As Giants Stadium approached 30 years of age, it was becoming one of the older stadiums in the NFL. The Jets, who had been the tenants to the Giants, were looking to have a proposed West Side Stadium built in Manhattan proper. Originally intended to be the 85,000-seat main stadium for New York's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, it was designed to be downsized to 75,000 seats for the Jets. However, it would have required significant public funding; progress on the project was halted in 2005 due to opposition from a number of sources, including Cablevision, who owned the nearby Madison Square Garden at the time.[11] The Jets then entered into a joint venture with the Giants to build a new stadium in which the two New York teams would be equal partners.
Design and planning
MetLife Stadium under construction in 2007 (top) and 2008 (bottom) near Giants Stadium
The architects were tasked with designing a neutral stadium that would still embody the distinct personalities of both franchises. The Giants favored a traditional look of exposed steel framework and rusticated stone while the Jets wanted a sleek and modern look highlighted by metal and glass. With those features in mind the designers used the column/tower dynamic seen in many of Manhattan's skyscrapers as inspiration for the stadium's design.[12]
The base of the stadium's facade is clad in limestone-like stonework while the rest of the stadium is distinguished by an outer skin of aluminumlouvers and glass and by interior lighting capable of switching colors, depending on which team is currently playing–blue for the Giants and green for the Jets.[13] This idea originated at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany; which was previously shared between the city's two major soccer clubs, Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich. Unlike Giants Stadium, MetLife Stadium can easily be reconfigured for the Giants or Jets within a matter of hours.[14] The louvers' total linear length is exactly 50,000 meters (50 kilometers) or 163,681 feet (31.1 miles).
Front row 50 yard line seats are 46 feet (14 m) away from the sideline, which is the shortest distance of all NFL stadiums. To change the field decorations, two 4-person crews take approximately 18 hours using forklifts and other machinery to remove the 40 sections of Act Global UBU Speed Series which make up the teams' respective end zones.[15] Replaceable team logos at midfield were removed in August 2010, after Domenik Hixon tore his anterior cruciate ligament at a practice at the stadium during training camp. For the next decade, the NFL's logo was painted at midfield, instead of the logo of one of the teams, also shortening the transition time.[16] However, in 2023, the Giants announced they would paint their team logo at midfield during their home games, with the Jets likewise doing the same approach.[17] The paint is formulated to be easily dissolved by water to ensure it can be quickly removed, and as such it is not expected to be used when precipitation is expected. If the two teams are playing each other, the designated home team will have its configuration around the stadium. During their annual preseason matchup, both the Giants and the Jets will have an end zone with their team logo.
Unlike a number of other new NFL venues, MetLife Stadium does not have a roof, as proposals to include a roof failed, over a dispute for funding.[18] Thus, indoor events such as the Final Four cannot be held at the facility, which runs counter to the original aims for a new arena in northern New Jersey.[19]
Ten giant HD-ready light emitting diode (LED) pylons, located at the north, south, east, and west entrances, display videos of the team currently in-house. The pylons measure approximately 54 feet (16 m) high by 20 feet (6.1 m) wide. Inside, are four 30 feet (9.1 m) by 116 feet (35 m) HD video displays, and hang from each corner of the upper deck.[20]
The new stadium seating bowl is laid out similar to that of Giants Stadium[12] and has seating for 82,500[2] people, including 10,005 club seats and approximately 218 luxury suites, making it the largest NFL stadium in terms of total seating.[21] The seating bowl is also raked in a way that eliminates overhangs from the upper decks that would impede views and allows fans to see the full arc of a 90-foot (30 yd) punt.[12]
Lower bowl
Mid-bowl
Upper bowl
33,346
21,323
27,897
MetLife Stadium includes a total of four locker rooms: one each for the Giants and Jets, as well as two for visiting teams. The home teams have locker rooms on opposite ends of the stadium with a visitors' locker room adjacent to it. On most game days the visitors use the locker room at the end opposite that of the home team while the unused visitors' locker room is used for spillover by the home team.[21][22] For games in which neither the Giants or Jets are playing, each team uses one of the visitor's locker rooms. When the Giants and Jets play each other, each team uses its own locker room plus the adjacent visitor's room for spillover.
