MetLife Stadium - New York Jets & New York Giants Stadium Guide

MetLife Stadium was opened on April 10, 2010, roughly two and a half years after construction began. The $1.6 billion stadium hosts 82,500 fans between three bowls and was the first National Football League stadium to host a Super Bowl in an outdoor, cold-weather location.

The building is owned by both the Jets and Giants franchises through the joint venture company called MetLife Stadium Company. But this was only the second option after previous stadium goals failed. The Jets tried to stake claim to the proposed West Side Stadium in Manhattan, the
highlight of New York City’s 2012 Summer Olympics pursuit. Still renting space at the aging Giants Stadium, the Jets dreams of having their own stadium died when public funding lost support, the 2012 Olympics were awarded to London, and the West Side Stadium was never completed.

Combining the architectural design needs of both the Giants and Jets proved to be a difficult task. The Jets wanted a modern look with metal and glass features and more rigid guidelines — a design that would fit in with the evolving New York skyline. The Giants wanted the classic look of football stadiums old, using exposed steel framework and stone as artistic focal pieces to create an inviting and timeless look for the franchise.

A combination of those designs by architectural firms 360 Architecture, Bruce Mau Design, EwingCole and the Rockwell Group used both concepts. Starting with a stone base for fans to experience as they walk in, the exterior of the stadium mimics the column/tower architectural style used in many New York City skyscrapers. Glass is used with color-switching LED lighting systems, allowing MetLife Stadium to equally represent the Giants in blue and the Jets in green. The lighting system is similar to the one used in Munich’s Allianz Arena, which had shared two
professional soccer clubs at the same time.

While the Giants and Jets both have their own locker rooms, other aspects of the stadium can be switched out depending on who is hosting the game. Decorative aesthetics for fans between the gates and their seats can be switched in under four hours. Changes impacting the playing surface like swapping out the end zones takes much longer.

MetLife Stadium resides in East Rutherford, New Jersey, roughly five miles to the west of New York City. The area is part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex, which is owned and operated by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. Sharing the complex is the Meadowlands Racetrack, which is one of the world’s most renowned harness racing circuits, the Giants practice facility and the American Dream entertainment venue. The Meadowlands also hosted its own sports arena to host the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League, Seton Hall University basketball and the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association before the Nets relocated to Brooklyn.

Other outdoor events can be held at MetLife Stadium. While lesser professional football leagues and college games can transition easily to host games, a center stage for professional wrestling and concerts are also a frequent mainstay. With adjustable seating and additional options near the stage, the venue can provide as little as 33,564 available seats to 206,099.

MetLife Stadium can also use retractable seats in the corners of the stadium to fit a FIFA-approved playing surface and still have enough attendance for almost 79,000. Multiple international games were played, including matches in the International Champions Cup and the
Copa América Centenario.

Below is a seating plan of New York Jets & New York Giants's MetLife Stadium: