It's an exciting feeling, isn't it? The anticipation of a big game, a massive concert, or a thrilling event at MetLife Stadium! But before you can soak in the atmosphere, there's one crucial detail that often causes the most stress: parking. Understanding the parking situation at MetLife Stadium is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience. So, are you ready to unravel the mystery of MetLife Stadium's parking capacity and how to navigate it like a pro? Let's dive in!
The Grand Scale: How Many Parking Spots Does MetLife Stadium Actually Have?
MetLife Stadium boasts a significant parking capacity to accommodate the massive crowds it attracts. Officially, there are approximately 23,800 parking spaces distributed among 14 lettered lots directly at the MetLife Sports Complex. In addition to this, there are an additional 5,000 parking spaces adjacent to the East Side of the Stadium, often associated with the American Dream retail and entertainment complex. This brings the total potential parking availability in the immediate vicinity to around 28,800 spaces.
However, it's crucial to understand that "potential" doesn't always translate to "available to everyone." The world of MetLife Stadium parking is a bit more nuanced, especially for NFL games.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Conquering MetLife Stadium Parking
Navigating parking at MetLife Stadium requires a bit of planning and understanding of the system. Here's your comprehensive guide:
Step 1: Identify Your Event Type – This is Crucial!
Before you even think about leaving your driveway, the most important step is to know what kind of event you're attending. Why? Because parking rules and availability vary significantly:
- NFL Games (New York Giants & New York Jets): This is where it gets a bit more complex. For NFL games, pre-paid parking permits are almost always required to enter the Sports Complex parking lots. You generally cannot just show up on game day and pay for parking at the gate.
- Non-NFL Events (Concerts, Soccer Matches, Other Events): For most other events, pre-paid parking permits are typically not required. Parking is often available and payable upon arrival, though rates can vary.
Step 2: Securing Your Parking – The Permit vs. Pay-on-Arrival Dilemma
Once you know your event type, you can proceed to secure your parking.
For NFL Games: Pre-Paid Permits are Your Golden Ticket
If you're heading to a Giants or Jets game, your focus should be on obtaining a pre-paid parking permit.
- Where to Find Them:
- Ticketmaster NFL Ticket Exchange: This is often the primary source. When you're purchasing your game tickets, look for an option to "Show Parking Tickets."
- Personal Seat Licenses (PSL) Holders: Premium parking is often included with PSLs.
- Secondary Market: If you can't get one directly, the secondary market (authorized resellers) might have permits available, but be prepared for potentially higher prices.
- Types of Permits: MetLife Stadium typically has "Gold" and "Platinum" permits.
- "GOLD" Permits: These usually grant access to Lots B, D, J, K, L, M, P, Deck A, and all lots near American Dream.
- "PLATINUM" Permits: These typically provide access to Lots E, F, or G.
- Important Note: The numbers on your permit are for informational purposes only and do not guarantee a reserved spot in a specific lot. You'll be directed by staff upon arrival.
- Cost: NFL parking permits can be quite expensive. General parking permits for a season (10 games) have been known to cost around $250, meaning $25 per game. Individual game day parking can vary.
- Displaying Your Permit: Make sure your pre-paid parking permit (hang tag, barcode, or QR code on your mobile device) is clearly displayed before you even reach the lot entrance. This will help expedite your entry.
For Non-NFL Events: Simpler, But Still Plan Ahead
For concerts, soccer matches, and other events, the process is usually simpler.
- Pay Upon Arrival: You can generally pay for parking with a credit card upon arrival at lots like 26 or 27 (near American Dream) or other designated areas.
- Check Event Specifics: Always double-check the specific event page on the MetLife Stadium website or the "Know Before You Go" document for the most accurate and up-to-date parking information and pricing. Prices for non-NFL events can range from $25 to $40 or more per vehicle.
Step 3: Understanding the Parking Lot Layout and Arrival Strategy
MetLife Stadium has a complex of parking lots, each designated by a letter.
- 14 Lettered Lots: These include Lots A, B, C, D, E, F, G, J, K, L, M, P, and others.
- American Dream Lots: Lots 26 and 27 are specifically mentioned as being open for MetLife Stadium events.
- Approaching the Stadium: As you near the stadium, keep an eye out for highway, street-level, and electronic message signs that will direct you to the appropriate parking lot entrances.
- Early Arrival is Key: For any event, but especially for NFL games, arriving early is highly recommended. Parking lots typically open five hours prior to the start of an event. Arriving early allows you to:
- Avoid the heaviest traffic congestion.
- Find your spot more easily.
- Enjoy pre-event tailgating (if permitted for your event).
- Traffic Flow: Be aware that circulation between parking lots within the Sports Complex is generally not permitted. Once you're in a lot, you're usually committed.
