| MetLife Stadium – Quick Guide | Details |
|---|---|
| Home Team(s) | New York Giants & New York Jets (NFL) |
| Opened | April 10, 2010 |
| Capacity | ~82,500 |
| Best Value Seats | Upper-level sideline sections (300 level) for full-field views at lower cost |
| Premium Seating | Coaches Clubs, SAP Coaches Club, 200+ luxury suites, MetLife 50 Club |
| Top Stadium Foods | NY-style hot dogs, Italian sausages, burgers, craft beer |
| Nearby Bars/Eats | American Dream complex dining, local Meadowlands sports bars |
| Closest Hotels | Hotels in Secaucus, East Rutherford, and near Newark Airport |
| Transit Access | NJ Transit rail to MetLife Stadium Station on event days; major highways |
| Unique Highlights | Hosts Super Bowl XLVIII, major concerts, Copa América matches, and 2026 World Cup Final |
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Best Seats at Met Life Stadium
MetLife Stadium opened in 2010 and let’s be honest, it gets mixed review. However, it’s a proper modern facility—82,500 capacity, shared by the Giants and Jets, built for both teams’ comfort. The seating’s straightforward: lower bowl gets you close, upper bowl gets you elevated views. Here is how to navigate it
Best Regular Seats (Non-Premium)
Midfield Lower Bowl (Sections 112 to 115, 137 to 140): These are your sweet spot for non-premium seats. Rows 10 to 20 specifically. You’re right at the 50-yard line with excellent sightlines of the entire field. Not field-level, but positioned where you see everything that matters.
Sections 112 to 115 put you on the home team sideline (Giants or Jets depending on who’s playing). Sections 137 to 140 put you on the visitors’ sideline. Either way, you’re midfield with a full view.
Lower Bowl Sidelines (Sections 116 to 136): Still lower bowl, still excellent views, slightly further from midfield. You’re watching from the side rather than center, which some people prefer for seeing plays develop along the sideline. Rows 10-25 work well. You’re getting legitimate football experience without premium pricing.
World Cup Seating Tip: For the World Cup Matches including the final, the best views are Rows 15–30 in the 100 Level or the front rows of the 200 Level Mezzanine. Avoid the front row of the lower bowl—it is too low to see the tactical shape of the pitch.
Best Value Seats
Upper Bowl Midfield (Sections 212 to 215, 237-240): This is where smart fans sit for value. You’re elevated but positioned at the 50-yard line where the action happens. The view is genuinely good—you see the whole field layout clearly and can follow plays easily.
Rows 1-15 are your range. Past row 20 and you’re feeling distance, but rows 1-15 are absolutely legitimate. Section positioning matters here: 212-215 (home sideline upper) and 237-240 (visitor sideline upper) both work equally well.
Pricing: $30-$60 depending on matchup. This is significant savings compared to lower bowl while maintaining quality of view.
Upper Bowl Sidelines (Sections 216-236): Similar to upper bowl midfield but you’re along the sideline rather than center. Good for seeing sideline plays and team interactions on the bench.
Budget-Friendly Seats
Upper Bowl End Zones (Sections 201 to 211, 241 to 251): You’re in the corner/end zone, you’re high up, but you’re in the stadium for $15-$35. Rows 1 through 10 are acceptable; anything past row 15 and distance is noticeable.
The end zone view is actually decent for football—you see the entire field spread in front of you. Not ideal for every play, but functional.
Upper Deck Back Rows (Sections 302-340, Rows 20+): The absolute cheapest seats. You’re far, you’re high, but you’re at a football game for under $20. The “solar ring” atop the stadium actually provides shade for upper-deck back rows, which is a bonus. Rows 20+ in the upper level. You’re relying on the jumbotron for close-up plays, but you see the field strategy clearly from up there.
Seating Hacks and Details
The Shade Reality: MetLife’s oriented north-south slightly off-axis. Afternoon games (typical 1pm kickoff) have limited shade early. Sections 124 to 140 and 224 to 240 get shade earliest as the sun progresses. North end zone sections stay sunny all afternoon. By late afternoon, sections 324 to 340 catch shade from the “solar ring.”
If you’re heat-sensitive in summer, prioritize sections 224-240 (upper bowl, visitor’s sideline) where shade arrives first.
