MetLife Stadium

The basics

A spectacular venue that’s home to two professional sports teams, MetLife Stadium hosts numerous performances yearly—and with a seating capacity of 82,500, it’s one of the largest stadiums in the National Football League. Visitors with tickets to one of the popular events at the stadium—located in New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from New York City—can avoid traffic by taking the train. For views of the stadium without committing to an event, try a helicopter tour that offers a bird’s-eye view of the colossal venue.

Things to know before you go

• Sports fans shouldn’t miss game days at MetLife Stadium, home to both the New York Jets and New York Giants professional football teams.

• Come with an appetite, since dozens of vendors offer food options from BBQ and pizza to frozen custard.

• The stadium is wheelchair-accessible via elevators at the SAP, Verizon, and Pepsi entrances, and wheelchair seating is available on all levels.

• If you’re picking up tickets at will call, have your photo ID handy.

• Luggage and backpacks are not permitted inside the stadium.

How to get there

To avoid the notorious traffic in the New York area, you should plan to take public transportation. The best option is to take NJ Transit from New York’s Penn Station or Newark Penn Station. Alternatively, you can take the PATH train from 33rd Street in Manhattan and transfer to Meadowlands Service at NJ Transit’s Hoboken Terminal. After a quick ride, hop off at the Meadowlands Sports Complex stop, just outside the stadium.

When to get there

Since MetLife Stadium is a sizable venue with several entrances—and ticket offices at each entrance gate—make sure to arrive at least an hour before your event. If you’re a sports fan, plan to catch a professional football game during the season (between September and December). Booking tickets early in the season is your best bet, since playoff tickets are hard to come by.

Behind the scenes at the stadium

For an insider experience outside of NFL games and concerts, prebook tickets for a MetLife Stadium tour. Behind-the-scenes tours offer a look at premium areas of the open-air stadium, such as the press box and luxury suites, and offer sports superfans the chance to step onto the field where professional football franchises actually play. Tours are offered twice each Saturday, event schedule permitting.

Ways to explore

Football is the main draw at MetLife Stadium, especially from August to early January, when the Jets and Giants alternate home games. Though it seats over 80,000, the design is more functional than flashy. Beyond games and concerts, the stadium offers public and private tours with access to the press box, “Legacy Room,” club suites, and the field. For different perspectives, consider a helicopter flight over the stadium from New Jersey or NYC.

Accessibility

The stadium is wheelchair accessible; visitors can request wheelchair transportation to their seats from staff at any gate. All of the restrooms are accessible.

Age limits

MetLife events don’t typically have strict age limits; children up to 34 inches (86 centimeters) in height enter for free with an accompanying ticketed adult.

What to pack

Clear bag for smooth security check, credit card (the venue is cashless), refillable water bottle

What to wear

Team jersey, sun protection, weather-appropriate clothing (winters are cold and sometimes snowy)

Not allowed

Non-clear bags larger than permitted, glass bottles, most flags and banners, drones

Amenities

Baby-changing stations, free Wi-Fi, concession stands

Address

MetLife Stadium is set in the New Jersey Meadowlands, a region of wetlands and urban development, about 8 miles (13 kilometers) west of midtown Manhattan. Though the arena has paid parking, visitors are encouraged to take public transportation on the Meadowland Rail Service or express bus.

Driving

From Manhattan, take the Lincoln Tunnel and 495-W toward East Rutherford, New Jersey. Continue on the NJ-3 W across the Hackensack River and follow signs for the stadium.

Public transportation

From Manhattan, use NJ Transit, taking the train from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line, which runs on event days. Or, board the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal directly to the stadium.

Best times to visit

Arrive a few hours before game time for tailgating. Parking lots open 5 hours before kickoff, and gates open 2 hours before.

Best days to visit

Football games are typically on Sundays. Visit Monday through Friday to take a private stadium tour, or opt for Saturday or Sunday for a public group tour (reservations required).

Best months to visit

Peak football season from September to November offers pleasant weather before the winter chill kicks in.

Special events

Once a year, typically in the spring, MetLife Stadium hosts Monster Jam, a popular monster truck rally.