Ever dreamed of that perfect pre-game experience, filled with the aroma of sizzling burgers and the camaraderie of fellow fans? If you're heading to MetLife Stadium, you're in luck! Yes, you can grill at MetLife Stadium, but there are some important rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable tailgating experience. Let's fire up the grill and dive into everything you need to know for a legendary tailgate!
Step 1: Understanding the "Can I Grill?" Question – The Green Light for Grills!
So, you're eager to get your grill on, right? The good news is that MetLife Stadium does permit grilling in their designated parking lots. This is fantastic for those who love the full tailgating experience with hot, freshly cooked food.
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| Can You Grill At Metlife Stadium |
But Wait, There's a Catch (or Two!)
While grilling is allowed, it's not a free-for-all. There are specific locations where grilling is prohibited, and certain types of grills or cooking methods are outright banned. Understanding these nuances is key to avoiding disappointment and potential issues.
Step 2: Location, Location, Location – Where to Set Up Your Grill
Knowing where you can grill is as important as knowing that you can grill. MetLife Stadium has clear directives on permissible grilling areas.
Permitted Grilling Areas:
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Most MetLife Sports Complex Parking Lots: Tailgating, including grilling, is generally permitted in the vast majority of the MetLife Sports Complex parking lots. Think of the expansive, open-air lots surrounding the stadium.
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Within Your Designated Space: Your tailgating setup, including your grill, chairs, and other equipment, must be confined to the lined parking space that your vehicle occupies. This means no sprawling into adjacent empty spots or blocking drive lanes. This "one car = one space" rule is strictly enforced.
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Medians: Tailgating is also allowed on the medians that separate the parking lots from the roadways, offering a bit more space for some setups.
Prohibited Grilling Areas:
Tip: Context builds as you keep reading.
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Parking Decks/Garages: This is a BIG one. The use of grills and other heating devices is NOT PERMITTED on any level of the enclosed structured parking decks on the American Dream-side of the Sports Complex (or the IZOD Center parking deck, if applicable). This is a critical safety measure due to ventilation concerns and fire hazards.
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Near Buildings or Property: Grills must be operated at a safe distance from any buildings or areas where other guests or property could be damaged.
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Open Fires: Open fires are strictly prohibited. Your grilling must be contained within a grill.
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Deep Fryers or Oil-Based Cooking: For safety reasons, deep fryers or any oil-based cooking or frying methods are prohibited in the parking lots.
Step 3: Choosing Your Weapon – Types of Grills Allowed
Not all grills are created equal in the eyes of MetLife Stadium. Understanding which types are permitted will help you plan your tailgating feast.
Allowed Grill Types:
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Charcoal Grills: These are generally allowed, provided they are safely set up, operated, and extinguished. The aroma of charcoal is a tailgating classic for a reason!
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Propane Grills: Portable propane grills, often favored for their convenience and cleaner burn, are also permitted. Many tailgaters opt for smaller, foldable propane grills.
Important Considerations for All Grills:
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Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Ensure your grill is stable, away from flammable materials, and supervised at all times.
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Fire Extinguisher Recommendation: While not explicitly mandated for every tailgater, MetLife Stadium recommends that a minimum Class 2A-10B:C fire extinguisher be available for use if necessary. This is a smart idea for any grilling activity.
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Cool Down Time: If using charcoal, factor in enough time for your coals to burn out and the grill to cool down completely before you need to pack up and head into the stadium.
Step 4: The Aftermath – Proper Disposal of Grilling Materials ️
Grilling is fun, but responsible cleanup is crucial. MetLife Stadium has specific procedures for disposing of hot coals and trash.
Hot Coal Disposal:
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Designated Hot Coal Bins: For your safety and convenience, MetLife Stadium provides large, orange "hot charcoal" bins specifically for the disposal of hot coals. These bins are typically located on the islands/paved areas between the parking lots, at the perimeter.
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DO NOT discard hot coals near vehicles, under vehicles, in open parking spaces, or in regular plastic waste receptacles. Doing so poses a significant fire hazard and can lead to car and trash fires.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
General Trash Disposal:
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Trash Receptacles: Numerous trash receptacles are located throughout the Sports Complex parking lots and near the stadium entrances.