Home vs. Visitor Side: Giants/Jets home sideline: Sections 111-115 (lower), 211-215 (upper) Visitor sideline: Sections 137 to 140 (lower), 237 to 240 (upper)
If you want to watch the home team specifically, know where they sit.
Weather Coverage: Back rows (36-45) of sections 121 to 131, 101 to 106, and 146 to 149 are covered by the overhang. If weather’s questionable, these protect you. Rows 1-35 are exposed.
Summary
MetLife’s well-designed. You don’t get stuck behind pillars or fighting weird sightlines. Your decision is straightforward: How close do you want to be, and how much are you spending?
Midfield lower bowl (sections 112 to 115, 137 to 140, rows 10-20) is genuinely good if you’ve got the budget.
Upper bowl midfield (sections 212-215, 237-240, rows 1-15) is the smart value play—you get 80% of the experience at 40-50% of the cost.
End zone and upper deck back rows work fine if price is the priority. You’re watching football, just from distance.
Don’t overthink it. Pick your budget and positioning preference, and you’ll be fine.
Premium Seating
MetLife’s premium offerings are stratified in a way that lets you spend anywhere from a few hundred bucks for club access to tens of thousands for the full VIP treatment, and honestly, the quality reflects what you pay. I’ve sat in both the cheap club seats and the all-inclusive Coaches Club, and the difference is night and day—not just in terms of food and amenities, but in how close you are to the actual game and whether you feel like a guest or just someone who paid more for a cushioned seat.
Club Level Seats (The Entry Point)
Mezzanine Clubs (Sections 207C-220C, 232C-245C): These are your “premium lite” option—second deck, midfield to sideline views, with access to climate-controlled club lounges on both the east and west sides. You get wider padded seats with extra legroom, access to the Corona Beach Club (east side, sections 207C-220C) or Miller Lite Club (west side, sections 232C-245C), full-service bars, upscale food and beverage options for purchase, private restrooms, and dozens of TVs so you can watch other games while you eat.
Nothing is all-inclusive here—you’re paying for food and drinks—but the lounge setup is spacious, the lines are shorter than general concessions, and the quality is a step up from stadium nachos. These seats work great for families, casual fans, or anyone who wants a more comfortable experience without dropping suite money. Pricing runs $200-$500+ per seat depending on the opponent and whether it’s Giants or Jets.
Game-day tip: The Corona Beach Club is on the sunny side of the stadium, which is great in December but brutal in September.
Club Levels
This is where premium seating actually starts feeling premium—you’re getting all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages, field-level or near-field access, and amenities that justify the price jump.
EY Coaches Club (Sections 111C-115C): This is legitimately the best non-suite seat in the building. You’re sitting within 30 rows of the Giants or Jets sideline (Giants use all rows in 111C-115C, Jets use rows 1-15 in those sections), and you get access to a private on-field deck directly behind the team bench. All-inclusive upscale food and non-alcoholic beverages are included, plus access to an indoor club lounge with a full-service bar, plenty of seating, private restrooms, and exclusive stadium entrance. You’re close enough to see players walking to and from the locker room, and you can watch post-game interviews from the Club Media lounge.
The seats are oversized and extra-padded, and the sightlines are perfect—though some people complain that the very first few rows are too close and players can block your view when they’re standing on the sideline. Pricing varies wildly by game, but expect $1,000-$2,500+ per seat for marquee matchups. This is the move if you’re doing a once-a-year splurge or corporate entertainment and want the full VIP experience without booking a suite.
MetLife 50 Club (Section 139, West Sideline): This is a Jets-only club located at midfield behind the opposing team’s bench. You get all-inclusive upscale food and non-alcoholic beverages, access to a private field-level patio, and access to the MetLife 50 lounge with additional dining options, full-service bars, private restrooms, and multiple TVs. It’s a unique vantage point—you’re watching the Jets’ opponents up close instead of your own team—but if you want a midfield view with all-inclusive perks, this is a solid alternative to Coaches Club.
Green Room (Jets Lower Level): The Green Room is a Jets-exclusive club that’s more entertainment experience than just seating. Lower-level seats or private patio access, all-inclusive food in the lounge, upscale bars, premium dining options, and occasional celebrity appearances. It’s designed to feel like a VIP event space, not just a stadium club, so if you want that high-end hospitality vibe, this is your spot. Pricing is comparable to Coaches Club, so expect $1,000+ per seat for big games.