In 2012, DLR Group partnered with NRG Energy to design and install a "Solar Ring" on the upper rim of MetLife Stadium. The Solar Ring consists of 1,350 building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar panels assembled into 47 individual frames. The BIPV panels are illuminated with LED lighting and programmed to display the signature blue and green colors of the Giants and the Jets along with other hues for events such as concerts, soccer matches, and college sports. The panels generate about 350 KW, nearly 25 times the amount of electricity that's actually needed to power the LED display system. The excess power generated can go into the general stadium use or back to the grid.[23][24]
In January 2024, renovations began on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium to enlarge the playing field to meet necessary FIFA requirements to host the eight games, including the final, of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. To limit disruption of regular stadium usage, the project is being done in two phases. Phase I will be completed in May 2024 and Phase II will commence in January 2025 and be completed in May 2025.
To expand the field's dimensions for the tournament and maintain the current NFL seating capacity and layout, four corners of the existing precast concrete seating bowl will be demolished and replaced with a new modular steel composite seating system that includes related mechanical, electrical, audio visual and plumbing adjustments. Additionally, 1,740 permanent seats will be replaced with the new seating system.[25]
Urban planning and access
The design of the stadium makes it mainly accessible via automobile. The car-centric design of the stadium and adjacent areas frequently leads to traffic jams.[26]
In addition, the sports complex was not designed for pedestrian access to the stadium without jeopardizing safety. There are no sidewalks or pedestrian paths on the roads that access the stadium. Officials explicitly discourage pedestrians to walk to the stadium and in some cases forbid it due to safety concerns.[27]
Technical agreements
Lease terms
View of MetLife Stadium (under construction) and Giants Stadium (on right) in July 2009
The two teams formed the New Meadowlands Stadium Company, LLC (now MetLife Stadium Company), a 50/50 joint venture, to build and operate the stadium. The two teams leased the parcel of land on which the stadium stands from the NJSEA for a 25-year term, with options to extend it which could eventually reach 97 years. After the 15th year of the lease, and every five years, hence; one of the two teams may opt out of the lease after giving the state 12 months notice. The first such opportunity to opt out will occur in 2025 with a notice date of 2024. There will then be an opportunity to opt out in 2030, 2035, 2040, etc... However, if one team leaves for a new stadium, the other team would have to remain for the remainder of the lease. However, the high cost of building and relocating to a stadium makes it very unlikely. The teams also get parking revenue from the Meadowlands' western parking lots year round, even when there are no events at the stadium (this would occur when other parts of the Meadowlands host events).[28]
Naming rights
Allianz, a financial services and insurance company based in Munich, Germany, expressed interest in purchasing naming rights to the stadium. The proposal was for a period of up to 30 years,[29] and was estimated to be valued at between $20 million and US$30 million. However, it sparked protests from New York's Jewish community (the largest outside of Israel) and the Anti-Defamation League, which opposed the move due to close ties in the past between Allianz and the government of Nazi Germany during World War II. Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, however, secretary general of the North American Board of Rabbis, agreed that although survivors' sensibilities are understandable, a naming deal is legitimate. "I have found Allianz to be receptive, to be sensitive and a friend of the Jewish people today," he said.[30] Allianz sponsors the venue that inspired the color-change technology for MetLife Stadium: Allianz Arena in Munich. No agreement was reached and talks between Allianz and the teams ended on September 12, 2008.[31]
On June 27, 2011, it was reported that New York City-based insurance company MetLife entered discussions to purchase naming rights to the stadium.[32] The new name, MetLife Stadium,[33] became official when all parties signed a 25-year deal on August 23.[34][35][36]
EPA agreement