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Bag Your Trash: Please bag and dispose of all your trash to make it safer and easier for vehicles exiting the Sports Complex after the game and for the cleanup crews. Let's keep the lots clean for everyone!
Step 5: Beyond the Grill – General Tailgating Tips for MetLife Stadium
While grilling is a highlight, a successful MetLife Stadium tailgate involves more than just the food.
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Arrival and Parking:
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Pre-Paid Parking: For NFL games, parking is typically pre-paid. Ensure you have your parking permit ready.
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Arrive Early: Parking lots usually open five hours before kickoff for NFL games. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a good spot, especially if you plan to grill and have a larger setup. The closer it gets to kickoff, the more crowded the roadways and lots become.
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No Saving Spaces: Saving parking spaces is not permitted. If you're meeting a group, plan to arrive together.
Space Management:
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One Car = One Space Enforcement: Be considerate of your fellow guests. As mentioned, tailgating activities, including tables, chairs, coolers, and barbecues, must be kept within the lined parking space your vehicle occupies.
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Clear Drive Lanes: Drive aisles and fire lanes must remain clear at all times for emergency vehicle access.
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Tent/Canopy Size: Tents or canopies exceeding an 8' x 8' footprint are generally not permitted in lined parking spaces.
Other Important Rules:
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Alcohol Consumption: Guests are asked to consume alcohol responsibly. All New Jersey alcohol consumption and distribution laws are strictly enforced.
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Commercial Activity: Unauthorized commercial tailgating and marketing activities, including selling access to tailgate parties, are strictly prohibited.
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Sound Systems: Sound systems must not produce sound in excess of 65 decibels (NJ State Ordinance) and should be faced towards your vehicle.
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Prohibited Items (Outside the Parking Lot): Remember that once you head into the stadium, many items allowed for tailgating (like larger bags, coolers, and certain food/drink containers) are not permitted inside. Be sure to check the stadium's clear bag policy and prohibited items list before entering.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
How to get a parking pass for MetLife Stadium?
Parking for NFL games at MetLife Stadium is typically pre-paid and purchased in advance, often when you buy your game tickets or through official stadium/team channels. For non-NFL events, parking may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to find the hot coal disposal bins at MetLife Stadium?
Hot coal bins are large, orange containers specifically marked for charcoal disposal. They are generally located on the islands/paved areas between the parking lots and at the perimeter of the parking lots.
How to ensure my grill is safe to use at MetLife Stadium?
Ensure your grill is stable, placed on a flat surface, and a safe distance from vehicles, tents, and other tailgaters. Never leave a hot grill unattended.
How to dispose of general trash after tailgating at MetLife Stadium?
Use the numerous trash receptacles located throughout the parking lots and near stadium entrances. Please bag all your trash before placing it in the bins.
How to fit my tailgate setup into one parking space at MetLife Stadium?
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Plan your setup to be compact and utilize the space directly in front of or behind your vehicle. Avoid spreading out into adjacent empty spaces or blocking walkways.
How to cool down charcoal faster for disposal at MetLife Stadium?
While the best method is to let coals naturally burn out, you can carefully use water to douse them if absolutely necessary, but ensure they are completely extinguished before placing them in the hot coal bins. Never put warm or hot coals in regular trash.
How to find restrooms during tailgating at MetLife Stadium?
There are typically portable restrooms (port-a-potties) located throughout the tailgating lots for convenience.
How to get to MetLife Stadium if I'm not driving?
MetLife Stadium is accessible via public transportation, including NJ Transit rail service to the Meadowlands Sports Complex and bus services.
How to know the specific parking lot opening times for my event at MetLife Stadium?
Parking lot opening times can vary slightly by event. It's best to check the official MetLife Stadium website or the specific event's "Know Before You Go" guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How to avoid issues with MetLife Stadium tailgating rules?
The best way to avoid issues is to familiarize yourself with all the official tailgating policies on the MetLife Stadium website before you go. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and ask stadium staff if you have questions.
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