So, you're planning a trip to MetLife Stadium for a game, concert, or special event? Excellent choice! But before you can immerse yourself in the excitement, there's one crucial element to conquer: parking. Don't let the thought of navigating vast lots and potential traffic jams deter you. This comprehensive guide will break down exactly how parking works at MetLife Stadium, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival and departure.
The Grand Approach: Understanding MetLife Stadium Parking
MetLife Stadium is a colossal venue, and as such, it has a robust, but often complex, parking system. Unlike your typical mall parking lot, there are specific procedures, payment methods, and even designated zones you need to be aware of. Let's dive in!
 |
| How Does Parking Work At Metlife Stadium |
Step 1: Pre-Event Preparation is Your Best Friend! (Engage User Here!)
Alright, before you even think about putting your car in drive, let's ask ourselves a few questions. Are you going to a New York Jets game? A New York Giants game? Or is it a concert, soccer match, or other special event?
The answer to this question is critical, as parking procedures and payment methods can vary significantly. Seriously, take a moment to confirm your event type! It could save you a lot of hassle.
Now that you've got your event type in mind, let's move on to the practical steps.
Step 2: Securing Your Parking Spot – The Different Paths
There are primarily two main approaches to securing parking at MetLife Stadium, depending on your event:
Sub-heading: For NFL Games (New York Jets & New York Giants)
-
Pre-paid Parking Permits are King: For NFL games, pre-paid parking permits are generally required to park in the MetLife Sports Complex lots. These are typically distributed to season ticket holders.
-
Season Ticket Holders: If you're a season ticket holder, your parking passes will usually be uploaded to your online team account manager (e.g., Giants Mobile App or
www.giants.com/myaccount -
Purchasing Additional Permits: If you need extra parking passes, you can often purchase them through Ticketmaster. Search for "Jets Parking" or the equivalent for Giants games. These passes will usually be for designated "Gold" or "Platinum" lots, corresponding to your ticket tier. It's highly recommended to buy these in advance, as pricing can increase closer to the game.
-
-
Parking Zones: For NFL games, parking lots are often color-coded.
-
Platinum Lots: Typically for Club and Suite season ticket holders (e.g., Lots E, F, G, S).
-
Gold Lots: For all other PSL and non-PSL season ticket holders (e.g., Lots B, D, J, K, L, M, P, Deck A, and lots near American Dream).
-
The numbers on permits do not guarantee a specific spot within a lot. It simply designates the general area.
-
Sub-heading: For Non-NFL Events (Concerts, Soccer, etc.)
-
Pay Upon Arrival: For most non-NFL events, pre-paid parking permits are not typically required or even available for general purchase. Parking is usually available and payable upon arrival at the parking toll plazas.
-
American Dream Parking: The American Dream entertainment complex, located across the street from MetLife Stadium, also offers parking for MetLife Stadium events in Lots 26, 27, and 28, and Parking Deck A.
-
Pre-payment Option: You can often pre-pay for these American Dream lots through partners like ParkMobile.
-
Pay Upon Arrival: Alternatively, you can pay by credit card upon arrival at American Dream Lots 26 or 27. Cash is generally not accepted onsite for these lots.
-
Validation Program: If you visit an American Dream attraction, you might be able to get a reduced parking fee (e.g., $5) by showing your ticket confirmation for the attraction.
-
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
Step 3: Navigating to the Stadium and Entering the Lots
Once you've secured your parking plan, it's time to head to the stadium.
Sub-heading: Directions and Signage
-
Follow the Signs: As you approach the MetLife Sports Complex, keep an eye out for highway, street-level, and variable electronic message signs. These will direct you to the appropriate parking lot entrances.
-
EZ Pass Reminder: If traveling southbound on the New Jersey Turnpike, remember that Exit 19W is an EZ Pass ONLY roadway. There are no cash lanes here.
