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MetLife Stadium Guide

East Rutherford · 82,500 capacity

See East Rutherford weekends

Last updated: 3/9/2026

MetLife Stadium’s location in the New Jersey suburbs creates a logistical challenge for fans. To bypass notorious game day traffic, stay in Secaucus and take the NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line from its transit hub directly to the stadium. Plan to arrive two to three hours early for NFL games or large concerts, as this is not a venue to approach at the last minute.

At a glance

Bag policy
Clear bag policy
Cashless
MetLife Stadium is a cash-free venue for all concession…
Re-entry
No re-entry
Gates open
Gates open 2h before
Outside food
Outside food OK
Getting here
Public transportation to MetLife Stadium includes NJ Transit rail service and Coach USA bus service.
Family friendly
MetLife Stadium offers accessibility services, including wheelchair assistance from Accessibility Assistants at the gates, elevators for guests with disabilities, an Assistive Listening System, and Closed Captioning on ribbon boards and concourse televisions.
Capacity
82,500

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring MetLife Stadium on the calendar. See East Rutherford home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for MetLife Stadium

Good hotel neighborhoods near MetLife Stadium include Carlstadt, Secaucus, Lyndhurst, and East Rutherford, offering various options from budget-friendly to more upscale. Staying in the Meadowlands area or near Secaucus Junction is often recommended for proximity. Manhattan also offers extensive hotel options with direct public transit connections to the stadium.

Secaucus, NJ

Secaucus is a prime logistical choice due to its status as a major transit hub, offering convenient access to both MetLife Stadium and New York City. Many hotels in the area provide complimentary shuttle services to local attractions, including public transportation options. It offers a good balance of accessibility, a range of hotel options, and a relatively safe environment.

Take any NJ Transit train that stops at Secaucus Junction, then transfer to special Meadowlands-bound trains on the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line, which go directly to the Meadowlands Station (MetLife Stadium). Coach USA Bus 351 Meadowlands Express also operates from Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York for select events.

Carlstadt, NJ

Carlstadt offers the closest proximity to MetLife Stadium, making it ideal for minimal travel time to events. Several hotels are located just a short drive from the stadium, and some provide shuttles to nearby attractions like the American Dream complex. It's a practical choice for those prioritizing quick access to the venues.

A quick two-minute drive or rideshare can get you to MetLife Stadium. The Hampton Inn Carlstadt is adjacent to the NJ Transit bus 163 route, providing direct service into Midtown Manhattan.

East Rutherford, NJ (Immediate Area)

Staying in East Rutherford itself provides direct access to MetLife Stadium and the American Dream entertainment complex. This area is suitable for those who want to be immersed in the event atmosphere and have shopping and dining options within very close reach. Many hotels offer amenities such as complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi.

This area is typically a quick drive or rideshare to MetLife Stadium and American Dream. NJ Transit bus route 703 offers local service near the Meadowlands Sports Complex, though it may be rerouted on event days. Some hotels, like the Park Hotel Meadowlands, offer free shuttles to train stations for connections to Manhattan.

Hoboken, NJ

Hoboken is a vibrant town known for its restaurants, bars, and lively atmosphere, offering a 'city life' experience while still being accessible to East Rutherford. It's a good option for travelers who want amenities and entertainment beyond just the sports venues, with a pleasant environment to explore.

NJ Transit trains from Hoboken connect to Secaucus Junction, where you can transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line for MetLife Stadium. Some earlier trains from Hoboken might offer a direct route to the stadium on event days.

See full East Rutherford stay guide →

Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Public transportation to MetLife Stadium includes NJ Transit rail service and Coach USA bus service. The NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line provides direct service to the Meadowlands Rail Station from Secaucus Junction, which connects to most of NJ Transit's rail system, including service from New York Penn Station. Coach USA's 351 Meadowlands Express bus service operates from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan directly to the MetLife Sports Complex for NFL games and other large events.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: Designated rideshare zones for Uber and Lyft are available around MetLife Stadium on event days. The designated drop-off and pickup area for all vehicles is located between parking lots D and E.

Parking: Pre-paid parking permits are often required for NFL games and select concerts, and it's recommended to purchase them in advance. Arriving 2 to 3 hours early for NFL games or large concerts is advised. Parking lots usually open five hours before the event and close two hours after. Booking parking in advance through platforms like ParkWhiz or SpotHero can offer savings. Overnight parking is not permitted.

