Navigating MetLife Stadium: Your Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Parking Pass
Are you geared up for an unforgettable event at MetLife Stadium? Whether it's a thrilling NFL game, a sold-out concert, or a major international sporting event, securing your parking pass in advance is a game-changer for a smooth and stress-free experience. Forget the last-minute scramble and the uncertainty of finding a spot. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of purchasing your MetLife parking pass, ensuring you arrive ready to enjoy the action!
Ready to get started? Let's dive in and secure your spot!
Step 1: Identify Your Event and Its Parking Requirements
This is the most crucial first step, as parking procedures can vary based on the type of event.
Sub-heading: NFL Games (Giants and Jets)
For New York Giants and New York Jets home games, pre-paid parking permits are almost always required for vehicles entering the Sports Complex. You generally cannot pay for parking upon arrival for these events. These passes are usually tied to your game tickets, often provided through your team's account manager (Giants Account Manager or Jets Account Manager).
Sub-heading: Concerts and Other Major Events
For concerts, FIFA matches, and other large-scale events, pre-paid parking permits may or may not be strictly required. While it's often possible to pay upon arrival for non-NFL events, it is highly recommended to purchase your parking pass in advance to guarantee a spot and potentially save time and money. Check the official event page or the "Know Before You Go" document for specific instructions.
Sub-heading: Accessible Parking Needs
If you require accessible parking, ensure you have a valid DMV-issued Vehicle License Plate or Placard for Persons with a Disability. Accessible parking is typically available in specific lots (e.g., Lots E, F, and G) and you will still need an event parking pass. The owner of the vehicle with the valid placard must be in the vehicle, and registrations/IDs may be checked.
Step 2: Choose Your Purchase Method
MetLife Stadium parking passes are primarily purchased through online platforms.
Sub-heading: Official Team Account Managers (for NFL)
New York Jets: If you have Jets season tickets, your parking passes will likely be managed through your New York Jets Account Manager. You can log in via their website or the Jets mobile app. From here, you can print your PDF passes or add them to your mobile wallet.
New York Giants: Similarly, Giants suite or season ticket holders will access their parking passes through their online Giants Account Manager. You'll need to log in via a web browser (not the Giants app for printing). Printed PDF passes are often required for Giants parking, even though game tickets are mobile.
Sub-heading: Major Ticket Retailers and Resale Markets
Ticketmaster: For many events, parking passes can be purchased directly through Ticketmaster. When searching for event tickets, look for an option to add parking.
ParkMobile / ParkWhiz: These are common platforms used for reserving parking at MetLife Stadium for various events. You can often browse available parking and purchase passes directly through their websites or apps.
Official MetLife Stadium Website: The MetLife Stadium website itself often links to the appropriate parking purchase platforms for upcoming events. Always start here if you're unsure.
Resale Markets (e.g., StubHub, SeatGeek, eBay): If official channels are sold out, or you're looking for a specific lot, you might find passes on reputable secondary markets. Be cautious when purchasing from unofficial sources and always verify the legitimacy of the seller and the pass.
Step 3: Select Your Parking Lot and Pass Type
MetLife Stadium has various parking lots, often categorized as "Gold" or "Platinum" for NFL games.
Sub-heading: Understanding Parking Lot Designations
Gold Permits: Typically grant access to lots like B, D, J, K, L, M, P, and Deck A (near American Dream). These are generally for general PSL and non-PSL season ticket holders.
Platinum Permits: Usually for Club and Suite season ticket holders, providing access to premium lots like E, F, and G.
For non-NFL events, specific lot designations might vary or be less strict. However, parking capacities are subject to change based on the event.
Sub-heading: Considerations When Choosing a Lot
Proximity to Stadium Entrance: Check the MetLife Stadium parking map to see which lots are closest to your seating section or preferred entrance.
Tailgating: If you plan to tailgate, ensure your chosen lot permits it. Tailgating is generally allowed in most surface lots, but not in parking garages or some designated non-tailgating areas (like Lot G for some events). Remember, MetLife Stadium enforces a "one car, one space" policy for tailgating.
Cost: Pricing can vary significantly by lot, event, and time of purchase. Purchasing in advance often secures a better price.
Step 4: Complete Your Purchase and Receive Your Pass
Once you've selected your event, chosen your lot, and confirmed the price, proceed to checkout.
Sub-heading: Payment Methods
Most platforms accept major credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), PayPal, and Apple Pay. MetLife Stadium itself is a cash-free facility, so be prepared to use digital payment methods.
Sub-heading: Digital vs. Printed Passes
This is critical!
