MetLife Stadium


MetLife Stadium is an American sports stadium located at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, 5 mi west of New York City. It is the home stadium of two National Football League franchises, the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Originally known as New Meadowlands Stadium upon opening in 2010, its naming rights were acquired in 2011 by New York City-based insurance company MetLife. The stadium is owned by the MetLife Stadium Company, a joint venture of the Giants and Jets, which privately financed the construction of the venue on land belonging to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. At an approximate cost of $1.6 billion, it was the most expensive stadium ever built at the time.

History

As Giants Stadium approached 30 years of age, it was becoming one of the older stadiums in the NFL. The Jets, who had been the tenants at the stadium, sought to have their own stadium built in Manhattan proper, the proposed West Side Stadium. Originally intended to be the 85,000-seat main stadium for New York's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, it was designed to be downsized to 75,000 seats for the Jets. However, the West Side Stadium would have required significant public funding; progress halted in 2005 due to opposition from a number of sources, including Cablevision. The Jets then entered into a joint venture with the Giants to build a new stadium in which the two teams would be equal partners.
MetLife Stadium is one of only two NFL stadiums shared by two clubs. The other, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California is home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. Los Angeles' Staples Center, which is home to the Clippers and the Lakers of the National Basketball Association, is the only other facility to currently house two teams from the same sports league in the United States. Additionally, it is the fourth building in the New York metropolitan area to be home to multiple teams from the same sports league, after the Polo Grounds, which was home to the baseball Giants and Yankees from 1913 to 1922, and Shea Stadium, which housed both the Yankees and Mets during the 1974 and 1975 seasons.

Design

The architects were tasked with designing a neutral stadium that would still embody the distinct personalities of both franchises. The Giants favored a traditional look of exposed steel framework and rusticated stone while the Jets wanted a sleek and modern look highlighted by metal and glass. With those features in mind the designers used the column/tower dynamic seen in many of Manhattan's skyscrapers as inspiration for the stadium's design.
The base of the stadium's facade is clad in limestone-like stonework while the rest of the stadium is distinguished by an outer skin of aluminum louvers and glass and by interior lighting capable of switching colors, depending on which team is currently playing–blue for the Giants and green for the Jets. This idea originated at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany; which was previously shared between the city's two major soccer clubs, Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich. Unlike Giants Stadium, MetLife Stadium can easily be reconfigured for the Giants or Jets within a matter of hours. The louvers' total linear length is exactly 50,000 meters or 163,681 feet.
Front row 50 yard line seats are away from the sideline, which is the shortest distance of all NFL stadiums. To change the field decorations, two 4-person crews take approximately 18 hours using forklifts and other machinery to remove the 40 sections of Act Global UBU Speed Series which make up the teams' respective endzones. Unlike most NFL stadiums, the NFL's logo is painted at midfield, instead of the logo of one of the teams, also shortening the transition time. Replaceable team logos at midfield were removed in August 2010, after Domenik Hixon tore his anterior cruciate ligament at a practice at the stadium during training camp. If the two teams are playing each other, the designated home team will have its configuration around the stadium, except for the end zones. Each team will have an end zone with their team logo.
Unlike a number of other new NFL venues, MetLife Stadium does not have a roof, as proposals to include a roof failed, over a dispute for funding. Thus, indoor events such as the Final Four cannot be held at the facility, which runs counter to the original aims for a new arena in northern New Jersey.
Ten giant HD-ready light emitting diode pylons, located at the north, south, east and west entrances, display videos of the team currently in-house. The pylons measure approximately high by wide. Inside, are four by HD video displays, and hang from each corner of the upper deck.
The new stadium seating bowl is laid out similar to that of Giants Stadium and has seating for 82,500 people, including 10,005 club seats and approximately 218 luxury suites, making it the largest NFL stadium in terms of total seating. The seating bowl is also raked in a way that eliminates overhangs from the upper decks that would impede views and allows fans to see the full arc of a punt.
MetLife Stadium includes a total of four locker rooms: one each for the Giants and Jets, as well as two for visiting teams. The home teams have locker rooms on opposite ends of the stadium with a visitors' locker room adjacent to it. On most game days the visitors use the locker room at the end opposite that of the home team while the unused visitors' locker room is used for spillover by the home team. For games in which neither the Giants or Jets are playing, each team uses one of the visitor's locker rooms. When the Giants and Jets play each other, each team uses its own locker room plus the adjacent visitor's room for spillover.
In 2012, DLR Group partnered with NRG Energy to design and install a "Solar Ring" on the upper rim of MetLife Stadium. The Solar Ring consists of 1,350 building integrated photovoltaic solar panels assembled into 47 individual frames. The BIPV panels are illuminated with LED lighting and programmed to display the signature blue and green colors of the Giants and the Jets along with other hues for events such as concerts, soccer matches and college sports. The panels generate about 350 KW, nearly 25 times the amount of electricity that's actually needed to power the LED display system. The excess power generated can go into the general stadium use or back to the grid.