Commissioner’s Club (Lower Level): The most prestigious club at MetLife, exclusively for Commissioner’s Club Suite guests. Lower-level seating with all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages in a private lounge. This is typically bundled with suite access, so you’re not buying individual seats here—you’re part of a suite package.
Suites (The Full VIP Treatment)
MetLife has suites on four separate levels (300, 500, 600, plus Commissioner’s Club), all designed by David Rockwell and ranging from 12-30 guests. Suite pricing runs $5,000-$35,000 depending on event type, location, and opponent. NFL suites average around $17,500 per game, while concert suites can swing anywhere from $5,000-$35,000 depending on the performer.
The Honest Take
Commissioner’s Club is genuinely the best premium if you can get it—field-level, all-inclusive, exclusive. EY Coaches Club is solid alternative if that’s unavailable.
Mezzanine/Club Level is good value premium. You’re getting amenities and proper club space without field-level pricing.
Suites obviously make sense for groups. You control the experience and get private space, which matters more than individual seat proximity. All these premium seats are going to be going for very high prices for the World Cup Final. But for an event like that, it may be worth it!
2026 World Cup
MetLife Stadium will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final along with multiple other matches, making it the epicenter of the world’s most-watched sporting event. This represents the ultimate global stage for the venue – the World Cup final attracts over 1 billion viewers worldwide. Both premium and regular seats will get expensive for this, but its a once in a lifetime deal if you can swing it.
MetLife Stadium Seating Chart
MetLife Stadium boasts a seating capacity of 82,500 for NFL games, ranking it among the NFL’s largest stadiums. During other events, such as concerts, the stadium can be expanded to welcome up to 87,000 attendees. Here is a link to the Seating Chart for MetLife Stadium.
Remember to buy tickets from reputable sources to ensure their authenticity and avoid scams. Be cautious of scalpers and unofficial vendors, especially when purchasing tickets outside the stadium on game day.
MetLife Stadium Tickets
You can obtain tickets to New York Jets and New York Giants games at MetLife Stadium through various avenues:
- Click Here for New York Giants and New York Jets and 2026 World Cup Tickets through Vivid Seats. The 2026 World Cup matches and the World Cup Final will be played at MetLife
- Official Team Websites: Visit the official websites of the New York Jets and New York Giants. They often sell tickets directly to fans.
- Season Tickets: Consider becoming a season ticket holder for either the New York Jets or the New York Giants. Season ticket holders enjoy various benefits, including priority access to playoff tickets and exclusive events.
- NFL Ticket Exchange: The NFL Ticket Exchange is the league’s official ticket resale marketplace, where fans can buy and sell tickets for games. It offers a safe and reliable way to purchase tickets.
- Local Ticket Outlets: Some local ticket outlets or sports bars may have tick nets available for purchase, especially if you’re in the vicinity of MetLife Stadium.
- Box Office: On game day, you can visit the MetLife Stadium box office for last-minute ticket purchases, although availability may be limited.
MetLife Stadium Bag Policy
The bag policy at MetLife is enforced hard, and I mean hard—security doesn’t care if you flew in from across the country or spent $500 on tickets. If your bag doesn’t comply, you’re either walking it back to your car or throwing it away, because there’s no bag check facility.
You’re allowed one clear bag per person made of plastic, vinyl, or PVC that measures 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or smaller. Alternatively, you can bring a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (like a Ziploc). If you don’t want to carry a clear bag, you’re allowed a small clutch purse no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″—basically the size of your hand. You can bring both a clear bag and a small clutch if you want, but that’s it.
What’s NOT Allowed: Any non-clear bag larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″—this includes purses, backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera cases, binocular cases, briefcases, and laptop bags. Seat cushions aren’t permitted either unless you have documented medical needs. The exception is for medically necessary items, which will be inspected at a designated gate.
Other Policies to Know
No Outside Food or Drinks (With Exceptions): You can bring food contained in a clear plastic bag and factory-sealed plastic bottles of water or soft drinks (20 ounces or less). Empty reusable plastic or aluminum water bottles are also allowed, which is clutch because you can fill them at water fountains inside and avoid paying $7 for bottled water. What you can’t bring: glass bottles, coolers, thermoses, ice chests, or cans of any kind. If you’re sneaking in sandwiches wrapped in clear plastic, that’s technically allowed, but enforcement varies.
