Yes, you can absolutely park at MetLife Stadium! However, it's not as simple as just showing up and finding a spot. Parking at MetLife Stadium, especially for major events like NFL games or large concerts, requires some planning and understanding of their specific rules and procedures. Let's break down everything you need to know to make your game day or concert experience as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Conquer MetLife Parking?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's set the stage. Are you attending an NFL game, a concert, a soccer match, or another type of event? The parking procedures can differ slightly based on the event. Understanding this distinction is your first key to success. Also, how early do you plan to arrive? MetLife Stadium has strict opening times for its lots, and arriving too early could lead to you being turned away. So, are you ready to plan like a pro and avoid any parking pitfalls? Let's get started!
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| Can I Park At Metlife Stadium |
Step 2: Understanding Parking Access and Permits
Parking at MetLife Stadium isn't a free-for-all. For most major events, especially NFL games, you'll need a pre-paid parking permit. For non-NFL events, pre-paid permits are often available through platforms like ParkWhiz, or you may be able to pay upon arrival, though pre-purchasing is highly recommended for convenience and to guarantee a spot.
Sub-heading: NFL Game Parking
For New York Giants and New York Jets games, parking is typically pre-paid and often distributed to season ticket holders. If you're not a season ticket holder, you might need to acquire a permit through secondary markets or look for official re-sale options. It's crucial to ensure your parking permit is valid for the specific game you're attending.
Sub-heading: Non-NFL Event Parking (Concerts, Soccer, etc.)
For concerts, soccer matches, and other events, pre-paid parking permits are often available for purchase online, sometimes directly through the stadium's website or through authorized third-party vendors like ParkWhiz. While it might be possible to pay at the gate, it's generally advised to purchase in advance to secure your spot and avoid potential sell-outs or higher on-site prices. These permits are usually digital and can be scanned from your phone.
Step 3: Timing is Everything – Parking Lot Hours
You can't just show up whenever you please. MetLife Stadium parking lots operate on a strict schedule.
Sub-heading: General Opening and Closing Times
The parking lots will typically open five (5) hours prior to the start of an event. This gives you ample time for tailgating (which we'll cover later!) or simply getting settled. They will then close two (2) hours after the conclusion of the event. Arriving earlier than five hours prior to the scheduled event time is not permitted, and you may be directed to leave the roadways.
Sub-heading: Checking Specific Event Times
While the five-hour rule is general, it's always a good idea to double-check the specific event page or any "Know Before You Go" documents provided by MetLife Stadium for your particular event. Hours can sometimes vary, and being aware of any exceptions can save you a lot of hassle.
Tip: Take mental snapshots of important details.
Step 4: Navigating the Lots and Parking Regulations
Once you're in the vicinity, signage and staff will guide you. However, there are some important rules to keep in mind.
Sub-heading: Following Staff Directions
It's paramount to follow the directions of the Traffic and Parking Staff. They are there to ensure smooth and efficient travel throughout the Sports Complex. Trying to navigate independently or disregard their instructions can lead to delays or issues.
Sub-heading: One Car = One Space Rule
This is a critical rule for tailgaters. MetLife Stadium enforces a "ONE CAR = ONE SPACE" policy. This means your vehicle and all your tailgating activities (tables, chairs, grills, etc.) must be contained within the boundaries of your single lined parking space. Blocking drive lanes or occupying additional spaces is strictly prohibited. If you're tailgating with a group, plan to meet in advance and arrive together to secure adjacent spots if possible. Saving spaces is not permitted.
Sub-heading: Oversized Vehicles and Restricted Areas
Trucks, trailers, buses, and other oversized vehicles are generally not permitted to park in the enclosed parking deck on the east side of the Sports Complex (near the American Dream mall). These vehicles will often be directed to park along curbs in the main parking lots or in designated areas like Lot L for charter buses.
Sub-heading: Prohibited Parking
Illegal parking outside the Sports Complex on area roadways, medians, grass malls, and vehicle breakdown lanes is strictly prohibited. Violators will be ticketed by local law enforcement and/or towed at the owner's expense. Also, overnight parking is not permitted.
Step 5: Accessible Parking (ADA)
MetLife Stadium is committed to providing accessible parking for guests with disabilities.
Sub-heading: Requirements for Accessible Parking
For all events, ticket holders with disabilities must have a valid ADA license plate or a valid ADA hang tag to gain access to the Sports Complex. The owner of the vehicle with the valid license plate or hang tag must be in the vehic
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Sub-heading: Designated Accessible Lots
Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G. These areas are closely monitored to ensure proper usage. Traffic and Parking staff will direct guests with disabilities or limited mobility to these designated ADA parking spaces. Additionally, a dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities is located in Lot C, adjacent to the Verizon Gate.
