Thinking about heading to MetLife Stadium for a game, concert, or another exciting event? Excellent choice! But wait, have you thought about where you're going to park, and more importantly, how much it's going to cost? Navigating parking at a major venue like MetLife can be a bit of a maze if you're not prepared.
Don't worry, you're in the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about MetLife Stadium parking, from understanding the various costs to securing your spot and making your arrival and departure as smooth as possible. So, are you ready to conquer MetLife Stadium parking like a pro? Let's dive in!
The Ultimate Guide to MetLife Stadium Parking: Costs, Options, and Tips
MetLife Stadium, home to the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets, and a premier venue for concerts and other large-scale events, is a massive complex with extensive parking facilities. However, understanding the pricing structure and parking procedures is key to a stress-free experience.
Step 1: Understand the Variability of Parking Costs
The first and most crucial thing to understand about MetLife Stadium parking is that the price isn't fixed. It varies significantly depending on several factors:
- Type of Event: NFL games (especially Giants and Jets home games) typically have higher parking rates than concerts or other events.
- Pre-paid vs. On-site: Pre-paying for parking almost always offers a better rate and guarantees you a spot.
- Parking Lot Location: While the stadium aims to direct you to lots closest to your gate, some off-site options might exist with different pricing.
- Demand: For highly anticipated events, parking can become scarce and potentially pricier if you wait until the last minute.
Generally, for major NFL games, you can expect to pay anywhere from $45 to $75 for a standard car parking spot within the official stadium complex or adjacent lots like those at American Dream. For concerts and other non-NFL events, the cost is typically around $40.
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Step 2: Determine Your Event Type and Parking Needs
Before you even think about money, figure out what kind of event you're attending and what your parking priorities are.
Sub-heading: NFL Game Day Parking (Giants & Jets)
For NFL games, pre-paid parking permits are almost always required for entry into the official MetLife Sports Complex lots. This is not a "pay at the gate" situation for most attendees.
- Season Ticket Holders: Often have the option to purchase season-long parking permits at a discounted per-game rate (e.g., $450 for PSL & Non-PSL Seat Holders, or $550 for Club & Suite Holders, equating to $45-$55 per game).
- Single-Game Attendees: You'll typically need to purchase a pre-paid permit via Ticketmaster or the NFL Ticket Exchange. These passes are usually labeled "GOLD" or "PLATINUM," dictating which lots you can access. "GOLD" permits typically allow access to lots B, D, J, K, L, M, P, Deck A, and lots near American Dream. "PLATINUM" permits grant access to lots E, F, or G. The price for these will be determined closer to the game date.
Sub-heading: Concerts & Other Events
For most concerts, soccer matches, and other non-NFL events, pre-paid parking permits are generally not required. You can often pay upon arrival. However, confirming this for your specific event is always recommended. Prices for these events are typically around $40 per vehicle.
Sub-heading: Special Vehicle Parking
- Oversized Vehicles (Trucks, Trailers, Buses, RVs): These vehicles are generally not permitted in the enclosed parking deck at American Dream. They are usually directed to park along curbs in designated parking lots to avoid occupying multiple lined spaces. Charter bus parking is typically in Lot L. Prices for oversized vehicles can be significantly higher (e.g., $100 for limousines, $160 for buses/RVs for non-NFL events).
- Accessible Parking (ADA): Guests with disabilities must have a valid ADA license plate or hang tag to access the Sports Complex. Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G, and traffic staff will direct you to designated spaces. The owner of the vehicle with the valid ADA tag must be in the vehicle.
Step 3: Explore Your Parking Options & Purchase Methods
Now that you know what to expect, let's look at where and how to secure your parking.
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Sub-heading: Official MetLife Stadium Lots
- Pre-purchased via Ticketmaster/NFL Ticket Exchange: For NFL games, this is your primary method. Search for "Jets Parking" or "Giants Parking" on Ticketmaster for your specific game. When Browse game tickets on the NFL Ticket Exchange, look for the "Show Parking Tickets" option. You'll receive a digital pass or a PDF to print.
- Season Parking Passes: As mentioned, for NFL season ticket holders, this is the most convenient option.
- Direct Purchase on Event Day (Non-NFL): For many concerts and events, you can pay by credit card upon arrival at the parking lots. No cash is accepted on-site.
Sub-heading: American Dream Mall Parking (Adjacent to MetLife Stadium)
American Dream, located directly across from MetLife Stadium, offers convenient parking options for stadium events.
- Lots 26, 27, and 28, and Parking Deck A: These are designated for MetLife Stadium event parking.
- Pre-pay or Pay Upon Arrival (Credit Card Only): You can often pre-pay for these lots online or pay with a credit card upon entry.
- Pricing at American Dream: As of early 2025, American Dream lists parking rates for MetLife Stadium events as up to $75 for Jets games, up to $60 for Giants games, and around $40 for concerts/other events.
- American Dream Attraction Validation: A key tip! If you visit an American Dream attraction (like Nickelodeon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, etc.) and show your attraction ticket confirmation, your parking fee can be reduced to around $5 (plus tax). This is a fantastic way to save money if you plan to combine your event with a visit to the mall. However, be aware that standard MetLife event rates apply if you stay over three hours without attraction validation.
Sub-heading: Off-Site Parking
- 20 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, NJ 07073: For NFL games, if you don't have a pre-paid permit, this off-site lot is available for $55 (cash/credit accepted). Shuttle service is provided to and from Lot G on the Stadium Complex.
- Edison Park Fast at Secaucus Junction (Park & Ride): This is a great option if you prefer to park further away and take the train. The 1,100-space lot is open 24/7. You can then take the Meadowlands rail service to MetLife Sports Complex. Reservations are recommended.