Alcohol Rules Are Strict: You cannot bring alcohol into or out of the stadium, period. Inside, you’re limited to purchasing two alcoholic beverages at a time—you can’t walk around with three beers. Concession stands stop serving alcohol at the start of the third quarter for football games, and for concerts or other events, cutoff times are determined by management. If you show up visibly intoxicated, you’re not getting in, and if you’re caught trying to sneak alcohol in, same deal. Anyone causing a disturbance or interfering with others’ enjoyment gets removed.
Camera and Recording Gear Restrictions: Still-photography cameras are allowed, but the lens cannot be longer than 6 inches, and the camera cannot be in a case. Single-purpose video cameras are prohibited entirely. Selfie sticks, tripods, and anything professional-looking will get stopped at the gate. If you’re bringing a camera, measure the lens beforehand or risk having to return it to your car.
Getting To MetLife Stadium
MetLife sits in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which means if you’re coming from NYC, you’re crossing state lines and dealing with New Jersey traffic patterns that can turn a 20-minute drive into an hour-long nightmare on game day. The stadium is accessible by car, train, bus, or rideshare, but here’s the reality: public transit (specifically the train) is the move for most people, especially if you’re coming from Manhattan.
Driving works if you’re tailgating or coming from North Jersey, but you’ll pay for parking and deal with brutal traffic getting in and out. I’ve done it every way possible, and the train wins almost every time unless you’ve got a crew that wants to tailgate.
Public Transportation (The Smart Move)
Train – Meadowlands Rail Service: This is genuinely one of the best stadium transit setups in the country. Take any NJ TRANSIT train from Penn Station NYC to Secaucus Junction (about 15 minutes), then transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Service, which drops you literally at the stadium entrance—no walking through parking lots, no traffic chaos. It’s door-to-door convenience, and you skip all the headaches.
Trains start running 3.5 hours before kickoff and continue until about an hour after the event ends, with frequent service during peak times. Round-trip from Secaucus Junction to MetLife is $4.50, which is absurdly cheap compared to parking or rideshare. If you’re driving from elsewhere in New Jersey, you can park at Secaucus Junction for $20 per game and hop the train from there—it’s a solid Park & Ride option that beats sitting in stadium traffic.
Bus Options: Coach USA Route 351 runs direct service from Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan straight to MetLife Stadium. It’s slower than the train and subject to traffic delays, but it works if you’re near Port Authority or prefer buses. Various local NJ Transit bus routes also serve the area depending on where you’re starting from, though most require connections and aren’t as convenient as the train.
Parking (For Tailgaters & Drivers)
MetLife has over 28,000 parking spaces spread across 16 lots (A through P) in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Lots open 5 hours before events and close 2 hours after—this timing is strictly enforced, so don’t plan on sleeping in your car or leaving your vehicle overnight.
Parking Categories & Pricing:
NFL Games (Giants/Jets): Parking is tiered and must be pre-purchased. Platinum Permits (Lots E, F, G) are the closest to the stadium and run $71+ for pre-paid, but can hit $170+ depending on the game. These are reserved for season ticket holders with premium seats—if you don’t have those tickets, you can’t park here. Gold Permits (Lots B, D, K, J, L, M, P, Deck A) range from $17-$100+ depending on the matchup and how early you buy. General parking typically falls between $40-$160, with closer lots commanding higher prices.
Non-NFL Events (Concerts, Soccer): Parking is simpler—fixed rates, no permits required, first-come first-served. It’s generally cheaper than NFL games, but popular concerts or international soccer matches can still push prices up.
Pro Tips:
- Buy permits in advance. Day-of parking is more expensive and may sell out entirely for big games. You can purchase through the official MetLife website or third-party sites, but lock it in early.
- Gold permits don’t guarantee specific lots. You’ll be directed to an available Gold lot when you arrive, not necessarily the one you want.
- Arrive early. Lots fill fast, and if you’re tailgating, you want to claim your spot and set up with time to spare.
- Closest Gold lots are B and D on the east side—aim for these if you want proximity without Platinum pricing.
Money-Saving Hack: There’s an off-site shuttle parking facility at 20 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 that costs $40 and provides shuttle service for all NFL games. You’re trading convenience for savings, but if you don’t care about tailgating right at the stadium, this is a solid budget move.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Rideshare drop-off is in Lot E near the Verizon Gate, and getting to the stadium works fine—drivers know the drill, traffic flows, and you’re dropped right near an entrance. The problem is getting home. For NFL games, you can’t even request rides until after halftime due to traffic management rules. Post-game pickup is absolute chaos: the official zone has no real queue structure, drivers sit in traffic forever, and many will cancel if your destination isn’t worth the wait. Costs from NYC run $40-80+ normally, but surge pricing after games can easily triple that.
Insider Hack: Take rideshare to the stadium, then take the train home for $4.50 to Secaucus Junction. You save money, skip the post-game rideshare disaster, and you’re back in the city faster than people still stuck in the parking lot. If you absolutely must rideshare home, walk outside the stadium complex to nearby restaurants or hotels to request pickup—you’ll get a car faster and avoid the official pickup zone mess. Or just wait 1-2 hours post-game at a bar or restaurant inside the complex and let traffic clear before requesting a ride. Many people give up and take the train because rideshare reliability post-event is genuinely terrible
MetLife Stadium Insider Tips
If you’re headed to a Jets/Giants game a concert, the World Cup Final, whatever, here are some insider tips for navigating MetLife Stadium:
Food & Drink Insider Knowledge
Eat before you arrive – Stadium food is expensive ($15+ for basic items) and lines get long. There are decent tailgating spots if you want to bring your own food to the parking lots.
The Pepsi Gate plaza has the most food variety, but also the longest lines. Gates B and D have shorter waits for basic concessions.
Download the MetLife Stadium app – you can order food for pickup to skip some lines.
Timing & Logistics
Enter through Gates A or D for faster security lines, especially for NFL games. Gates B and C get backed up.
Bring a clear bag only – NFL clear bag policy is strictly enforced. A small clutch (4.5″ x 6.5″) is also allowed.
Get there 90 minutes early for big games – security lines, bathroom breaks, and finding your seats takes time. Plus you can watch warm-ups.
Weather Tips
Dress in layers – It’s an open-air stadium and New Jersey weather is unpredictable. The stadium can be 10+ degrees windier and colder than the surrounding area. Here is the local forecast from the National Weather Service.
Bring a small blanket in cold weather – sitting on metal bleachers gets uncomfortable quickly.
Game Day Specific
Giants vs Jets games are electric but extremely expensive and crowded – plan extra time for everything.
Night games in fall/winter get significantly colder as the sun sets.
Download team apps for mobile tickets, parking passes, and stadium maps.
Special Considerations
If you’re bringing kids, the Family Restrooms have changing tables and are usually less crowded.
For people with mobility issues, the elevators get packed – plan extra time or ask staff about service elevators.
Hidden Gems
The Hall of Fame Club (if you can access it) has the best bathrooms and shorter food lines.
Section 132 often has good sight lines for concerts since it’s dead center.
Bars and Restaurants Near MetLife (Pregaming Guide)
Here’s the thing about MetLife: it sits in the middle of the Meadowlands Sports Complex, which is basically parking lots, highways, and swampland. There’s no cute downtown strip where you can bar-hop before the game. But the opening of American Dream mall right next door and the revitalization of the Meadowlands Racetrack have completely changed the pregame landscape in the last few years. Now you’ve actually got solid options within walking distance, plus a legendary shuttle spot if you’re willing to drive a few minutes away. I’ve hit all of these at different points, and they each work depending on what kind of vibe you’re after.
American Dream Mall (Connected by Pedestrian Bridge)
The mall sits directly next to the stadium and connects via a climate-controlled skybridge, which is clutch when it’s 20°F in December or pouring rain. It’s become the default pregame spot for thousands of fans who want food, drinks, and shelter before walking to their seats.
Yard House (Level 3): This is the go-to spot if you want a reliable, high-energy bar atmosphere without the chaos of tailgating in a parking lot. They’ve got 100+ beers on tap—literally one of the largest draft selections in the country—and a massive menu that covers everything from poke nachos to burgers to Korean fried chicken. It’s always packed on game days, and the energy is loud and rowdy in the best way. Warning: Get there at least 3 hours before kickoff or you’ll be stuck on a 90-minute waitlist. I’ve seen people show up 90 minutes before a Giants game and not get seated until halftime. The earlier you arrive, the better your odds.
