Going to a live event at MetLife Stadium is an exciting experience, whether it's for an NFL game, a major concert, or another spectacular event. While the stadium offers a wide variety of concessions, many fans wonder: Can you bring your own food into MetLife Stadium? The good news is, yes, you generally can, but with some very specific rules and restrictions! Knowing these policies beforehand can save you time, money, and hassle at the gates.
Step 1: Understand the "Why" Behind the Rules
Before we dive into the specifics, let's briefly understand why stadiums like MetLife have these policies. It's not just about selling more hot dogs! The primary reasons are:
Security: Limiting what comes in helps security personnel maintain a safe environment for everyone. Suspicious items can be more easily identified.
Safety: Preventing glass bottles, large coolers, or certain types of containers minimizes the risk of accidents or projectiles.
Operational Efficiency: Standardized bag policies and food rules help streamline the entry process, reducing wait times at security checkpoints.
Revenue: Concession sales are a significant revenue stream for stadiums and event organizers, contributing to the overall event experience and facility maintenance.
So, while it might seem inconvenient, these rules are in place for valid reasons. Now that you're in the know, let's get down to the practical steps!
Step 2: Grasp the General Food Policy – What's Allowed?
MetLife Stadium has a relatively clear policy regarding outside food. Here's the key takeaway:
Food Must Be in a Clear Plastic Bag
You can bring food into MetLife Stadium, but it must be contained in a clear plastic bag. This means a Ziploc-style bag or similar transparent packaging. This allows security personnel to easily see the contents without having to rummage through your items, speeding up the entry process.
Think of it this way: If a security guard can't immediately see what's inside, it's likely not going to be allowed.
What Kind of Food?
While the policy generally states "food of any kind," the practicality leans towards snacks, sandwiches, and other items that are easy to inspect and consume in a stadium setting.
Items that require heating, refrigeration, or extensive preparation are obviously not practical or permitted.
Some fans successfully bring in things like sandwiches, wraps, chips, fruit, and individually packaged snacks.
Step 3: Navigate the Drink Rules – The Specifics for Beverages
This is where it gets a little more restrictive than food. While you can bring some beverages, there are strict limitations:
Factory-Sealed, Non-Alcoholic Drinks
You are permitted to bring factory-sealed, plastic bottles of water or soft drinks that are 20 oz. or less in size.
This is crucial: They must be factory-sealed. If the seal is broken, it won't be allowed in.
No glass bottles or cans are permitted, even if they are factory-sealed.
No alcoholic beverages of any kind are allowed to be brought into the stadium. Attempting to conceal alcohol will result in denial of entry or ejection.
Reusable Water Bottles
Good news for the environmentally conscious! You can bring reusable water bottles (both plastic and aluminum) that are 20 oz. or less in size.
However, there's a catch: These bottles must be empty upon entry. Once inside, you can fill them at water fountains located throughout the stadium. This is a great way to stay hydrated without constantly buying expensive bottled water.
Step 4: Adhere to the Clear Bag Policy – Your Container is Key
The MetLife Stadium Clear Bag Policy is fundamental to bringing anything into the venue, including your food and drinks. This policy is strictly enforced for all events.
Approved Bags:
Clear bags made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC that are 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller. You are allowed one clear bag per person.
Small non-clear clutch-type bags that are 4.5" x 6.5" or less in size. This is roughly the size of your hand. Again, one per person.
One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (like a Ziploc bag). This is often the ideal choice for bringing in snacks and sandwiches.
Prohibited Bags:
Any type of non-clear bag exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size. This includes most purses, handbags, backpacks, fanny packs, camera cases, binocular cases, diaper bags, briefcases, and computer bags.
Coolers of any kind, thermoses, or ice chests are strictly prohibited.
Special Considerations:
Medically necessary items: An exception will be made for medically necessary items (including related bags) after proper inspection at a designated gate.
Diaper bags: While typically larger than the allowed clutch size, diaper bags are generally permitted but will be subject to inspection. It's advisable to use a clear diaper bag if possible to facilitate faster entry.
Step 5: Plan Your Entry – What to Expect at the Gates
Even with your compliant food and bags, entry procedures are important to know:
Security Screening
All guests and their possessions are subject to a search prior to entering the Stadium. This is why the clear bag policy is so important—it makes the search process much quicker.
Be prepared to open your clear bag for inspection and potentially remove contents if asked by security personnel.
Consumption Rules
While you can bring food and drink in, MetLife Stadium's health and safety protocols (which may vary by event, so always check the "Know Before You Go" for your specific event) may dictate that all food and beverages must be consumed at your ticketed seat location.
Guests may not be permitted to eat or drink while walking on the concourse. This is often to maintain social distancing and cleanliness.
Step 6: The "Know Before You Go" Principle ℹ️
While this guide covers the general policies, MetLife Stadium's policies can sometimes have minor variations depending on the specific event.
Always Check the Official Website:
Before attending any event, it's highly recommended to visit the official MetLife Stadium website (metlifestadium.com) and navigate to the "Guest Policies" or "A-Z Guide" section. Look for specific information related to your event, as policies for concerts might differ slightly from NFL games.
Many events also have a "Know Before You Go" document published, which will outline any unique rules or updates.
By following these steps, you can confidently bring your approved food and drinks into MetLife Stadium, enhancing your event experience without any unexpected surprises at the gate! Enjoy the game or show!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to: Pack food for MetLife Stadium?
Pack your food in a clear plastic bag, such as a one-gallon Ziploc bag. Opt for items like sandwiches, snacks, or fruit that are easy to inspect and eat without utensils.
How to: Bring drinks into MetLife Stadium?
Bring factory-sealed plastic bottles of water or soft drinks that are 20 oz. or less in size. You can also bring empty reusable water bottles (plastic or aluminum) of 20 oz. or less to fill inside.
How to: Carry your bag at MetLife Stadium?
Use a clear bag (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a small non-clear clutch bag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". Only one bag of each type is allowed per person.
How to: Avoid issues with security at MetLife Stadium regarding food?
Ensure all food is in a clear plastic bag and all allowed beverages are factory-sealed (if disposable) or empty (if reusable). Be prepared for your bag to be inspected.
How to: Bring snacks for kids into MetLife Stadium?
Snacks for children must also adhere to the clear plastic bag policy. Juices in sealed, soft-sided child's juice boxes might be permitted as an exception, but always check the specific event's policy.
How to: Re-fill a water bottle at MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium has water fountains located throughout the concourses where you can fill your empty reusable water bottle after entering.
How to: Know if an item is prohibited at MetLife Stadium?
Check the official MetLife Stadium website's "Guest Policies" or "A-Z Guide" for a comprehensive list of prohibited items, which typically includes glass bottles, cans, coolers, and outside alcohol.
How to: Manage medical food or dietary needs at MetLife Stadium?
Inform security personnel at the gate about any medically necessary food items. Exceptions can often be made after a proper inspection.
How to: Bring in baby formula or baby food at MetLife Stadium?
Baby formula and baby food are generally permitted, but they should be in clear containers or bags for easy inspection. Diaper bags are also usually allowed but are subject to search.
How to: Find the most up-to-date food and bag policies for a specific event at MetLife Stadium?
Always refer to the "Know Before You Go" guide or the "Guest Policies" section on the official MetLife Stadium website (metlifestadium.com) for the specific event you are attending, as rules can occasionally vary.