Mobile Parking Passes: For many events, especially NFL games, you will receive a digital parking pass via email or through the official team/ticket app. It's strongly encouraged to add this to your Apple or Google Wallet. Screenshots are typically not permitted and will not grant entry due to dynamic barcodes. Turn your screen brightness to high when approaching attendants.
Print-at-Home PDF Passes: Some platforms or specific events (like Giants parking through their Account Manager) may still offer or require you to print your parking pass at home. If this is the case, ensure you print it clearly and have it prominently displayed on your dashboard upon arrival.
Step 5: Prepare for Event Day Arrival
Having your pass is only half the battle. Strategic planning for arrival can save you a lot of hassle.
Sub-heading: Arrive Early!
Parking lots typically open five hours prior to the start of an event. Arriving early is always recommended, especially for popular events, to avoid traffic and get settled. Vehicles arriving earlier than the stated opening time will likely not be permitted entry.
Sub-heading: Display Your Pass Clearly
Whether it's a printed pass on your dashboard or a mobile pass ready on your phone, ensure it's prominently displayed and easily scannable for the parking attendant.
Sub-heading: Be Aware of Rules and Regulations
No Overnight Parking: Overnight parking is strictly prohibited at MetLife Stadium.
Vehicle Searches: All vehicles are subject to search by NJ State Police, which may include canine units. Refusal to allow a search will result in denied entry.
One Car, One Space: Adhere to this policy, especially if tailgating. Do not use adjacent spaces for your setup.
No Open Fires: While grills are permitted (contained and elevated, using propane, natural gas, or electricity), open wood or charcoal fires are not allowed. Use designated hot coal bins for disposal.
Drop-off/Pick-up Zones: Designated areas exist between Lots D and E for drop-offs and pick-ups. There is no charge for accessing these areas.
Step 6: Alternative Parking Options
If on-site parking is sold out or you prefer to avoid the immediate stadium area, consider these alternatives:
Sub-heading: Off-Site Parking with Shuttle Service
For NFL games, MetLife Stadium often designates an off-site lot (e.g., at 20 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, NJ 07073). This lot usually accepts cash/credit card payment upon arrival and provides shuttle service to the Stadium Complex.
Sub-heading: Park and Ride (Train Service)
You can park at the Edison Park Fast lot at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction (off Exit 15X on the NJ Turnpike). From there, you can take NJ Transit rail service directly to the MetLife Sports Complex. This is an excellent option to avoid traffic around the stadium, but always check that rail service is running for your specific event.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about MetLife Stadium parking passes:
How to know if I need a pre-paid parking pass for my event?
Check the official MetLife Stadium event page or the "Know Before You Go" document for your specific event. For NFL games, a pre-paid pass is almost always required. For other events, it's highly recommended but sometimes payable upon arrival.
How to access my mobile parking pass?
Download the official team app (Jets or Giants) or the app of the ticketing platform you used (e.g., Ticketmaster, ParkMobile). Log in to your account, find your event, and add the pass to your mobile wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet).
How to print my parking pass from home?
If a print-at-home option is available, log into your account on the official team website (e.g.,
How to deal with a lost or stolen parking pass?
Contact the customer service of the platform where you purchased the pass (e.g., Ticketmaster, team's ticket office). For printed passes, some platforms allow you to generate a new barcode if you mark the original as lost/stolen.
How to know which parking lot my pass is valid for?
Your parking pass will typically specify the lot type (e.g., "Gold" or "Platinum") or a specific lot number. Refer to the MetLife Stadium parking map to understand the layout and location of these lots.
How to pay for parking if I don't have a pre-paid pass?
For non-NFL events, parking may be available upon arrival and payable by credit/debit card (MetLife is a cash-free facility). For NFL games, if you don't have a pre-paid pass, your only option might be the designated off-site lot with shuttle service, which accepts cash/credit.
How to find accessible parking at MetLife Stadium?
Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G for those with a valid DMV-issued accessible license plate or hang tag. The owner of the placard must be in the vehicle.
How to drop off or pick up someone at MetLife Stadium?
There is a designated drop-off and pick-up area located between parking lots D and E. There is no charge to access this area.
How to tailgate responsibly at MetLife Stadium?
Tailgating is permitted in most surface lots, provided you adhere to the "one car, one space" policy. Use contained, elevated grills (propane, natural gas, electric only – no wood/charcoal fires). Dispose of hot coals in designated bins and all trash in receptacles.
How to contact MetLife Stadium parking customer service?
For general parking inquiries, you can call the MetLife Stadium Guest Services Hotline at 201.559.1515. For specific ticketing or parking pass issues related to your purchase, contact the customer service of the platform you purchased from (e.g., Ticketmaster, team's ticket office).