Oh, you're planning a trip to MetLife Stadium! That's fantastic. Whether you're heading to a Giants or Jets game, a thrilling concert, or another exciting event, understanding the parking situation is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience. Let's break down everything you need to know about parking at MetLife Stadium.
Step 1: Decide How You'll Arrive - Driving or Public Transit?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of parking, the first and most crucial step is to decide if you'll drive to MetLife Stadium or opt for public transportation. This decision will significantly impact your planning.
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Driving: This offers the most flexibility, especially if you're coming with a group or plan to tailgate. However, it also comes with potential traffic, parking fees, and specific rules to follow.
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Public Transportation: A great alternative to avoid traffic and parking hassles. MetLife Stadium is well-connected by train and bus services.
For the purpose of this guide, we'll primarily focus on parking if you choose to drive. But remember, public transport is a viable and often less stressful option!
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| Can You Park At Metlife Stadium |
Step 2: Understanding MetLife Stadium Parking Basics ️
MetLife Stadium has extensive parking facilities, but it's not a free-for-all. There are rules, costs, and specific procedures you need to be aware of.
Sub-heading: Parking Lot Hours & Timings ⏰
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Opening Hours: The parking lots typically open five (5) hours prior to the start of an event. Arriving earlier than this generally won't grant you access, and you might even be directed to leave surrounding roadways.
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Closing Hours: Lots usually close two (2) hours after the conclusion of an event.
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Event Specifics: Always check the specific event page or "Know Before You Go" document for your particular event, as these hours can sometimes vary.
Sub-heading: Pre-paid vs. On-site Parking
For NFL games, parking is almost always pre-paid and requires a parking permit. These permits are usually purchased in advance, often through the team's official channels or authorized resale platforms like SeatGeek or ParkWhiz. For non-NFL events (like concerts or soccer matches), pre-paid permits are often available but not always required unless part of VIP or suite packages. Parking might also be available for payment upon arrival, but it's highly recommended to secure it in advance to ensure availability and potentially save money.
Sub-heading: Costs
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
Parking costs can vary significantly based on the event and the specific lot. As a general idea, car parking for non-NFL events might be around $40, while bus/RV parking can be around $160, and limousines around $100. For NFL games, pre-paid permits can range from $30 to over $100 depending on the game and parking tier (e.g., general, reserved, premium).
Step 3: Navigating the Parking Lots ️
Once you've decided to drive and hopefully secured your parking, it's time to understand the layout and flow.
Sub-heading: Following Directions ➡️
As you approach MetLife Stadium, there will be highway, street level, and variable electronic message signs directing you to the parking lot entrances. It's crucial to follow the directions of the Traffic and Parking Staff. They are there to ensure safe and efficient travel.
Sub-heading: Which Lot is Right for You?
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General Seating: If you have tickets in the general seating areas, you'll usually be directed to park in the lots closest to your point of entry into the Sports Complex, including the east side (Arena lots).
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Accessible Parking (ADA): For guests with disabilities, accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G. 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 vehicle. Registrations and IDs will be checked. There's also a dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities in Lot C, adjacent to the Verizon Gate.
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Oversized Vehicles: Trucks, trailers, buses, and other oversized vehicles are not permitted to park in the enclosed parking deck on the east side of the Sports Complex (next to the Arena). Charter bus parking is generally located in Lot L. Oversized vehicles may be directed to park along curbs in certain lots to avoid taking up multiple lined spaces.
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Circulation Between Lots: Circulation between parking lots is generally not permitted. Once you're in a lot, you're usually expected to stay there.
Step 4: Rules and Regulations for Parking and Tailgating
MetLife Stadium has strict rules to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests. Familiarize yourself with these to avoid issues.
Sub-heading: Parking Space Etiquette
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
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ONE CAR = ONE SPACE: This is a fundamental rule. Tailgating should be limited to the lined parking space and the area directly behind or in front of your vehicle. Do not block drive lanes or use additional lined spaces for tailgating activities.
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Saving Spaces: Saving parking spaces is not permitted. If you're with a group and want to tailgate together, everyone should plan to arrive together.
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Overnight Parking: Overnight parking is strictly prohibited on the MetLife Sports Complex.
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Illegal Parking: Parking illegally outside the Sports Complex on roadways, medians, grass malls, and vehicle breakdown lanes is prohibited. Violators will be ticketed by local law enforcement and/or towed at the owner's expense.
Sub-heading: Tailgating Specifics
Tailgating is a beloved tradition at MetLife, and it's generally permitted in all MetLife Sports Complex parking lots, except in parking decks.
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Grills: Grills are allowed for tailgating, but they must be used at a safe distance from your vehicle. Open fires are not permitted. Deep fryers or any oil-based cooking are prohibited. Hot coals must be disposed of in designated "hot charcoal" bins, not in open spaces or trash receptacles.
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Tents: Tents or canopies exceeding an 8' x 8' footprint are not permitted in lined parking spaces.
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Sound Systems: Sound systems must not produce sound in excess of 65 decibels. Face your system towards your vehicle.
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Commercial Activity: Unauthorized commercial tailgating and marketing activities are strictly prohibited. Individuals or companies cannot sell access to a tailgate party on the premises.
