Headed to MetLife Stadium for an epic game or concert? Awesome! But before you get swept up in the excitement, let's talk about parking. It's often one of the biggest headaches for event-goers, so getting it sorted beforehand can make a huge difference. Good news: Yes, you can absolutely pay for parking at MetLife Stadium, but how you do it, and the methods available, largely depend on the event and whether you're planning ahead.
Let's dive into the details so you can arrive stress-free and ready to enjoy the show!
Step 1: Engage with Your Event and Parking Needs
First things first, what kind of event are you attending? Is it a New York Jets or New York Giants game, a massive concert, or perhaps another special event? The type of event can sometimes influence the parking process and availability.
Consider this: Are you looking to pre-pay and guarantee a spot, or are you hoping to pay on arrival? Do you need a spot for tailgating, or just a quick in-and-out? Knowing your needs will help you navigate the options.
Step 2: Understand the Cash-Free Policy
One crucial piece of information to be aware of: MetLife Stadium is generally a cash-free venue. This applies to most transactions inside the stadium, including concessions and retail. While some off-site parking lots might accept cash, the primary on-site parking at MetLife Stadium and its official partners typically do not accept cash payments upon arrival.
Sub-heading: Why Go Cash-Free?
The move to cash-free transactions aims to provide a more efficient, secure, and hygienic experience for all attendees. It speeds up transactions and reduces contact, which has become increasingly important.
Sub-heading: What if I Only Have Cash?
Don't fret! If you arrive with only cash, MetLife Stadium usually has Reverse ATM machines located throughout the stadium. These machines allow you to convert your cash into a pre-paid Visa debit card, which you can then use for parking and other purchases. The Visa debit card has no expiration date and can be used anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.
Step 3: Pre-Paying for Parking: Your Best Bet ️
For a smoother experience, pre-paying for parking is highly recommended, especially for major events like NFL games or popular concerts. It saves you time and stress on event day.
Sub-heading: Official Stadium Channels
For NFL games (Jets and Giants), season ticket holders often receive pre-paid parking passes as part of their package. These passes are usually digital or printable PDFs that you display upon arrival.
Sub-heading: Third-Party Parking Apps and Websites
For most events, you can purchase parking in advance through official stadium partners or reputable third-party parking platforms. The most common and recommended platforms include:
ParkMobile: Widely used for MetLife Stadium events, ParkMobile allows you to reserve and pay for parking spots through their app or website (). You simply select your event, choose an available lot, and complete the payment. On event day, you'll use your mobile pass for entry.
ParkWhiz: Another popular option, ParkWhiz allows you to discover, compare prices, and reserve parking in advance for MetLife Stadium events. You can download their app or use their website.
Ticketmaster/SeatGeek (Parking Section): When you're buying event tickets, often there will be an option to purchase parking passes directly through the ticketing platform itself. Look for a "parking" button or section associated with your event. This is particularly convenient as it keeps all your event details in one place.
American Dream Mall Parking: Conveniently located across the street from MetLife Stadium, American Dream offers parking in Lots 26 and 27 for concerts, games, and events. These lots are typically pre-pay only and accept credit cards upon arrival or require a prepaid pass for NFL game days.
Sub-heading: How to Pre-Pay (General Steps)
Find your event: Go to the official MetLife Stadium website, the relevant team's website (Jets/Giants), or a trusted parking app like ParkMobile or ParkWhiz.
Locate parking options: Search for parking associated with your specific event date and time.
Choose your lot: Review the available parking lots, their locations relative to the stadium, and the pricing. Some lots may offer tailgating, while others are strictly for parking.
Purchase your pass: Select your desired parking pass and proceed to checkout. You'll typically pay with a credit or debit card.
Receive your pass: Your parking pass will usually be delivered digitally via email or directly to the app. For mobile passes, it's often advised to add them to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for easy access. For some NFL games, you might need to print a PDF pass in advance.
Step 4: Paying on Arrival: When It's Possible (and Not Recommended) ️
While pre-paying is generally the preferred method, for some non-NFL events, parking might be available and payable upon arrival. However, this is becoming less common for major events.
Sub-heading: Credit Card is King
If you are paying on arrival at an official MetLife Stadium lot or an adjacent partner lot like American Dream's Lots 26/27, you will almost certainly need a credit or debit card. Cash is generally not accepted at the toll booths for parking.
Sub-heading: Risks of Paying on Arrival
Limited Availability: Parking lots can fill up quickly, especially for popular events. Arriving without a pre-paid pass means you run the risk of lots being full and having to scramble for alternative (and potentially more expensive or distant) parking.
