The story of MetLife Stadium

The stadium was built on top of the old Giants Stadium. It took $1,6 billion and 3 years of labour to finish the job. Since its opening in 2010 MetLife Stadium has been the biggest football arena in the United States. With tons of events ranging from, WrestleMania (twice), American Football, soccer matches and many concerts MetLife is one of the most profitable sports venues in the entire country. 

In 2014, MetLife Stadium made history by hosting the first-ever cold-weather Super Bowl.

MetLife Stadium has hosted many soccer matches and the highest attendance so far was just recently. In July 2023 a friendly encounter between the English giants Manchester United and Arsenal attracted 82,262 people to the stadium. 

The stadium hosted many other events over the years, with some of the more bizarre being the 18th International Indian Film Academy Awards, the Oscars of Bollywood and in 2018 the inaugural ball for newly elected New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. 

MetLife Stadium offers behind-the-scenes tours. Visitors can explore the locker rooms, walk through the tunnels, and even step onto the field. 

All tickets for the tours have to be purchased from Ticketmaster. Here are the current prices: 

Tour Price

Adults (13 and over) $17.00

Children (5-12 years old) / Senior Citizens $12.00

Children (4 and under) FREE

As the venue is used mainly for American Football and music concerts these are the most common events at the arena. For NFL matches tickets can be purchased directly from the websites of the Giants and the Jets. For all events at MetLife Stadium, tickets can be found at Ticketmaster. An event calendar is available online, detailing all upcoming happenings at the stadium. 

How to get to MetLife Stadium by public transport

Meadowlands Rail Station is a half-mile walk from the stadium, so taking the train in is a very easy way to avoid the New Jersey road traffic. No matter if you’re already in New Jersey, or New York you can get to MetLife Stadium simply by using one of the Meadowlands Rail Line, also known as the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line and you’ll arrive without much hustle. 

Bus numbers 351 and 353 also pass the sports complex and one of them can be boarded from the most popular bus stops across New Jersey. 

​How to get to MetLife Stadium by car

For those arriving by personal car, the traffic across New Jersey can be an intimidating experience. The route towards the tailgate parking area also varies depending on which roads are deliberately shut for security reasons. 

All parking passes are pre-sold and even though the price varies based on the event a spot can cost $25 to $40 for a typical car. Larger vehicles, like buses, can cost from $75 to $150.

The one big advantage of driving in is that you’re welcome to bring a picnic and can even grill in certain areas.

Known as a food lover’s paradise MetLife Stadium has a long list of concession and portable stands. You can find food literally from every corner of the world on those. From the traditional for the locals hot dog or chicken tenders, Americans simply can’t imagine eating anything else while attending NFL games, to the many Greek, Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese and even Japanese sushi stands that are certain to have something you fancy.

From the moment of its completion in 2010 MetLife Stadium was given the award for the ‘greenest’ NFL Stadium. This was because the architects placed 1,300 solar panels on the outside areas of the arena. This not only provides enough electricity for the needs of the stadium but also the excess is given at preferential prices to the 200 nearest residential homes to the grounds. 

MetLife Stadium is involved in many other green initiatives, it always had a strong recycling system, and in 2021 it became the first NFL Stadium to join the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s Sports for Climate Action Framework.

As usual, the event calendar of MetLife Stadium is pretty full and in May 2023 the legendary rockers Rolling Stones will host 2 concerts at the venue. 

Also, in June-July several Copa America matches will be played, including one of the semi-finals in what will be a general rehearse for MetLife Stadium as one of the eleven hosting grounds for the 2026 World Cup. Right now, MetLife is also the frontrunner to host the big final of the World Cup too. 

As it was widely expected MetLife Stadium has been chosen to host the big final of the 2026 World Cup on 19 July, 2026.

MetLife will be used a lot throughout the entire tournament, so here is the full schedule of matches that will be hosted by it:

13 June: Match 7 of the group stage

16 June: Match 17 of the group stage

22 June: Match 41 of the group stage

25 June: Match 56 of the group stage

27 June: Match 67 of the group stage

30 June: Match 77 of the round of 32

05 July: Match 91 of the round of 16

19 July: Match 104 – the 2026 World Cup final!