- Exit Strategy: Many frequent visitors recommend parking farthest from the actual stadium for the easiest exit after the event, as the lots closer to the stadium tend to experience the worst post-event traffic.
Step 4: Tailgating and Parking Lot Rules
Tailgating is a beloved tradition at MetLife Stadium, but there are rules to follow.
- Permitted Areas: Tailgating is generally permitted in all MetLife Sports Complex parking lots, unless otherwise designated.
- One Car, One Spot: The general rule is that your tailgate setup must be contained within the single parking space occupied by your vehicle. Adjacent parking spaces may not be used for grills, chairs, tents, etc. Stadium management actively monitors this policy.
- Grills: Grills are permitted, but they must be contained and used only within your designated parking space.
- Hot Coal Disposal: Do not discard hot coals near vehicles or in plastic waste receptacles. Look for the designated large, orange "hot charcoal" bins located on the islands/plazas between the parking lots.
- Trash Disposal: Dispose of all trash in provided receptacles. Bag your trash to make it easier for staff and for vehicles exiting.
- Prohibited Items: Open fires are not permitted. Also, drones, model aircraft, kites, and any other remote-controlled or tethered flying objects are strictly prohibited on the Sports Complex.
- Commercial Activity: Unauthorized commercial activity is strictly prohibited. This means you cannot sell access to a tailgate party to the general public.
Step 5: Alternative Parking and Transportation Options
If driving and parking on-site seems too daunting or isn't an option, MetLife Stadium offers alternatives.
Off-Site Parking for NFL Games
- 20 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, NJ: For NFL games, if you don't have a pre-paid permit, there is often an official off-site lot at this address. The cost for this lot is typically around $55 (cash/credit accepted).
- Shuttle Service: Shuttle service is provided from this off-site lot to Lot G on the Stadium Complex.
Park and Ride (Train)
- Secaucus Junction: This is a highly recommended option to avoid traffic. You can park at the Edison Park Fast parking lot located at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction (675 New Country Road, Secaucus NJ). This lot has approximately 1,100 spaces and is open 24 hours/day.
- NJ TRANSIT Rail Service: From Secaucus Junction, you can take NJ TRANSIT rail service directly to the MetLife Sports Complex. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes.
- Always check that rail service is running for your specific event before relying on this option.
Rideshare and Taxis
- Designated Drop-off/Pick-up Zone: There is a dedicated area for all drop-offs and pick-ups for rideshare services (like Uber/Lyft) and taxis located between parking lots D and E, with curb space along the roadway.
- Lot E: The designated rideshare zone is specifically located in Lot E off West Peripheral Road, near the Verizon Gate and Walk Bridge.
- Be Prepared for Surge Pricing: After events, rideshare surge pricing is common, and wait times can be significantly longer. Having a charged phone is essential.
FAQs About MetLife Stadium Parking
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, all starting with "How to," with quick answers:
How to know if I need a pre-paid parking permit?
You need a pre-paid parking permit for all NFL games (Giants and Jets home games). For most non-NFL events (concerts, soccer), permits are generally not required, and you can pay upon arrival.
How to purchase a pre-paid parking permit for an NFL game?
You can typically purchase them through the Ticketmaster NFL Ticket Exchange when buying your game tickets, or they may be included with Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs).
How to display my parking permit upon arrival?
Hang Tag permits should be hung from your rearview mirror, Barcode permits printed and placed on your dashboard, and QR Code permits displayed on your mobile device for scanning at the gate.
How to find accessible parking at MetLife Stadium?
Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G. You must have a valid state-issued accessible parking license plate or hang tag visible, and the owner of the tag must be in the vehicle.
How to find the designated drop-off and pick-up area for rideshares/taxis?
The designated area is located between parking lots D and E, with the primary rideshare zone in Lot E off West Peripheral Road, near the Verizon Gate and Walk Bridge.
How to avoid heavy traffic when leaving MetLife Stadium?
Consider parking in lots farthest from the stadium itself, as these tend to have easier exits. Alternatively, utilizing the NJ TRANSIT rail service from Secaucus Junction is an excellent way to bypass traffic entirely.
How to tailgate responsibly at MetLife Stadium?
Ensure your tailgate setup is within your single parking space, dispose of hot coals in designated bins, and bag all trash. Adhere to the "one car, one spot" rule.
How to find off-site parking if I don't have a pre-paid NFL permit?
For NFL games, you can park at the official off-site lot located at 20 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, NJ 07073, which provides shuttle service to the stadium.
How to get to MetLife Stadium using public transportation?
Take NJ TRANSIT rail service from Secaucus Junction directly to the MetLife Sports Complex station. Check schedules to ensure service is running for your event.
How to know the exact parking rates for a specific event?
Always check the official MetLife Stadium event page or the "Know Before You Go" document for the specific event you are attending, as rates can vary by event type and day.