Marcus Live! (Chef Marcus Samuelsson): Also inside American Dream, this is a step up from typical bar food. Created by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, it features a massive open kitchen, lively bar scene, and legitimately good food—think cornbread, ribs, seafood, and elevated soul food. It’s perfect if you want better quality food but still want that loud, pregame sports bar energy. Pricing is higher than Yard House, but the food quality reflects it.
Meadowlands Racetrack (Walkable Across the Lot)
The racetrack sits just across the parking lot from MetLife and has turned into a full-blown pregame destination, especially for bettors and fans who want a Vegas-style vibe.
FanDuel Sportsbook: This is the ultimate pregame spot if you’re betting on games. It’s a 5,300-square-foot lounge with dozens of massive HD screens, live tellers, and self-service betting kiosks where you can place your same-game parlay and then walk to your seat. It opens at 10 AM, making it perfect for early NFL slate games or if you just want to post up and watch Red Zone before your game starts. The vibe is Vegas sportsbook meets New Jersey sports bar—loud, energetic, and packed on Sundays.
Victory Sports Bar & Kitchen: Located inside the racetrack next to FanDuel, this is a massive venue with copper-paneled walls and 11+ gigantic media screens showing every game. The food is solid bar fare—wings, burgers, nachos—and the beer selection is strong. Insider tip: If the weather’s nice, check if the Victory Terrace rooftop is open. It offers panoramic views of the NYC skyline and MetLife Stadium itself, which is a surprisingly cool spot to grab a drink before heading to the game.
Redd’s Restaurant & Biergarten
Redd’s (Carlstadt, NJ): This is a local institution and one of the smartest moves you can make on game day. Redd’s is a massive German-style beer garden just a few minutes down the road with bratwurst, boots of beer, live music, and a rowdy, tailgate-style atmosphere. But here’s the genius part: Redd’s offers a “Park & Ride” shuttle service. For a flat fee (usually $30-40 per car, which covers parking and shuttle passes for the driver, with small extra fees for passengers), you park at Redd’s, eat and drink there, then take their private shuttle bus directly to the stadium gate. It beats fighting stadium traffic, it’s often cheaper than official parking, and you’re eating and drinking at a real bar instead of standing in a parking lot. Post-game, the shuttle brings you back to your car while everyone else is gridlocked trying to exit the lots. It’s one of those hacks that locals swear by, and once you do it, you’ll never park at the stadium again.
Game Day Tips
The “Mall Bridge” Strategy: If you’re taking the train from NYC but want food and drinks before the game, head to American Dream first. The mall connects to both the train station and the stadium via a climate-controlled skybridge, so you never have to step outside. It’s a lifesaver in brutal weather—grab food, warm up or cool down, then walk straight to your gate. This is especially clutch for December or January games when standing outside tailgating sounds miserable.
Betting Prep: If you’re planning to bet at FanDuel Sportsbook, download the app as a backup. The lines for physical kiosks get absurdly long about 45 minutes before kickoff, and you don’t want to miss placing your bets because you’re stuck in a queue. The app lets you skip the line and place everything from your phone.
Redd’s Shuttle Timing: If you’re using the Redd’s shuttle, check their website for the current “Park & Ride” ticket price and shuttle schedule. The shuttle runs on a set timetable leading up to kickoff and after the game, so plan your arrival accordingly. It’s one of the best deals around—better parking, better food, and way less stress than sitting in stadium lot traffic for an hour post-game.
Hotels Near MetLife Stadium
Here’s the decision you need to make: stay near the stadium in New Jersey and walk or shuttle to the game, or stay in Manhattan and take the train out. If your trip is only about the game and you’re flying in specifically for it, staying near MetLife makes perfect sense—you’re close, you can drive or walk, and hotels in the Meadowlands area are significantly cheaper than Manhattan. But if you’re spending a few days exploring New York City, hitting restaurants, seeing Broadway shows, or just wanting the full NYC experience, stay in Manhattan and take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Secaucus Junction, then catch the Meadowlands Rail Service straight to the stadium. It’s 30-40 minutes door-to-door, and you get the best of both worlds: city access and easy game-day transit.