-
No Circulation Between Lots: Once you're in a parking lot, circulation between different lots is generally not permitted. So make sure you're heading to the correct one!
-
Staff Guidance: Always follow the directions of the Traffic and Parking Staff. They are there to ensure safe and efficient flow of vehicles.
Sub-heading: Parking Lot Hours
-
Standard Opening: MetLife Stadium parking lots typically open five (5) hours prior to the start of an event.
-
Standard Closing: The lots usually close two (2) hours after the conclusion of an event.
-
Hours may vary for specific events, so it's always a good idea to check the event page or "Know Before You Go" document on the MetLife Stadium website for the most accurate times. Arriving earlier than the posted opening time will likely result in you being directed to leave the roadways.
Sub-heading: Security Checks
-
Vehicle Searches: Be aware that all vehicles are subject to search by New Jersey State Police, which could include a canine unit. If you refuse a search, you will not be permitted to enter the Sports Complex.
-
Arrive Early: It's highly recommended to give yourself plenty of time for arrival, especially to account for security checks and traffic.
Step 4: Parking Etiquette and Regulations
Once you're in the lot, there are a few important rules to keep in mind:
Sub-heading: One Car = One Space
-
Be Considerate: This is a big one! Tailgating should be limited to the lined parking space and the area directly behind or in front of your vehicle. Blocking drive lanes is strictly prohibited.
-
No Saving Spaces: Saving parking spaces for other vehicles is not permitted. If you want to tailgate with a group, plan to meet in advance and arrive together.
-
No Extra Space for Permits: If you have more than one pre-paid parking permit, you cannot use additional permits to occupy extra spaces for tailgating. Lined spaces are for vehicles only.
Sub-heading: Tailgating Rules (If Applicable)
-
Permitted Areas: Tailgating is generally permitted in all MetLife Sports Complex parking lots, unless otherwise designated.
-
Grills: Grills are allowed, but use them at a safe distance from your vehicle and avoid areas where property or other guests could be damaged. Deep fryers and oil-based cooking are prohibited.
-
Hot Coals: Dispose of hot coals properly. Never in open parking spaces, under vehicles, or next to parked vehicles, as this can cause car fires.
-
Fire Extinguishers: For those tailgating, it's recommended that a minimum Class 2A-10B:C fire extinguisher be available.
-
Open Fires: Open fires are not permitted.
-
Sound Systems: Sound systems must not produce sound in excess of 65 decibels. Direct the sound towards your vehicle to avoid disturbing others.
-
Tent Size: Tents or canopies exceeding an 8' x 8' footprint are not permitted.
-
Oversized Vehicles: Trucks, trailers, and other oversized vehicles (excluding buses) will be directed to park along curbs so they don't take up multiple lined spaces. They are not allowed in enclosed parking decks.
Tip: Read actively — ask yourself questions as you go.
Step 5: Accessible Parking and Drop-Offs
MetLife Stadium is committed to providing accessible options for guests.
Sub-heading: Accessible Parking
-
Designated Lots: Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G.
-
Requirements: You must have a valid ADA license plate or a valid ADA hang tag visible on your vehicle. The owner of the vehicle with the valid license plate or hang tag must be in the vehicle. Registrations and IDs will be checked.
-
Staff Assistance: Traffic and Parking staff will direct guests with disabilities or limited mobility to the designated ADA parking spaces.
Sub-heading: Drop-Off and Pick-Up Areas
-
Guests with Disabilities: The dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities is located in Lot C, adjacent to the Verizon Gate. On-site signage and staff will direct you.
-
Taxis/Limousines/Rideshares: The designated drop-off and pick-up area for these services is generally between Parking Lots E and D. There's curb space for safe facilitation. If a limousine or taxi has a pre-paid parking permit, they may enter, but might need to pay an additional fee and will not be permitted to occupy multiple lined spaces.
Step 6: Payment Methods and Costs
The cost and payment methods for parking vary by event and location.