After the event

Redd's Restaurant & Bar (Carlstadt), American Dream (East Rutherford)

The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: MetLife Stadium is situated within the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, directly adjacent to the American Dream entertainment complex.
  • Tailgating: Tailgating is permitted in the MetLife Sports Complex parking lots, generally limited to the lined parking space and the area directly behind or in front of each vehicle ('one car = one space'). Grills are allowed at a safe distance from vehicles, but open fires, wood or charcoal fires, kerosene or gas torches, and oil-based cooking are prohibited. Grilling is not permitted in parking decks. Parking lots open five hours before NFL games. Unauthorized commercial tailgating is strictly prohibited.
  • Fan tradition: A notable fan tradition at MetLife Stadium is tailgating in the parking lots before events. The stadium's lighting also changes color to reflect the home team playing, blue for the New York Giants and green for the New York Jets.
  • Pregame institution: Redd's Restaurant & Bar (317 Washington Ave, Carlstadt, NJ)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Redd's Meadowlands
    317 Washington Ave, Carlstadt, NJ 07072 · Carlstadt (adjacent to East Rutherford)

    Offers shuttle service to/from MetLife Stadium, over 35 flat-screen TVs for sports, extensive Bier menu, and a casual atmosphere with an outdoor Biergarten.

    What to order: Local craft and imported brews, tailgate favorites like wings, ribs, sliders, nachos, burgers, and for football Sundays, bacon pizza.

  • Yard House
    1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 (American Dream Mall, Court A, Level 3) · American Dream Mall

    Features the world's largest selection of draft beer with 130 taps, New American-style dishes, classic rock music, and is within walking distance of MetLife Stadium via a pedestrian bridge. Offers happy hour and late-night dining.

    What to order: New American-style dishes and a vast selection of draft beers.

  • The Union Bar & Provisions
    170 Union Avenue, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 · East Rutherford (adjacent to train station)

    A contemporary tavern offering elevated comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and multiple TVs for games. Features live entertainment and a spacious outdoor patio, making it a good gathering spot.

    What to order: Signature dishes like steak frites, fresh lobster roll, seasonal chef specials, curated selection of beers on tap, and classic cocktails with a twist.

  • The Candlewyck Diner
    179 Paterson Avenue, East Rutherford, NJ · East Rutherford

    A long-standing, family-owned diner offering a classic experience with a modern twist, a full bar, and a huge menu. It's located minutes from MetLife Stadium.

    What to order: Homemade desserts, classic diner fare like omelettes, burgers (including a Nacho Burger), sandwiches, and pizza from their brick oven.

  • The Shannon Rose Irish Pub
    98 Kingsland Road, Clifton, NJ · Clifton (near East Rutherford)

    A hybrid sports bar with an Irish pub atmosphere, featuring indoor and outdoor spaces with televisions, a large bar, a decent beer menu, and live music on select nights. Often mentioned as a place to watch football.

    What to order: Irish mule cocktails, a variety of beers, pub fare like wings, burgers, fish and chips, and reubens.

  • Dream Bar
    1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 (American Dream Mall, Court A, Level 2) · American Dream Mall

    Located within the American Dream Mall, it's a perfect spot to unwind and socialize before or after events, actively promoting pre-game gatherings for MetLife Stadium events like Copa America. Offers a beautiful space with games and signature cocktails.

    What to order: Signature cocktails such as 'Say Less,' 'Confused,' 'Choice,' and '9.'

  • The New Park Tavern
    250 Park Ave, East Rutherford, NJ 07073 · East Rutherford

    A local favorite for American and Italian dishes, known for top-notch pizza and a good bar atmosphere, suitable for both family dining and enjoying sports.

    What to order: Thin crust pizza, steak and onions, lasagna, and cheese burgers.

  • Bolero Snort Brewery
    316 20th St, Carlstadt, NJ 07072 · Carlstadt (adjacent to East Rutherford)

    A brewery and tasting room known for its unique and rotating selection of 'hoof-crafted' ales and lagers, including NEIPAs and sours. Features a clean space with outdoor seating, is dog-friendly, and allows outside food or food trucks. Close proximity to MetLife Stadium.

    What to order: Variety of craft beers, including unique options like Sour Mango Beer, Juicy Pebbles, and Imperial IPAs.

Postgame spots

  • The Roosevelt
    356 Paterson Ave, East Rutherford, NJ · East Rutherford

    An art deco-inspired restaurant and speakeasy with a saloon featuring flat screens for games, a large mahogany bar, handcrafted cocktails, and happy hour specials. Provides a sophisticated setting for post-game unwinding.

    What to order: Handcrafted cocktails and a diverse menu of elevated American cuisine.