Best Hotels Near MetLife Stadium
These are your closest options if you want maximum convenience and don’t care about being in Manhattan. Most are within 1-2 miles of the stadium, and several offer shuttles or are walkable to American Dream mall and the Meadowlands complex.
The Park Hotel at Meadowlands (East Rutherford): This is literally 0.6 miles from MetLife Stadium—you can walk to the game in under 15 minutes. It’s not luxury, but it’s convenient, offers free parking, and you’re right in the thick of the action. Best for fans who prioritize proximity over amenities and want to roll out of bed and walk to the stadium.
Hampton Inn Carlstadt-At The Meadowlands: Also 0.6 miles from MetLife, this consistently gets high marks for cleanliness, free breakfast, and location. It’s walking distance to American Dream mall, the Meadowlands Racetrack, and the stadium itself. Free on-site parking is a huge plus, and the breakfast buffet means you’re not scrambling for food before the game. Solid mid-tier choice for families or groups.
Homewood Suites by Hilton East Rutherford-Meadowlands: About 0.8 miles from the stadium with suite-style rooms that include kitchenettes, separate living areas, and free breakfast. Great if you’re staying multiple nights or have kids and need more space than a standard hotel room. Free parking, and the location puts you within easy reach of the stadium and American Dream.
Courtyard by Marriott Secaucus Meadowlands: Located in Secaucus, about 4-5 miles from MetLife but right near Secaucus Junction train station, which gives you direct access to the Meadowlands Rail Service on game days. This is the move if you want to stay in New Jersey but still have easy train access into Manhattan for exploring the city. Modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, and you’re a short train ride from both the stadium and NYC.
Hilton Garden Inn Secaucus/Meadowlands: Also in Secaucus, about 5-6 miles from MetLife but within four miles of the Lincoln Tunnel and a half-hour from NYC. Indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, cooked-to-order breakfast, and easy access to the NJ Transit bus route that runs to Times Square and Manhattan. Good choice if you want a suburban hotel with city access and don’t mind a quick Uber or train to the game.
Best Hotels in NYC for MetLife Access
If you’re staying in Manhattan and taking the train to the game, you want to be near Penn Station (where NJ Transit departs) or in a neighborhood with easy subway access to Penn Station.
MADE Hotel (NoMad/Midtown): This boutique hotel is steps from Penn Station, which gives you direct NJ Transit access to Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Rail Service. Modern rooms, rooftop bar with skyline views, on-site dining, and you’re in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood with easy access to Madison Square Park, the Flatiron Building, and Midtown nightlife. Perfect for fans who want the full NYC experience with seamless stadium access on game day.
Hard Rock Hotel New York (Midtown Manhattan): Located in Midtown with easy access to Penn Station and mass transit options. Floor-to-ceiling windows, in-room Lavazza coffee, on-site dining, and nightlife that keeps the energy going long after the game. Concierge can arrange car services to the stadium if you don’t want to take the train. Great for groups or families who want a recognizable brand with city energy.
Hyatt Regency Jersey City (Waterfront): This sits right across from the World Trade Center in Jersey City with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s not right near the stadium, but it’s a relatively easy and cheaper Uber/Lyft ride to MetLife compared to leaving from Manhattan, and you get waterfront access plus PATH train connections into NYC. Best for people who want city proximity without Manhattan hotel prices.
Any hotel near Penn Station (Herald Square, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen): If you’re taking the train to MetLife, proximity to Penn Station is your priority. Hotels in Herald Square, Chelsea, or Hell’s Kitchen put you within walking distance of the NJ Transit departure point, and you’re centrally located for exploring the rest of the city. Chain options like Hampton Inn, Courtyard Marriott, or Holiday Inn Express are reliable and affordable.
MetLife Stadium delivers the full NFL experience—82,500 fans, Seats and premium seating options that actually justify the price, and enough food and entertainment to keep you busy for hours before kickoff. And this summer the biggest event on the planet will be in town. Plan ahead!
Here are some other stadium guides for NYC and Beyond:
Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center
Written by Brad Richards, Founder of Gameday Guides. This guide includes insights from personal visits as well as updated info from team sources, fan forums, and stadium policies. We aim to help you plan with confidence — enjoy your gameday.