Sub-heading: General Stadium Lots
-
NFL Game Pre-paid Costs: For NFL games, pre-paid permits for season ticket holders generally range from around $45 to $55 per game.
-
Non-NFL Event On-site Costs: For non-NFL events, you typically pay upon arrival. Car parking can be around $40-$80, with higher rates for buses ($160) and limousines ($100).
-
Payment Accepted: On-site payments for stadium lots are usually accepted via credit card or cash.
Sub-heading: American Dream Parking
-
NFL Game Day Rates (American Dream): Up to $75 for Jets games, up to $60 for Giants games.
-
Concerts/Other Events (American Dream): Up to $80 per vehicle.
-
American Dream Payment Methods:
-
Credit card or digital wallet at pay stations or exit lanes.
-
Cash at pay stations on the ground floor of each parking deck entrance or at Guest Services desks.
-
ParkMobile App: You can use the ParkMobile app to pre-pay or pay by phone by scanning your ticket.
-
Conclusion
Parking at MetLife Stadium doesn't have to be a daunting experience. By understanding the type of event you're attending, planning your parking strategy in advance, adhering to the rules, and arriving with ample time, you'll be well on your way to enjoying your event without a hitch. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way!
Tip: Write down what you learned.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to Pre-pay for Parking at MetLife Stadium for NFL Games?
For NFL games, pre-paid parking permits are usually distributed to season ticket holders via their online team account. Additional permits can often be purchased through Ticketmaster by searching for "Jets Parking" or "Giants Parking," and these passes should be printed at home prior to arrival.
How to Find Accessible Parking at MetLife Stadium?
Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G at MetLife Stadium. You must have a valid state-issued ADA license plate or hang tag, and the permit holder must be present in the vehicle.
How to Tailgate Legally at MetLife Stadium?
Tailgating is permitted in most MetLife Sports Complex parking lots, but must be confined to your single parking space (in front or behind your vehicle). Grills are allowed (with proper disposal of coals), but deep fryers, open fires, and excessively loud sound systems are prohibited.
How to Pay for Parking for Non-NFL Events at MetLife Stadium?
For most non-NFL events, pre-paid permits are not required. You can pay for parking upon arrival at the toll plazas using credit card or cash for stadium lots, or credit card/digital wallet/ParkMobile for American Dream lots (cash often not accepted at American Dream onsite).
How to Know When MetLife Stadium Parking Lots Open?
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
MetLife Stadium parking lots typically open five hours prior to the scheduled start time of an event. Always check the specific event page or "Know Before You Go" document for exact times as they can vary.
How to Avoid Traffic Congestion When Arriving at MetLife Stadium?
Arrive early! The closer it gets to event time, the more crowded roadways and parking lots become. Following directions from traffic staff and having your parking pass/payment ready can also expedite entry.
How to Drop Off Passengers at MetLife Stadium?
Designated drop-off areas exist. For guests with disabilities, the drop-off is in Lot C. For taxis, limousines, and rideshares, the designated area is typically between Lots E and D.
How to Get Parking for Oversized Vehicles (Buses, RVs, Trailers) at MetLife Stadium?
Oversized vehicles like buses and RVs generally have dedicated parking in Lot L. Trucks and trailers are usually directed to park along curbs in the main parking lots and are not permitted in enclosed parking decks. Fees for oversized vehicles are significantly higher than for cars.
How to Transfer or Resell MetLife Stadium Parking Passes?
For NFL games, season ticket holders can often transfer or resell their pre-paid parking permits through their online team account manager (e.g., My Jets Account or My Giants Account).
How to Park Near MetLife Stadium if Stadium Lots are Full or Too Expensive?
Consider parking at the American Dream complex (Lots 26, 27, 28, Deck A) which is across the street and offers both pre-paid and on-site payment options. Another option is the Edison Park Fast parking lot at Secaucus Junction, where you can then take NJ Transit rail service to the stadium.
 |