Technical agreements

Lease terms

The two teams formed the New Meadowlands Stadium Company, LLC, a 50/50 joint venture, to build and operate the stadium. The two teams leased the parcel of land on which the stadium stands from the NJSEA for a 25-year term, with options to extend it which could eventually reach 97 years. After the 15th year of the lease, and every five years, hence; one of the two teams may opt out of the lease after giving the state 12 months notice. The first such opportunity to opt out will occur in 2025 with a notice date of 2024. There will then be an opportunity to opt out in 2030, 2035, 2040, etc... However, if one team leaves for a new stadium, the other team would have to remain for the remainder of the lease. However, the high cost of building and relocating to a stadium makes it very unlikely. The teams also get parking revenue from the Meadowlands' western parking lots year round, even when there are no events at the stadium.

Naming rights

, a financial services and insurance company based in Munich, Germany, expressed interest in purchasing naming rights to the stadium. The proposal was for a period of up to 30 years, and was estimated to be valued at between $20 million and US$30 million. However, it sparked protests from New York's Jewish community and the Anti-Defamation League, which opposed the move due to close ties in the past between Allianz and the government of Nazi Germany during World War II. Rabbi Jay Rosenbaum, however, secretary general of the North American Board of Rabbis, agreed that although survivors' sensibilities are understandable, a naming deal is legitimate. "I have found Allianz to be receptive, to be sensitive and a friend of the Jewish people today," he said. Allianz sponsors the venue that inspired the color-change technology for MetLife Stadium: Allianz Arena in Munich. No agreement was reached and talks between Allianz and the teams ended on September 12, 2008.
On June 27, 2011, it was reported that New York City-based insurance company MetLife entered discussions to purchase naming rights to the stadium. The new name, MetLife Stadium, became official when all parties signed a 25-year deal on August 23.

EPA agreement

In June 2009, the New Meadowlands Stadium Corporation and the EPA signed a memorandum of understanding that outlines plans to incorporate environmentally-friendly materials and practices into the construction and operation of MetLife Stadium. The agreement includes strategies to reduce air pollution, conserve water and energy, improve waste management, and reduce the environmental impact of construction. The goal of the agreement is to save the emission of nearly 1.68 million metric tons of carbon dioxide during the stadium's construction and its first year of operation. Under this agreement, the stadium construction must use around 40,000 tons of recycled steel, recycle 20,000 tons of steel from Giants Stadium, install seating made from recycled plastic and scrap iron, and reduce air pollution from construction vehicles by using cleaner diesel fuel, diesel engine filters, and minimizing engine idle times. Other goals of this agreement include providing mass transit options for fans and replacing traditional concession plates, cups and carries with compostable alternatives. The New Meadowlands Stadium Corporation is to report the progress on its goals to EPA every six months. Based on the reports, the EPA has stated it will quantify the benefits of the venue's environmental efforts.

Accessibility and transportation

MetLife Stadium is accessible by car via Exit 16W on the western spur of the New Jersey Turnpike and is also located adjacent to NJ Route 3 and NJ Route 120.
Coach USA provides the 351 Meadowlands Express Bus service between MetLife Stadium and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. New Jersey Transit provides the 353 Bus service for select events between MetLife Stadium and Secaucus Junction.
The Meadowlands Rail Line operates on event days between Meadowlands station and Hoboken Terminal via Secaucus Junction, where there is connecting service to Pennsylvania Station, Pennsylvania Station, and other New Jersey Transit rail operations. The line opened to the public on July 26, 2009.

Awards and recognition

In 2009, MetLife Stadium was named the "Greenest Stadium" in the NFL by the Environmental Protection Agency.
In July 2017, MetLife Stadium was named "Venue of the Year" by the Stadium Business Summit. The award is awarded to the world's best stadium, arena or sports venue, that deserves recognition for an outstanding performance over a 12-month period.

Notable events

Firsts and notable moments

On May 25, 2010, it was announced that Super Bowl XLVIII was awarded to the stadium, the first time a Super Bowl would be played in the New York metropolitan area, and the first time that a non-domed stadium in a cold-weather city would host it.
The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos 43–8 for their first Super Bowl victory, when MetLife Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2, 2014. Normally, Super Bowls must be held in indoor climate-controlled stadiums if they are held in a city with an average temperature lower than. However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell waived this requirement and allowed MetLife Stadium on the ballot because of a "unique, once-only circumstance based on the opportunity to celebrate the new stadium and the great heritage and history of the NFL in the New York region". The temperature at kickoff was, making it only the third-coldest Super Bowl on record.