In June 2009, the New Meadowlands Stadium Corporation and the EPA signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines plans to incorporate environmentally-friendly materials and practices into the construction and operation of MetLife Stadium. The agreement includes strategies to reduce air pollution, conserve water, and energy, improve waste management, and reduce the environmental impact of construction. The goal of the agreement is to save the emission of nearly 1.68 million metric tons of carbon dioxide during the stadium's construction and its first year of operation. Under this agreement, the stadium construction must use around 40,000 tons of recycled steel, recycle 20,000 tons of steel from Giants Stadium, install seating made from recycled plastic and scrap iron, and reduce air pollution from construction vehicles by using cleaner diesel fuel, diesel engine filters, and minimizing engine idle times. Other goals of this agreement include providing mass transit options for fans and replacing traditional concession plates, cups and carries with compostable alternatives. The New Meadowlands Stadium Corporation is to report the progress on its goals to EPA every six months. Based on the reports, the EPA has stated it will quantify the benefits of the venue's environmental efforts.[37][38]
Accessibility and transportation
Meadowlands station provides New Jersey Transit rail service to MetLife Stadium on game days
MetLife Stadium enforces a clear bag policy, allowing only transparent bags no larger than 12”x6”x12” and small clutches of 4.5”x6.5”, with exceptions for medically necessary items after inspection.[43]
Awards and recognition
In 2009, MetLife Stadium was named the "Greenest Stadium" in the NFL by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).[44]
In July 2017, MetLife Stadium was named "Venue of the Year" by the Stadium Business Summit. The award is awarded to the world's best stadium, arena or sports venue, that deserves recognition for an outstanding performance over a 12-month period.[45]
Notable events
Firsts and notable moments
Pre-game ceremony prior to the Jets-Cowboys game on September 11, 2011
The first event at the stadium was the Big City Classic lacrosse event, held on April 10, 2010.[9]
September 12, 2010: The Giants hosted the first NFL regular season game in the stadium's history against the Carolina Panthers, winning 31–18.[46]
November 14, 2010: The stadium encountered two power outages during a game between the Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. The game was delayed about twenty-five minutes.[48]
December 19, 2010: The Philadelphia Eagles staged a comeback against the Giants in what has become known as the Miracle at the New Meadowlands, coming back from being down 31–10 with about eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter to win 38–31, capped off by DeSean Jackson's game winning punt return as time expired.
September 11, 2011: On the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a ceremony was held prior to the game between the Jets and the Dallas Cowboys honoring the victims of the attacks.[49] The Jets defeated the Cowboys 27–24.[50]
December 24, 2011: The visiting Giants defeated the hosting Jets 29–14 in what was the biggest regular season match-up between the two New York teams in recent years, due to postseason implications for both sides. Victor Cruz blew open a tight game with a 99-yard touchdown reception. The victory helped propel the Giants into the playoffs while contributing significantly to eliminating the Jets from a postseason appearance.[51]
January 8, 2012: MetLife Stadium hosted its first NFL playoff game, with the Giants defeating the Atlanta Falcons 24–2 in an NFC Wild Card game,[52] en route to their Super Bowl XLVI championship.
February 9, 2020: The New York Guardians of the XFL played their first game at MetLife Stadium against the Tampa Bay Vipers, winning 23−3 in front of 17,634 fans.[58]
On May 25, 2010, it was announced that Super Bowl XLVIII was awarded to the stadium, the first time a Super Bowl would be played in the New York metropolitan area, and the first time that a non-domed stadium in a cold-weather city would host it.[59] Normally, Super Bowls must be held in indoor climate-controlled stadiums if they are held in a city with an average temperature lower than 50 °F (10 °C). However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell waived this requirement and allowed MetLife Stadium on the ballot because of a "unique, once-only circumstance based on the opportunity to celebrate the new stadium and the great heritage and history of the NFL in the New York region."[60][61] The game was played on February 2, 2014. The temperature at kickoff was 49 °F (9 °C), making it only the third-coldest Super Bowl on record.[62] The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos 43–8 for their first Super Bowl victory.[63]
WrestleMania
MetLife Stadium during WrestleMania 29.MetLife Stadium during WrestleMania 35.
MetLife Stadium has twice hosted WrestleMania—the flagship pay-per-view event of the professional wrestling promotion WWE. WrestleMania 29 was held at MetLife Stadium on April 7, 2013. With 80,676 spectators, it was the third most-attended event in WWE history, and the highest-grossing event in WWE history at $12.3 million. Six years later, MetLife Stadium hosted WrestleMania 35 on April 7, 2019, overtaking WrestleMania 29 with an attendance of 82,265, and $16.9 million in revenue.[64]
Soccer
MetLife Stadium is also designed for soccer. To prepare for a match, the stadium uses retractable seating in the field level corners to fit a FIFA-sanctioned soccer field.[65] Along with being noted for providing exceptional sight-lines,[66] this has allowed the stadium to host several major international matches.
