Yes, you can buy parking at MetLife Stadium! However, the process and availability vary significantly depending on the type of event you're attending. It's crucial to plan ahead to ensure a smooth arrival and avoid last-minute stress.
Let's dive into how you can secure your parking spot for your next visit to MetLife Stadium! ️
Planning Your Trip to MetLife Stadium: Parking Essentials
Step 1: What kind of event are you attending?
Before you do anything else, identify the specific event you're going to. Is it a New York Jets game? A Giants game? A concert? A soccer match? The rules and methods for purchasing parking can differ quite a bit for NFL games compared to other events.
Why is this so important? For NFL games, parking often requires pre-paid permits, which are usually distributed to season ticket holders or made available through official team channels. For non-NFL events (like concerts, soccer, or other special events), pre-paid permits generally aren't required, and parking is often available and payable upon arrival. Understanding this distinction from the start will save you a lot of time and potential frustration.
Step 2: Securing Your Parking Spot
Once you know your event type, you can proceed with the appropriate method of securing parking.
For NFL Games (New York Jets and New York Giants)
For NFL games, parking at MetLife Stadium is primarily managed through pre-paid parking passes. These passes are typically distributed to season ticket holders. If you're not a season ticket holder, you'll need to look for official resale options or alternative parking solutions.
Sub-heading: Official Channels for Pre-paid Parking
Season Ticket Holders: If you're a Jets or Giants season ticket holder, your parking passes are usually part of your ticket package. These are typically digital and managed through the respective team's mobile app (e.g., the Jets mobile app) or Ticketmaster account manager.
Official Resale Marketplaces: If you don't have a pre-paid pass, check official resale platforms. Sometimes, season ticket holders who can't attend a game will list their parking passes for sale on sites like Ticketmaster's Fan-to-Fan Resale or NFL Ticket Exchange. Be cautious of unofficial third-party sites, as counterfeit passes can be an issue.
Sub-heading: Important Notes for NFL Game Parking
Mobile Parking Passes: For the Jets, mobile parking passes or printed PDFs are the only accepted methods of entry into the parking lots on game days. Screenshots are not permitted. Ensure your screen brightness is high if using a mobile pass.
Display Your Pass: Have your parking pass prominently displayed before approaching the parking attendant to expedite entry.
No On-site Cash Payment: For pre-paid lots for NFL games, you generally won't be able to pay with cash on arrival for the main stadium lots.
For Non-NFL Events (Concerts, Soccer, etc.) ⚽
For most concerts, soccer matches, and other special events at MetLife Stadium, purchasing parking is often simpler and can frequently be done upon arrival.
Sub-heading: On-site Payment and Pre-booking Options
Pay Upon Arrival: For many non-NFL events, you can simply drive to the stadium and pay for parking with a credit card upon entry to the designated lots. Cash is generally not accepted at the stadium's official lots.
Pre-booking through Official Partners: MetLife Stadium partners with services like ParkMobile and ParkWhiz to allow guests to reserve and pre-pay for parking in advance. This is highly recommended to guarantee a spot and potentially save time on event day. You can often do this directly through their apps or websites. For instance, American Dream, located across the street, offers Lot 26 and 27 for pre-pay through ParkMobile or credit card upon arrival.
Sub-heading: External Parking Options
If stadium lots are full or you prefer an alternative, consider these options:
American Dream Mall Parking: Located directly across from MetLife Stadium, American Dream offers parking in Lots 26 and 27 for stadium events. You can pre-pay via ParkMobile or pay by credit card upon arrival. Note that special event rates apply, but you might get a reduced rate if you visit an American Dream attraction and validate your parking.
Edison Park Fast at Secaucus Junction: You can park at the Edison Park Fast lot at Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction and take NJ TRANSIT rail service directly to the MetLife Sports Complex. This is an excellent option to avoid stadium traffic. Check NJ TRANSIT schedules for event days.
Redd's Meadowlands: This nearby restaurant often offers parking with a shuttle service to the stadium for various events. It's a popular choice for tailgating and can be pre-booked.
Step 3: Understanding Parking Logistics and Costs
It's not just about where to park, but how the parking system works and what it will cost.
