Heading to MetLife Stadium for an event? Wondering if you can bring your own snacks to enjoy? It's a common question, and understanding the stadium's policies can save you a lot of hassle at the gate. Let's break down exactly what you can and can't bring in.
Step 1: Are You Familiar with MetLife Stadium's Clear Bag Policy?
Before you even think about packing food, the most crucial rule to understand is MetLife Stadium's clear bag policy. This policy is strictly enforced for all events, from NFL games to concerts. If your bag doesn't comply, your food won't even make it past security.
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| Can You Bring Food Into Metlife Stadium |
Understanding the Clear Bag Policy
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Clear Bags Are a Must: You can bring one clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that is 12" x 6" x 12" or less in size. Think of a gallon-sized Ziploc bag as a good reference for the general idea.
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Small Clutches are Exceptions: In addition to your clear bag, you're allowed one small non-clear clutch or handbag that is 4.5" x 6.5" or less in size. This is roughly the size of your hand.
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Prohibited Bags: Do not bring backpacks, fanny packs, camera cases, binocular cases, large purses, or any non-clear bag exceeding the clutch size.
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Medical Exceptions: An exception is made for medically necessary items, but these will be subject to proper inspection at a designated gate.
Step 2: What Food and Drinks Can You Actually Bring Inside?
Now that your bag is sorted, let's talk about what you can fill it with. MetLife Stadium has specific rules about outside food and beverages to ensure safety and maintain the guest experience.
Permitted Food Items
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Food in Clear Plastic Bags: Yes, you can bring food into MetLife Stadium! The key is that food must be contained in a clear plastic bag. This means no opaque containers, lunchboxes, or other non-transparent packaging. Think sandwiches, snacks, or fruit slices neatly packed in a clear bag.
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Small, Individual Portions: While the policy allows food in clear bags, it's generally understood to mean reasonable, individual portions for personal consumption. Don't show up with a picnic spread!
Permitted Beverages
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
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Factory-Sealed Water or Soft Drinks: You are permitted to bring one factory-sealed plastic bottle of water or soft drink that is 20 oz. or less in size.
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Reusable Water Bottles: Reusable water bottles (both plastic and aluminum) that are 20 oz. or less in size are allowed, but they must be empty upon entry. You can then fill them at water fountains inside the stadium.
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Prohibited Beverages: No alcoholic beverages of any kind are allowed to be brought into the stadium. Also, glass bottles or cans (other than the permitted factory-sealed plastic bottles) are prohibited.
Step 3: What Items Are Strictly Prohibited?
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, MetLife Stadium has a comprehensive list of prohibited items. Being aware of these can prevent you from being turned away at the gate.
General Prohibited Items
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Alcoholic Beverages: As mentioned, no outside alcohol is allowed.
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Coolers of Any Kind: This includes hard-sided coolers, soft-sided coolers, thermoses, or ice chests.
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Glass Bottles and Cans (except as noted): Aside from the small, factory-sealed plastic bottles of water or soft drinks, no other bottles or cans are permitted.
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Banners and Signs (with exceptions): Generally, banners and signs are prohibited unless otherwise noted for specific events. At international soccer games, officially recognized national flags (no larger than 3' x 5' without poles) are usually permitted.
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Weapons of Any Kind: This includes firearms, knives, and any item that could be used as a projectile or deemed dangerous by stadium management.
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Drones: Drones are strictly prohibited.
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Large Cameras/Video Equipment: Professional cameras or video cameras with lenses longer than 6 inches are not allowed. Single-purpose video cameras are also prohibited.
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Laser Pointers, Flashlights, Fireworks, Balls: These items are not permitted.
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Umbrellas, Strollers, Car Seats: These are generally prohibited, though exceptions for medical needs might be made for items like seat cushions.
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Adult-Sized Football Helmets with Facemasks: These are not allowed.
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Any Other Item Deemed Inappropriate: Stadium management reserves the right to prohibit any item they deem inappropriate or dangerous.
Step 4: Navigating Entry with Your Approved Items ♀️♂️
Now that you know what to pack, here's how to ensure a smooth entry process.
Security Screening
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Bag Searches: All permissible bags will undergo a thorough inspection by Safety Services Representatives. Be prepared to open your bag and potentially remove its contents for inspection.
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Personal Screening: Guests will also be subject to a search of their person prior to entering the stadium. This may involve walk-through metal detectors or hand-wanding.
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Cooperation is Key: Cooperating with security personnel will make the entry process faster and more efficient for everyone. If you refuse searches, you may be denied entry.
Bag Check Facilities
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
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Available for Non-Compliant Bags: If you accidentally bring a prohibited bag or an oversized bag, MetLife Stadium offers a bag check facility located outside each open gate.
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Fees May Apply: There is typically a fee for checking bags at non-NFL events. For NFL events, it may be complimentary. It's always best to avoid bringing prohibited bags in the first place to save time and potential cost.
Step 5: Making the Most of Your MetLife Experience
While bringing some of your own food and drinks can be convenient, MetLife Stadium also offers a wide variety of concession options.
Concessions and Food Vendors
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Diverse Options: MetLife Stadium boasts numerous concession stands and food vendors offering everything from classic stadium fare like hot dogs and pizza to more gourmet options like steak sandwiches and Mediterranean dishes.
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Cash-Free Transactions: Be aware that many transactions within the stadium are cash-free, so be prepared to pay with a credit card or mobile payment.
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Consuming Food & Drink: During some events, all food and beverages must be consumed at your ticketed seat location, and guests may not be permitted to eat or drink while walking on the concourse. This can vary by event, so it's good to check the "Know Before You Go" information for your specific event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check the specific bag policy for an event at MetLife Stadium?
It's always best to check the "Know Before You Go" section on the official MetLife Stadium website for your specific event, as policies can sometimes have minor adjustments for different types of events (e.g., NFL games vs. concerts).
How to bring water into MetLife Stadium?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
You can bring one factory-sealed plastic bottle of water (20 oz or less) or an empty reusable plastic/aluminum bottle (20 oz or less) to fill at water fountains inside the stadium.
How to request an exception for medically necessary food items at MetLife Stadium?
Guests with special dietary needs (e.g., religious or severe food allergies) can typically request an exception letter via a form on the stadium's website. Submit these requests at least 48 hours in advance of the event.
How to know if my bag is the correct size for MetLife Stadium?
Clear bags must be 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller, and small non-clear clutches must be 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller. It's a good idea to measure your bag before you leave home!
How to store prohibited items if I accidentally bring them to MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium has bag check facilities located outside each open gate where you can check prohibited items for a fee (complimentary for NFL events).
How to find water fountains inside MetLife Stadium?
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
MetLife Stadium typically provides a list of water fountain locations within its Guest Services A-Z Guide or on its maps.
How to pay for food and drinks at MetLife Stadium concessions?
Most concession stands at MetLife Stadium operate on a cash-free basis, so have your credit card or mobile payment ready.
How to get assistance with accessibility and special needs at MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium offers various accessible services, including Guest Services Booths, elevators, ramps, and assistance with seating. You can contact their Guest Services Hotline at (201) 559-1515 for more information.
How to find out about alcohol cut-off times at MetLife Stadium?
For football events, concession stands and portable units generally close alcohol sales at the beginning of the third quarter. For non-football events, alcohol cut-off times are determined by MetLife Stadium management and may be listed in the event's "Know Before You Go" guide.
How to re-enter MetLife Stadium if I leave?
MetLife Stadium generally has a strict "no re-entry" policy for most events. However, for New York Jets games, guests may re-enter up to one hour prior to kickoff. Always confirm the re-entry policy for your specific event.
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