The first international exhibition match was between Mexico and Ecuador on May 7, 2010, in front of 77,507 fans. The stadium hosted another international exhibition soccer match between the United States and Brazil on August 10, 2010. Brazil won 2–0 in front of a near-sellout crowd of 77,223; the game was played on a temporary grass field.[67][68]
On March 26, 2011, the stadium hosted an international friendly, between the United States and Argentina, which ended in a 1–1 draw and was played in front of a sellout crowd of 78,926.[69]
On June 9, 2012, Argentina and Brazil played a friendly match, with Argentina winning in a thrilling 4–3 match featuring a Lionel Messihat-trick.[70] Another exhibition match in preparation for 2014 FIFA World Cup was played on November 14, 2012, between Colombia and Brazil, with Brazil acting as the local team despite a higher affluence of Colombian fans.
On November 15, 2013, Argentina and Ecuador played an international friendly to a 0–0 draw.[71]
On September 9, 2014, the stadium hosted an international friendly between Brazil and Ecuador with Brazil victorious 1–0.[73]
On March 31, 2015, the stadium hosted an international friendly rematch of Argentina and Ecuador with Argentina prevailing 2–1 in front of 48,000 fans.[74][75]
On June 26, 2016, the stadium hosted the final of the Copa América Centenario—a special U.S.-hosted edition of the Copa América tournament co-organized by CONCACAF, marking the centennial of South America's soccer federation CONMEBOL. After a 0–0 draw after extra time, Chile beat Argentina 4–2 on penalties to win the tournament.[76]
On September 7, 2018, the stadium hosted the United States and Brazil in an international friendly match as part of U.S. Soccer's "Kickoff Series",[81] which Brazil won by a score of 2–0 with goals from Roberto Firmino and Neymar.
On September 11, 2018, the stadium hosted an international friendly between Colombia and Argentina.[82]
On September 6, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted the 70th all time meeting of the United States and Mexico with Mexico winning 3–0 in front of a crowd of 47,960.[84]
MetLife Stadium is one of 16 venues, as well as one of the eleven American venues which will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[85] As per FIFA requirements, the stadium will have a grass field installed for the World Cup matches. During the event, the stadium will be temporarily renamed to "New York New Jersey Stadium" in accordance with FIFA's policy on corporate sponsored names.[86][87] In February 2024, the stadium was announced as the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.[88] In addition, the stadium will host five group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match.[89]
College football
On October 16, 2010, Rutgers hosted Army in the first college football game to be played in the new stadium, with the Scarlet Knights defeating the Black Knights in overtime, 23–20. During the game's second half, Rutgers player Eric LeGrand was injured on a special teams play, defending a Rutgers kickoff, and paralyzed from the neck down.
Syracuse University has hosted selected home games at MetLife Stadium in lieu of the Carrier Dome. The first of these games, branded as New York's College Classic, was played in 2012 against the visiting USC Trojans, who won 42–29. In 2013, the team opened its season against its rivalPenn State at the stadium, losing 23–17.[90] In 2014, the team hosted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at MetLife Stadium, losing 31–15. A rematch was held in 2016, once again losing to the Fighting Irish 50–33.
On November 16, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted the 61st Cortaca Jug rivalry game between the NCAA Division IIICortland Red Dragons and Ithaca Bombers. With an attendance of 45,161, it set a record for the most-attended football game in Division III history. The game was held at MetLife Stadium as part of season-long commemorations of the 150th anniversary of college football.[91]
On December 11, 2021, MetLife Stadium hosted the 122nd Army-Navy Game. This was the first time the historic matchup was held at MetLife and the fifth time it was held in East Rutherford. Previous matchups were held at Giants Stadium in 1989, 1993, 1997, and 2002. Navy defeated Army 17–13.
