MetLife Stadium events attract sports fans, concertgoers, families, business groups, and visitors from across New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the stadium hosts NFL games, concerts, motorsports, family entertainment, and private events year-round. If you are planning to attend an event, arranging transportation in advance can make your visit more comfortable. This guide explains the types of events held at MetLife Stadium, how to find tickets, transportation options, parking information, stadium policies, accessibility services, and helpful tips for first-time visitors.
What Events Are Held at MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium hosts a wide range of sporting, musical, family, and private events. The official event calendar provides current dates, times, ticket details, and event-specific instructions, so visitors should check it before making travel arrangements.
NFL Football Games
MetLife Stadium is the shared home of the New York Giants and New York Jets. NFL games draw large crowds, which can create heavy traffic, busy parking lots, long security lines, and crowded transportation. Many fans arrive early for tailgating, food, merchandise, and pregame activities. If you are traveling with family, friends, or colleagues, New Jersey event transportation can help your group arrive together instead of coordinating several separate vehicles. Before traveling to a football game, confirm the game time, parking availability, stadium gate information, and any special promotional activities. Some games may also have unique entry instructions or traffic restrictions.
Concerts and Music Tours
MetLife Stadium is one of the largest outdoor concert venues in the New York and New Jersey region. Major national and international performers regularly include the stadium on their tour schedules. Concert layouts can vary. Some events use the field for general admission, while others offer reserved field seating. Gate opening times, security requirements, bag policies, and prohibited items may also change from one concert to another. Concertgoers who want to avoid event-day traffic and parking problems can arrange luxury concert transportation in advance. A professional chauffeur can help a group travel comfortably to the stadium and arrange a convenient return plan after the performance.
Family and Motorsports Events
MetLife Stadium also hosts family-friendly entertainment, including Monster Jam and AMA Supercross Championship events. These shows can be popular with children and first-time stadium visitors. Parents should check the individual event information before purchasing tickets. Children’s admission rules, seating arrangements, entry times, and permitted items may differ from those used for football games and concerts. Families should also consider the weather. Many events involve walking through large parking areas and waiting outside before entry, so comfortable shoes, suitable clothing, and extra travel time can make the visit easier.
Corporate and Private Events
MetLife Stadium is also used for corporate meetings, holiday parties, weddings, graduations, trade shows, award ceremonies, mitzvahs, and other private celebrations. The venue offers different spaces for business functions, hospitality programs, and special occasions. Companies attending a stadium event may need coordinated transportation for employees, clients, speakers, or guests. Planning transportation ahead of time helps groups stay on schedule and reduces confusion at busy entrances.
How to Find MetLife Stadium Tickets
The official MetLife Stadium event calendar is the best starting point for checking current events, dates, ticket information, and venue updates.
Before buying tickets, review the following details:
- The correct event date and start time.
- Whether the ticket provides reserved seating or general admission.
- Whether field access includes a seat or standing-room admission.
- Whether parking must be purchased separately.
- The event’s child-ticket and age requirements.
- The permitted bag and camera rules.
- The venue’s mobile-ticket and re-entry policies.
- Any event-specific “Know Before You Go” instructions.
Many tickets are delivered through a mobile ticketing platform. Download your tickets before leaving home, open them in advance, and make sure your phone is fully charged. If one person is holding tickets for the entire group, everyone may need to enter together. Visitors flying into the region should also plan the trip from the airport to the stadium or hotel. Prearranged New Jersey airport transportation can be helpful for families, travelers with luggage, and small groups arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Getting to MetLife Stadium
MetLife Stadium is located at One MetLife Stadium Drive in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is approximately eight miles west of Midtown Manhattan and around ten miles from Newark Liberty International Airport.
Driving and Parking
Parking is available for many MetLife Stadium events, but prices, lot assignments, and opening times vary. The stadium states that parking lots typically open five hours before an event and close two hours after it ends. These hours can change, so visitors should review the event page or event-specific guide before traveling.
Important parking rules include:
- Do not arrive before the official lot opening time.
- Overnight parking is not permitted.
- Do not park on nearby roads, medians, grass, or breakdown lanes.
- Oversized vehicles may have additional restrictions.
- Charter bus parking is located in Lot L.
- Limousine and taxi drop-off and pickup are located between Lots D and E.
Guests should keep their parking information available on their phone. Taking a picture of the lot sign or noting the entrance can also make it easier to find the vehicle after the event.
Public Transportation
Public transportation can be a useful alternative to driving. NJ TRANSIT rail service operates to the Meadowlands Sports Complex for certain major events. Coach USA also provides the 351 Meadowlands Express from the Port Authority for NFL games and other large events. Transportation schedules are event-dependent. Rail or bus service may not operate for every concert, family show, or private event. Check the latest schedule before leaving and allow additional time for transfers, queues, and post-event crowds. Some visitors use Secaucus Junction and connect to the Meadowlands service when it is operating. This option may reduce the stress of driving, but guests should confirm the return schedule before entering the stadium.
