Things to Know When Going to a Giants Game at Met Life Stadium
The Giants have a storied history with four Super Bowl victories, two of which were won in recent memory, all since 1986. They play at MetLife Stadium, their home since 2010, sharing the venue with the Jets. Due to the strong local support for the Giants, tickets can be a challenge to acquire. Nevertheless, attending a game at MetLife Stadium offers a fresh experience, including some of the finest food options in the NFL.
Tickets & Seating Areas
Given the New York Giants’ success, securing tickets directly from the team is often a challenge. However, during less successful seasons, opportunities to purchase tickets increase, especially as the regular season approaches its conclusion. Fans can acquire tickets through the Giants either online with Ticketmaster, via phone, or at the stadium box office. Typically, tickets on the primary market are found in the 300 Level (Upper Level), with occasional availability in the Club or Lower Levels as well. Prices for 300 Level tickets usually range from $122 to $142, and the Giants maintain consistent pricing regardless of the opponent. To secure better seating, fans generally look towards the secondary market. Familiar options include Stubhub, NFL Ticket Exchange, and ticket aggregators like SeatGeek and TiqIQ.
MetLife Stadium features four Club levels. The Toyota Coaches Club and the MetLife 50 Club are located on the Lower Level behind their respective sidelines, offering unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages alongside access to an outdoor deck. The Toyota Coaches Club also allows fans to observe players transitioning from the locker room to the field. The Chase and Lexus Clubs on the Mezzanine Level provide a more comfortable atmosphere with lounge access, though fans are required to purchase their refreshments. With a capacity of 82,556, none of the seating options are particularly poor, although fans in lower corner and end zone sections may find themselves standing frequently due to the actions of those seated ahead of them.
Getting There
Accessing MetLife Stadium is straightforward, with most attendees choosing to drive to the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The stadium is conveniently located near the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 3. If driving, remember that a pre-paid parking permit is required. Failing to acquire one means parking off-site and using a shuttle bus to reach the venue. Giants’ parking passes are sold exclusively for the season, so consider checking Stubhub or Ticket Exchange for purchasing options. For a smoother exit post-game, park in the southern sections of Lots D, E, F, and J.
Public transportation offers two options for getting to the stadium. The first is the Coach USA “351 Meadowlands Express.” Buses leave from 41st street between 8th and 9th Avenues, and tickets can be bought for a round trip fare of $10 at the Port Authority Bus Terminal or from operators nearby. The buses allow easy access to departing the Meadowlands Sports Complex, with each bus leaving when full.
The second option is New Jersey Transit, which operates train service from Hoboken to the Meadowlands, starting three and a half hours prior to game time and continuing for one to two hours post-game. Manhattan residents can take a train from Penn Station and connect at Secaucus Junction or utilize the PATH to Hoboken. The round trip train fare is $10.50 for adults and $4.50 for children and seniors. However, be prepared for extended wait times after the game as boarding lines can be lengthy.
Tailgating
With the absence of nearby bars or restaurants at the Meadowlands Sports Complex, fans often turn to tailgating for their pre-game activities. A comprehensive list of guidelines is available, highlighting key regulations. Notably, parking passes cannot be purchased for adjacent spots to use one for parking and another for tailgating; all tailgating must be contained in front or behind your car. Grilling is permitted, but open flames and oil-based cooking devices are banned. Nonetheless, footballs are allowed, making it easy to enjoy a game of catch before the match. Typically, parking lots open five hours before kickoff.
For those taking public transportation, tailgating can still be experienced at the Bud Light corner outside the stadium. Fans can savor Lobel’s steak or chicken kabob sandwiches, capturing the essence of tailgating without the hassle of setup.
At the Game
Keep in mind that NFL policies restrict large bags from entering MetLife Stadium. There is, however, a bag check facility located between Lots E and G for those who need a place to leave their items. Additionally, umbrellas are not allowed in the stadium, although small clear plastic bags are acceptable, as well as food and water—bottle caps will be removed from containers of 20 oz. or less.
MetLife Stadium offers a variety of quality concession options. Highlights include the famous Sloppy Joes at the Food Network stand near sections 118 and 338 and the notably delicious Buffalo Mac ‘n Cheese. Lobel’s, famous for its steak, has a sandwich stand near sections 121 and 338 that stands out. The “Home Food Advantage” area between sections 137 and 140, known as MetLife Central, features various food carts serving Asian, Mexican, Italian, and other fare. Popular items here include Nonna Fusco’s Meatballs sandwich and the satisfying grilled cheese made from Texas toast and quality cheese.
Where to Stay
Hotel pricing in New York can be quite steep, particularly during the football season in the fall. Numerous brand-name hotels line Times Square, but it may be wiser to stay slightly further away from the high-traffic area, so long as you are within a convenient subway ride to Penn Station. For budget-conscious travelers, Kayak can assist in finding suitable hotels, while Travelocity provides last-minute deals for those in need of accommodations shortly before a game. Additionally, consider exploring apartment rentals through AirBNB, which typically provides reasonable options throughout the year in Manhattan.