Outdoor ice hockey
On June 3, 2023, the National Hockey League announced that MetLife Stadium would host two outdoor games as part of the 2024 NHL Stadium Series. The New Jersey Devils hosted the Philadelphia Flyers on February 17, 2024. Devils captain Nico Hischier scored the first NHL goal in MetLife Stadium history on a breakaway 32 seconds into the first period of the game, ultimately scoring two goals on the night en route to the Devils victory over the Flyers by a final score of 6–3 before a crowd of 70,328 fans.[92] The following day, the New York Rangers defeated the New York Islanders 6–5 in overtime following a 3-goal comeback from a 3–5 deficit in front of 79,690 fans in attendance, which was the third largest attendance in NHL history. Rangers forward Artemi Panarin was awarded the game-winning goal 10 seconds into overtime as the net came off its moorings by Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson. After video review, it was confirmed that the puck would've crossed the goal line had the net stayed in place.[93][94] This was the first time MetLife Stadium had ever hosted NHL hockey, the first time outdoor NHL hockey had ever been played in the state of New Jersey, and the fourth and fifth time outdoor NHL hockey would be played in the New York City/New Jersey area. Yankee Stadium hosted two games as part of the 2014 NHL Stadium Series, in which the New York Rangers won both games, defeating the New Jersey Devils 7-3 and defeating the New York Islanders 2–1. Citi Field previously hosted the 2018 NHL Winter Classic as well, with the Rangers defeating the Buffalo Sabres 3–2 in overtime.
Vini "Mad Dog" Lopez was the special guest at the first show and Gary U.S. Bonds was the special guest at the second and third shows. The third (and final) show was delayed for two hours due to a strong thunderstorm. The show finally got underway around 10:30 pm, prompting fans to sing "Happy Birthday" to Springsteen at midnight to celebrate his 63rd birthday. At the end of the show, Springsteen was presented with a guitar-shaped birthday cake onstage. The concert was released as a live album in June 2019[107][108]
The first show lasted 3 hours and 52 minutes, at the time his longest show ever in the United States and the third longest show of his career.[126] The second show lasted 3 hours and 59 minutes surpassing the previous show in which Tom Morello was the special guest.[127] The third and final show lasted 4 hours and 1 minute in which Rickie Lee Jones was the special guest.[128]
This concert was originally scheduled to take place on September 7, 2016, but was rescheduled due to doctor's orders for vocal rest.[130]Serena Williams, Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar were special guests. Beyoncé also added "6 Inch" to the setlist.[131]
Swift became the first female artist in history to headline and sell out three consecutive shows at the stadium. During the second show, Swift performed "Clean" before the "Long Live" / "New Year's Day" medley. During the third show, Swift performed "So It Goes..." in place of "Dancing with Our Hands Tied".[136]
At the beginning of the first show, the entire stadium was evacuated due to a nearby thunderstorm. The show start time was postponed until 11:30pm with the show ending at 1:30am. During the second show, "Nice" was added to the setlist.
These concerts were originally scheduled to take place on June 13 and 17, 2019 but were postponed due to Mick Jagger recovering from a heart procedure.[140]
The first Latin band ever to perform in this stadium as a headliners. This was also the end of the Inmortal Tour in the United States.[144] This was also their second time at MetLife. Their first was when they were the closing act for the lead singer Romeo Santos's Utopía Concert back in 2019.[145]
Originally known as the Chillaxification Tour; Originally planned for August 22, 2020, before initially being delayed to August 13, 2021; Postponed due to pandemic[155]
Swift became the first artist in history to headline and sell out three consecutive shows at the stadium twice. Highest three-day attendance in stadium history.
The stadium hosted the 12th Siyum HaShas, a celebration of the completion of the Talmud through the 7+1⁄2-year Daf Yomi study program, on August 1, 2012. At 93,000 seats, it was the highest capacity crowd in the stadium's history, due to on-field seating and a ticket sell-out. The siyum was a Department of Homeland Security level two security event, the most critical short of a presidential visit.[160][161] On January 1, 2020, it hosted the 13th Siyum HaShas.[162]
The stadium hosts the annual Summer Jam festival sponsored by WQHT FM ("Hot 97").
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