- Third-Party Parking Apps/Websites (e.g., ParkWhiz, ParkMobile): These platforms allow you to discover, compare prices, and reserve parking spots in advance, sometimes offering discounted rates. Always double-check the lot's distance from the stadium and its legitimacy.
Step 4: Payment Methods and Important Considerations
MetLife Stadium is a cash-free venue, and this extends to parking as well.
Sub-heading: Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover are widely accepted.
- Mobile Payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc., are increasingly accepted at parking booths.
- Pre-paid Permits/Digital Passes: These are scanned directly from your mobile device or a printed PDF.
Sub-heading: Key Things to Remember for a Smooth Parking Experience
- Print Your Pass (if applicable): While mobile passes are common, sometimes a printed PDF with a barcode is required, especially for older systems or if you experience connectivity issues. Always check the specific instructions for your parking pass.
- Screenshots are NOT Valid: Do not rely on screenshots of your digital parking pass. Mobile passes often have dynamic barcodes that change for security reasons. Use the official app or mobile wallet.
- One Car, One Space Policy: MetLife Stadium strictly enforces a "one car, one space" rule, even for tailgating. You cannot use adjacent parking spaces for your tailgating setup.
- Tailgating Rules: Tailgating is generally permitted in all MetLife Sports Complex parking lots (except parking decks). Be aware of rules regarding grill usage (safe distance from vehicles, no open fires, proper coal disposal), tent sizes (max 8'x8' footprint), and noise levels (under 65 decibels).
- Arrive Early: Parking lots typically open 5 hours before an event. Arriving early gives you the best chance to find a good spot and avoid pre-event traffic congestion.
- Follow Staff Directions: Traffic and parking staff are there to direct you efficiently. Follow their instructions.
- No Overnight Parking: Overnight parking is generally not permitted on the MetLife Sports Complex.
- Vehicle Searches: Be aware that vehicles are subject to search by NJ State Police, which may include canine units. Refusal to a search will result in denied entry.
Step 5: Post-Event Departure Strategy
Getting out of MetLife Stadium can be as challenging as getting in.
- Patience is Key: Expect delays. Thousands of cars are all trying to leave at once.
- Know Your Lot: Remember where you parked! Take a photo of your parking lot sign if necessary.
- Designated Ride Share Zones: If you're using Uber or Lyft, there's a designated Ride Share Zone in Lot E. Be prepared for surge pricing and potentially long wait times.
- Public Transportation: For a quicker exit, consider taking the Meadowlands Rail Line to Secaucus Junction if you utilized the Park & Ride option or if you plan to connect to other NJ Transit services.
By following these steps and keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared for your MetLife Stadium visit, ensuring that parking is the least of your worries and you can focus on enjoying the event!
Tip: Don’t skip the small notes — they often matter.
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| How Much Is Metlife Stadium Parking |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - MetLife Stadium Parking
Here are 10 related FAQ questions, starting with "How to," with quick answers to help you out:
How to find MetLife Stadium parking prices for a specific event? Check the official MetLife Stadium website's event calendar and specific event pages, the New York Giants or New York Jets parking FAQs, or trusted ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster when purchasing event tickets. You can also use third-party parking apps like ParkWhiz or ParkMobile which list prices for specific dates.
How to purchase pre-paid parking for MetLife Stadium? For NFL games, pre-paid parking is typically bought through Ticketmaster or the NFL Ticket Exchange when you purchase your game tickets. For other events, pre-payment options might be available directly through the stadium or American Dream's parking portal.
How to pay for parking at MetLife Stadium if I didn't pre-pay? For most non-NFL events, you can pay upon arrival at the parking gates using a credit card. MetLife Stadium is a cash-free venue, so cash is not accepted for parking.
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How to get accessible parking at MetLife Stadium? Guests with disabilities must display a valid state-issued accessible parking license plate or hang tag. Accessible parking is available in Lots E, F, and G, and parking staff will direct you to designated spaces. The vehicle owner with the valid tag must be present.
How to avoid high parking costs at MetLife Stadium? Consider parking at American Dream and validating your parking by purchasing an attraction ticket (reduces cost to around $5). Alternatively, use the Park & Ride option from Secaucus Junction via NJ Transit train, or explore off-site lots with shuttle services.
How to know if tailgating is allowed in my MetLife Stadium parking lot? Tailgating is generally permitted in all official MetLife Sports Complex parking lots, except inside the enclosed parking decks. Always adhere to the "one car, one space" rule and check the official tailgating guidelines on the MetLife Stadium website.
How to exit MetLife Stadium parking quickly after an event? Patience is key, as thousands of cars depart simultaneously. Consider utilizing public transportation (NJ Transit train from Meadowlands Station) if it aligns with your pre-event parking choice, or plan for ride-share pick-up in the designated Lot E zone.
How to get a parking pass if I'm a New York Giants or Jets season ticket holder?
Season ticket holders are typically offered the option to purchase season-long parking permits directly through their team's account manager (
How to park an oversized vehicle (RV, bus, trailer) at MetLife Stadium? Oversized vehicles are generally directed to park along curbs in designated surface lots to avoid occupying multiple spaces. They are not permitted in enclosed parking decks. Charter bus parking is typically in Lot L. Expect higher parking fees for these vehicles.
How to use mobile parking passes at MetLife Stadium? Download the official team app (Giants or Jets) or use your Ticketmaster account/mobile wallet to access your digital pass. Ensure your phone's brightness is high. Do not rely on screenshots, as barcodes are often dynamic and change for security.
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