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Vehicle Searches: Vehicles are subject to search by the New Jersey State Police, which could include a canine unit. Refusal to allow a search will result in denial of entry to the Sports Complex.
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Fire Extinguishers: It's recommended that tailgaters have a minimum Class 2A-10B:C fire extinguisher available.
Step 5: Alternative Transportation Options
Even if you prefer driving, it's good to know alternatives, especially if parking seems challenging or if you want to avoid potential traffic.
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Sub-heading: NJ TRANSIT Rail Service
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Secaucus Junction: Most of NJ TRANSIT's rail system connects at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction. This allows for quick and efficient travel to MetLife Stadium.
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Direct Access: The Meadowlands Rail Service delivers guests directly to the front door of MetLife Stadium.
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Service Hours: Rail service typically begins approximately three and a half (3.5) hours prior to an event and ends one (1) hour after it concludes. Travel time between Secaucus Junction and the Sports Complex station is about 10 minutes.
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Tickets: Purchase round-trip tickets in advance at Ticket Windows, Ticket Vending Machines, or via the free NJ TRANSIT Mobile App.
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Park and Ride: You can also park at the Edison Park Fast parking lot at Secaucus Junction and take the train. This 1,100-space lot is open 24 hours.
Sub-heading: Coach USA Bus Service (Route Number 351)
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Port Authority to MetLife: Coach USA provides the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority in NYC directly to the MetLife Sports Complex for NFL games and other large events.
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Service Hours: The bus service usually begins two and a half (2.5) hours prior to a game and continues for about half an hour after kickoff, operating for approximately one hour after the event ends.
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Drop-off/Pick-up: Bus drop-off and pick-up is in Lot K, near the Quest Diagnostics Performance Center.
Step 6: Tips for a Smooth Parking Experience ✨
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Arrive Early: This is perhaps the most important tip. Arriving early gives you the best chance of finding a good spot, allows time for security checks, and lets you enjoy the pre-event atmosphere, including tailgating or plaza activities.
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Check Event-Specific Information: Always consult the official MetLife Stadium website or the specific event's "Know Before You Go" guide for the most up-to-date information on parking hours, availability, and any unique rules.
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Have Your Parking Pass Ready: If you have a pre-paid permit, make sure it's easily accessible on your phone or printed out.
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Consider Ride-Sharing/Taxis: There are designated drop-off and pick-up areas for ride-sharing services and taxis between parking lots E and D.
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Stay Informed: Pay attention to highway signs, electronic message boards, and staff directions.
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Be Patient: With large crowds, expect some delays when entering and exiting the parking lots. Patience is key!
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Designate a Driver: If you plan on consuming alcohol, ensure you have a designated driver or use public transportation/ride-sharing services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
How to purchase MetLife Stadium parking passes?
Parking passes for NFL games are typically pre-sold and can often be acquired through the official teams' websites (New York Giants, New York Jets), authorized ticket marketplaces like SeatGeek, or parking reservation services like ParkWhiz. For non-NFL events, parking may be available for purchase on arrival, but pre-booking is still recommended via the stadium's website or ParkWhiz if offered.
How to find MetLife Stadium parking costs?
Parking costs vary by event. For specific pricing, it's best to check the event page on the MetLife Stadium website, the relevant team's website (for NFL games), or parking platforms like SeatGeek or ParkWhiz, where prices are usually listed when you select your event.
How to access ADA/Accessible parking at MetLife Stadium?
Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G. To gain access, your vehicle must display a valid state-issued ADA license plate or hang tag, and the person to whom the tag is registered must be present in the vehicle. There's also an accessible drop-off area in Lot C.
How to tailgate responsibly at MetLife Stadium?
Tailgating is permitted in most lots (excluding parking decks) and must be confined to your single parking space. Keep drive lanes clear, use grills safely away from vehicles, and dispose of hot coals in designated bins. Open fires, deep fryers, and commercial tailgating are prohibited.
How to get to MetLife Stadium using public transportation?
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
You can take NJ TRANSIT rail service, primarily connecting at Secaucus Junction, which brings you directly to the stadium. Coach USA also offers the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority in NYC for many major events.
How to find out parking lot opening and closing times for an event?
Parking lots typically open five hours before an event and close two hours after. However, it's always best to check the specific event's information on the MetLife Stadium website or its "Know Before You Go" document for exact timings, as they can sometimes vary.
How to park oversized vehicles (RVs, buses, trailers) at MetLife Stadium?
Oversized vehicles are generally directed to specific areas, often along curbs in certain parking lots, and are not permitted in enclosed parking decks. Charter bus parking is usually in Lot L. These vehicles will incur higher parking fees.
How to pay for parking at MetLife Stadium if not pre-paid?
For events where on-site payment is accepted, credit cards are typically the preferred method, though cash may also be accepted. Some third-party lots might also accept cash.
How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium?
Arriving very early is the best way to avoid peak traffic. Alternatively, consider using public transportation via NJ TRANSIT or Coach USA buses, which can often bypass heavy road congestion.
How to get dropped off or picked up by a taxi or rideshare service at MetLife Stadium?
There is a designated drop-off and pick-up area for taxis and rideshare services located between parking lots E and D. Follow signage and staff directions to this area.
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