Sub-heading: General Parking Information
Lot Opening Times: Parking lots typically open five hours prior to the start of an event and close two hours after the conclusion. Arriving earlier than the designated opening time is generally not permitted.
Capacity and Direction: Parking capacities can change based on the event. Traffic and parking staff will direct you to the lots closest to your stadium entry point. Circulation between lots is usually not permitted.
Vehicle Search: Be aware that vehicles entering the Sports Complex are subject to search by NJ State Police, which may include a canine unit. Refusing a search will result in denied entry.
No Overnight Parking: Overnight parking is strictly prohibited on the MetLife Sports Complex.
Sub-heading: Parking Rates (Approximate and Subject to Change)
Parking rates vary by event. Here's a general idea of what to expect:
New York Jets game days: Up to $75 per vehicle.
New York Giants game days: Up to $60 per vehicle.
Concerts or other events: Up to $80 per vehicle.
Buses/RVs: Generally around $160 per vehicle (for non-NFL events, bus parking is typically in Lot L).
Limousines: Around $100 per vehicle.
Always check the specific event page on the MetLife Stadium website or the event promoter's site for the most up-to-date parking information and pricing.
Step 4: Special Considerations
Sub-heading: Accessible Parking ♿
MetLife Stadium provides accessible parking for guests with disabilities.
Location: Accessible parking is typically available in Lots E, F, and G.
Requirements: You must have a valid ADA license plate or a state-issued accessible parking hang tag visible. The owner of the vehicle with the valid plate or tag must be in the vehicle, and registrations and IDs may be checked.
Drop-off Area: A dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities is located in Lot C, adjacent to the Verizon Gate.
Sub-heading: Tailgating Rules
Tailgating is a beloved tradition at MetLife Stadium, and it's generally permitted in all MetLife Sports Complex parking lots unless otherwise designated.
Grills and Heating Devices: The use of grills and other heating devices is not allowed in the parking decks. Stick to open-air lots for your tailgating setup.
No Commercial Activity: Individuals and companies are prohibited from selling access to a tailgate party to the general public on the premises.
Respect the Rules: Always follow the stadium's official tailgating guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to buy parking at MetLife Stadium for a Jets or Giants game?
For NFL games, parking is primarily through pre-paid passes, often distributed to season ticket holders. Check official team mobile apps or authorized resale platforms like Ticketmaster. On-site cash payment for these main lots is generally not available.
How to purchase parking for a concert at MetLife Stadium?
For concerts and non-NFL events, you can usually pay with a credit card upon arrival at the stadium lots. Pre-booking through services like ParkMobile or ParkWhiz is also an option and highly recommended.
How to find out the parking cost for a specific event?
Check the official MetLife Stadium website for the event you are attending, or the event promoter's website, as parking rates vary significantly by event type.
How to use a mobile parking pass at MetLife Stadium?
Ensure you have the latest version of the relevant team's app (e.g., Jets app) or your digital wallet ready. Have your mobile pass prominently displayed with high screen brightness. Screenshots are not accepted.
How to get accessible parking at MetLife Stadium?
Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G for vehicles with a valid ADA license plate or hang tag. The owner of the tag/plate must be in the vehicle.
How to avoid traffic when parking at MetLife Stadium?
Consider parking at the Edison Park Fast lot at Secaucus Junction and taking NJ TRANSIT rail service to the stadium. Arriving early (when lots open five hours before the event) can also help.
How to pay for parking at American Dream for a MetLife Stadium event?
You can pre-pay for Lots 26 and 27 via ParkMobile or pay by credit card upon arrival.
How to find bus or RV parking at MetLife Stadium?
For non-NFL events, charter bus and RV parking is typically located in Parking Lot L. Fees apply and are generally higher than car parking.
How to know the parking lot opening times for an event?
Parking lots usually open five hours before the scheduled start time of an event. Always verify the exact times on the event's official page on the MetLife Stadium website.
How to tailgate at MetLife Stadium?
Tailgating is permitted in most open-air parking lots. Remember that grills and other heating devices are not allowed in parking decks. Always follow official stadium tailgating guidelines.