Traffic Delays: Expect significant traffic closer to event start times. Trying to pay on arrival can add to these delays as each transaction takes time.
Higher Costs: On-site parking rates can sometimes be higher on the day of the event compared to pre-paid rates.
Step 5: Understanding Parking Rates and Accessibility ♿
Parking rates at MetLife Stadium vary significantly based on the event.
Sub-heading: Typical Parking Rates (Subject to Change)
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.
Note: These are general estimates and can change. Always check the official event page or parking platform for the most current pricing.
Sub-heading: Accessible Parking
MetLife Stadium provides accessible parking for guests with disabilities in designated lots (typically Lots E, F, and G). To use these spots, you must have a valid ADA license plate or a valid ADA hang tag visible, and the owner of the vehicle with the tag must be in the car. Traffic and parking staff will direct you to these areas. There's also a dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities in Lot C, adjacent to the Verizon Gate.
Step 6: Arrival and Entry Tips
Once you've secured your parking, here's what to expect on event day:
Sub-heading: Arrive Early!
Parking lots typically open five hours prior to the start of an event. Arriving early is strongly advised to avoid heavy traffic and allow ample time for tailgating (if permitted in your lot) or simply getting to the stadium gates without rushing.
Sub-heading: Follow Directions
As you approach MetLife Stadium, there will be numerous highway, street-level, and variable electronic message signs directing you to the parking lot entrances. Always follow the directions of the traffic and parking staff to ensure a smooth flow. Circulation between parking lots is generally not permitted once you're in the complex.
Sub-heading: Have Your Pass Ready
Whether it's a mobile pass on your phone (with screen brightness turned high) or a printed PDF, have your parking pass prominently displayed or ready to scan before you reach the parking attendant. Screenshots are generally not permitted for mobile passes as they often use dynamic barcodes.
Step 7: Alternative Transportation Options
While this post focuses on paying for parking, it's worth noting that MetLife Stadium is accessible via public transportation, which can be a great alternative to driving and parking.
Sub-heading: NJ TRANSIT Rail Service
You can park at the Edison Park Fast parking lot located at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction and take NJ TRANSIT rail service directly to the MetLife Sports Complex. This can be a convenient way to avoid stadium traffic. Always check that rail service is running for your specific event.
FAQ: Your Quick Answers!
How to purchase MetLife Stadium parking in advance?
You can purchase MetLife Stadium parking in advance through official team websites (for NFL games), MetLife Stadium's event calendar, or reputable third-party parking apps like ParkMobile or ParkWhiz. Look for the "parking" option when purchasing event tickets.
How to pay for parking at MetLife Stadium upon arrival?
For some non-NFL events, you might be able to pay for parking upon arrival at MetLife Stadium lots, but only with a credit or debit card. Cash is generally not accepted for on-site parking.
How to use cash for parking at MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium is cash-free for most transactions, including parking at official lots. If you only have cash, you can use the Reverse ATM machines inside the stadium to convert cash to a pre-paid Visa debit card, which can then be used for parking and other purchases.
How to get a pre-paid parking pass for MetLife Stadium NFL games?
For NFL games, pre-paid parking passes are often distributed to season ticket holders. If you need to purchase one, check the official team websites (New York Jets or New York Giants) or trusted ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster, which may offer parking passes for purchase.
How to use the ParkMobile app for MetLife Stadium parking?
Download the ParkMobile app, search for "MetLife Stadium," select your event date, choose an available parking lot, and follow the prompts to complete your payment. Your mobile pass will be available in the app for scanning upon arrival.
How to find accessible parking at MetLife Stadium?
Accessible parking is available in designated lots (typically Lots E, F, and G) for guests with valid ADA license plates or hang tags. Traffic and parking staff will direct you to these areas upon arrival.
How to know the cost of parking at MetLife Stadium for my event?
Parking costs vary by event. The best way to know the exact cost for your event is to check the official MetLife Stadium event page, the specific team's website, or the parking reservation platform (like ParkMobile or ParkWhiz) for your event date.
How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium?
Arrive early! Parking lots typically open five hours before an event. Also, consider parking at the Secaucus Junction and taking the NJ TRANSIT train to the stadium.
How to get a parking pass for the American Dream Lots (26, 27) for MetLife Stadium?
Parking in American Dream Lots 26 and 27 for MetLife Stadium events is typically pre-pay only. You can usually purchase these passes through American Dream's official website or upon arrival with a credit card (for non-NFL events).
How to ensure my mobile parking pass works at MetLife Stadium?
Ensure your phone's screen brightness is turned up high. Add your mobile pass to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for easy access. Remember that screenshots of mobile passes are generally not accepted.