Step 6: Tailgating Like a Pro (or Not!)
Tailgating is a beloved tradition at MetLife Stadium, but it comes with its own set of rules.
Sub-heading: Where Tailgating is Permitted
Tailgating is generally permitted in all MetLife Sports Complex parking lots, except for the parking decks.
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Sub-heading: Grill and Fire Safety
Grills are allowed for tailgating, but they must be used at a safe distance from vehicles and buildings. Open fires, deep fryers, and oil-based cooking are strictly prohibited. It's highly recommended that tailgaters have a minimum Class 2A-10B:C fire extinguisher available.
Sub-heading: Sound Systems and Space
Sound systems must not produce sound in excess of 65 decibels (New Jersey State Ordinance). If you're using a sound system, face it towards your vehicle and not in the direction of other guests. Remember the "ONE CAR = ONE SPACE" rule – all your tailgating equipment must fit within your designated spot.
Sub-heading: Commercial Tailgating and Marketing
Unauthorized commercial tailgating and marketing activities are strictly prohibited. Individuals and companies cannot sell access to a tailgate party while on the premises.
Step 7: Alternative Transportation Options
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
If driving and parking aren't for you, MetLife Stadium offers convenient public transportation options.
Sub-heading: NJ TRANSIT Rail Service
For events with anticipated attendance above 50,000, NJ TRANSIT's Meadowlands Rail Service is available. This train delivers guests directly to the stadium. Most of NJ TRANSIT's rail system connects at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction, from where trains run to the Sports Complex station (approximately a 10-minute ride). Rail service typically begins about 3.5 hours before an event and ends an hour after.
Sub-heading: Coach USA Bus Service (Route 351)
Coach USA provides the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC to the MetLife Sports Complex for NFL games and other large events. The bus service usually starts 2.5 hours prior to the event and runs until 0.5 hours after the start, and for about an hour after the event concludes. The bus drop-off/pick-up is in Lot K.
Sub-heading: Park and Ride
You can also opt for a Park and Ride approach. The Edison Park Fast parking lot at Secaucus Junction is a great option. It's open 24 hours and you can park there and then take the NJ TRANSIT rail service to the stadium.
FAQs: Your Quick Answers to MetLife Parking Queries
How to buy parking at MetLife Stadium for an NFL game?
For NFL games, parking permits are often distributed to season ticket holders. If you don't have one, you'll need to acquire it through secondary markets or authorized re-sale platforms.
How to buy parking at MetLife Stadium for a concert?
For concerts and other non-NFL events, pre-paid parking permits can often be purchased online through the official MetLife Stadium website or through authorized ticketing partners like ParkWhiz.
How to know the exact parking lot opening time for my event?
Always check the specific event page on the MetLife Stadium website or refer to any "Know Before You Go" documents provided for your event, as times can occasionally vary from the general 5-hour pre-event rule.
Tip: Reread key phrases to strengthen memory.
How to find accessible parking at MetLife Stadium?
Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G for vehicles with valid ADA license plates or hang tags. There's also a dedicated ADA drop-off in Lot C.
How to tailgate responsibly at MetLife Stadium?
Keep all your tailgating items within your single designated parking space. Grills are permitted (not in parking decks) but no open fires or deep fryers. Be mindful of noise levels (under 65 decibels).
How to pay for parking on-site if I didn't pre-purchase?
For non-NFL events, parking may be available and payable upon arrival, often with credit card or cash. However, pre-purchasing is strongly recommended to guarantee a spot and potentially save money.
How to get to MetLife Stadium using public transportation?
You can use the NJ TRANSIT Meadowlands Rail Service from Secaucus Junction or the Coach USA Route 351 bus service from Port Authority.
How to avoid traffic when driving to MetLife Stadium?
Arrive early! Consider utilizing the Park and Ride option at Secaucus Junction and taking the train to the stadium, as this can often bypass significant traffic around the complex.
How to know if my oversized vehicle is allowed in the parking deck?
Generally, trucks, trailers, buses, and other oversized vehicles are not permitted in the enclosed parking decks. They will be directed to park along curbs in the main lots or in specific oversized vehicle lots like Lot L.
How to get dropped off or picked up at MetLife Stadium?
There are designated drop-off and pick-up areas, typically between parking lots E and D, with curb space for safe facilitation. Taxis and limousines can drop off without charge at these designated points.
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