Rideshare and Private Transportation
Rideshare drop-off is located on the roadway between Lots D and E. Rideshare pickup is located in Lot E near the designated rideshare area. After sold-out concerts and football games, demand can be high, which may lead to long waits and increased fares. If you are traveling with several people, a private vehicle with a professional driver can provide a more predictable pickup plan. Confirm the designated pickup location with your transportation provider before the event begins because road closures and traffic controls may change after the event.
What Can You Bring Inside?
MetLife Stadium follows a strict clear-bag policy. Guests may bring one clear bag measuring no more than 12 by 6 by 12 inches. A small non-clear clutch-style purse measuring no more than 4.5 by 6.5 inches may also be permitted. A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag is another approved option. Large backpacks, standard purses, briefcases, camera bags, coolers, and oversized fanny packs are generally not allowed. Medical items may qualify for an exception after inspection.
Commonly prohibited items include:
- Weapons and dangerous objects.
- Glass bottles and outside alcohol.
- Umbrellas and drones.
- Selfie sticks, tripods, and professional cameras.
- Air horns, noisemakers, and balloons.
- Large signs or banners.
- Unapproved seat cushions.
Event-specific policies may be stricter than the general stadium rules. Always review the official event guide before packing. MetLife Stadium is a cash-free venue. Guests can use credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment methods at concessions and retail locations. Reverse ATMs may be available for visitors who need to convert cash into a prepaid payment card.
Accessibility and Guest Services
MetLife Stadium provides accessible seating and services for guests with disabilities. These services may include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, elevators, ramps, closed captioning, interpreting, hearing loops, and sensory-related support.metlifestadium+1 Accessible parking is available in designated lots for guests with the required disability placard or license plate. Guests who need accessible seating, interpreting, or other accommodations should make arrangements before arriving. Guest Services representatives can assist with directions, seating questions, lost items, accessibility concerns, and general visitor support. Guests traveling with elderly family members or people with limited mobility should allow extra time for parking, security screening, and walking to their seats.
Wedding and Private Event Transportation
Some visitors may attend weddings, receptions, business gatherings, or private celebrations near MetLife Stadium rather than a public stadium event. These trips often involve multiple pickup locations, hotel transfers, and fixed arrival times. Guests attending celebrations can arrange New Jersey wedding transportation for travel between hotels, homes, restaurants, and event venues. Prearranged transportation can be especially useful when guests are unfamiliar with the area or when the group wants to travel together. For private events, confirm the pickup time, number of passengers, luggage requirements, vehicle type, and return arrangements in advance.
Tips for a Smooth Event Visit
Follow these practical tips for a more comfortable MetLife Stadium experience:
- Check the official event page on the day of travel for schedule changes and updated instructions.
- Download mobile tickets before leaving home.
- Bring only an approved clear bag or small clutch.
- Arrive early, particularly for NFL games and sold-out concerts.
- Decide whether you will use parking, rail, bus, rideshare, or private transportation.
- Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Keep your phone fully charged.
- Select a meeting point in case your group becomes separated.
- Avoid bringing prohibited items to prevent delays at security.
- Confirm your return transportation before the event ends.
- Save the driver’s contact information if you have booked private transportation.
- Allow extra time for children, elderly guests, or visitors with mobility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of events are held at MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium hosts New York Giants and New York Jets games, concerts, motorsports, Monster Jam, family entertainment, corporate functions, weddings, and other private events
Where can I find the MetLife Stadium event schedule?
Use the official MetLife Stadium events page for current event dates, ticket information, and venue updates.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive early enough to allow time for traffic, parking, walking, ticket access, and security screening. Parking lots typically open five hours before an event, but the exact schedule can vary.
Can I bring a regular backpack?
Regular backpacks are generally not allowed. Guests should bring a clear bag within the permitted size limit or a small clutch-style purse. Medical exceptions may apply after inspection.
Is parking available at MetLife Stadium?
Yes, parking is available for many events. However, parking prices, lot assignments, opening times, and advance-purchase requirements can change, so review the event-specific instructions before traveling.
Is MetLife Stadium cashless?
Yes. MetLife Stadium is cash-free for concessions and retail purchases. Guests can use credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments, and reverse ATMs may be available.
What is the best transportation option for a large group?
The best option depends on the group size, starting location, event time, and parking availability. Public transportation can reduce driving stress, while a prearranged private vehicle can provide direct pickup and drop-off for families, corporate groups, and event guests.
Final Thoughts
MetLife Stadium events entertain sports fans, concert lovers, families, businesses, and private groups. The most important preparation step is checking the official event page for current information about tickets, gates, parking, transportation, bags, and security. Planning your transportation early can also make a major difference. Whether you are attending an NFL game, concert, family show, corporate gathering, or wedding near the stadium, a clear travel plan can help you arrive on time and leave with less stress.