WrestleMania

MetLife Stadium has twice hosted WrestleMania—the flagship pay-per-view event of the professional wrestling promotion WWE. WrestleMania 29 was held at MetLife Stadium on April 7, 2013. With 80,676 spectators, it was the third most-attended event in WWE history, and the highest-grossing event in WWE history at $12.3 million. Six years later, MetLife Stadium hosted WrestleMania 35 on April 7, 2019, overtaking WrestleMania 29 with an attendance of 82,265, and $16.9 million in revenue.

International soccer

MetLife Stadium is also designed for soccer. To prepare for a match, the stadium uses retractable seating in the field level corners to fit a FIFA-sanctioned soccer field. Along with being noted for providing exceptional sight-lines, this has allowed the stadium to host several major international matches.
The first international exhibition match was between Mexico and Ecuador on May 7, 2010 in front of 77,507 fans. The stadium hosted another international exhibition soccer match between the United States and Brazil on August 10, 2010. Brazil won 2–0 in front of a near-sellout crowd of 77,223; the game was played on a temporary grass field. The stadium hosted another international friendly, between the United States and Argentina on March 26, 2011, which ended in a 1–1 draw and was played in front of a sellout crowd of 78,926. Another exhibition match in preparation for 2014 FIFA World Cup was played on November 14, 2012 between Colombia and Brazil, with Brazil acting as the local team despite a higher affluence of Colombian fans.
On November 15, 2013, Argentina and Ecuador played an international friendly to a 0–0 draw.
On September 9, 2014, the stadium hosted an international friendly between Brazil and Ecuador with Brazil victorious 1–0.
On March 31, 2015, the stadium hosted an international friendly rematch of Argentina and Ecuador with Argentina prevailing 2–1 in front of 48,000 fans.
On June 26, 2016, the stadium hosted the final of the Copa América Centenario—a special U.S.-hosted edition of the Copa América tournament co-organized by CONCACAF, marking the centennial of South America's soccer federation CONMEBOL. After a 0–0 draw after extra time, Chile beat Argentina 4–2 on penalties to win the tournament.
On August 3, 2016, MetLife Stadium hosted a 2016 International Champions Cup match between Real Madrid and F.C. Bayern Munich. Real Madrid won the match 1–0. On July 22, 2017, a match of the 2017 International Champions Cup was played between FC Barcelona and Juventus. Barcelona won the match 2–1 in front of 82,104 fans. MetLife Stadium hosted two matches as part of the 2018 International Champions Cup. The first match on July 25, 2018 between Manchester City F.C. and Liverpool F.C., with it ending 2–1 in favor of Liverpool, and the second match on August 7, 2018 between Real Madrid C.F. and A.S. Roma, also ending in a 2–1 victory for Real Madrid. On July 29, 2019 during the 2019 International Champions Cup, it hosted the first Madrid Derby held outside of Europe between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, which Atlético won 7–3.
On September 7, 2018, the stadium hosted the United States and Brazil in an international friendly match as part of U.S. Soccer's "Kickoff Series", which Brazil won by a score of 2–0 with goals from Roberto Firmino and Neymar. On September 11, 2018, it hosted an International Friendly between Colombia and Argentina.

College football

On October 16, 2010, Rutgers hosted Army in the first college football game to be played in the new stadium, with the Scarlet Knights defeating the Black Knights in overtime, 23–20. During the game's second half, Rutgers player Eric LeGrand was injured on a special teams play, defending a Rutgers kickoff, and paralyzed from the neck down.
Syracuse University has hosted selected home games at MetLife Stadium in lieu of the Carrier Dome. The first of these games, branded as New York's College Classic, was played in 2012 against the visiting USC Trojans, who won 42–29. In 2013, the team opened its season against its rival Penn State at the stadium, losing 23–17. In 2014, the team hosted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at MetLife Stadium, losing 31–15. A rematch was held in 2016, once again losing to the Fighting Irish 50–33.
On November 16, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted the 61st Cortaca Jug rivalry game between the NCAA Division III Cortland Red Dragons and Ithaca Bombers. With an attendance of 45,161, it set a record for the most-attended football game in Division III history. The game was held at MetLife Stadium as part of season-long commemorations of the 150th anniversary of college football.

Monster Jam

Before Monster Jam started events at MetLife, the Meadowlands Arena was previously used for the events.
The first Monster Jam event at MetLife Stadium was on June 16, 2012. It has since returned every year on June 15, 2013, June 14, 2014, June 13, 2015, April 23, 2016, June 17, 2017, May 12, 2018, and June 8, 2019. The 2020 show was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The stadium was going to host its first ever Monster Jam World Finals, World Finals 20. It was announced that the event would leave Las Vegas's Sam Boyd Stadium and begin a rotational schedule, starting with MetLife Stadium. The rotational schedule would also be moving the event from when it is usually hosted in late March, instead to May. An announcement on March 20, 2018, later confirmed that the date and venue would be changing, as per a schedule change.

Concerts

Other events

The stadium hosted the 12th Siyum HaShas, a celebration of the completion of the Talmud through the -year Daf Yomi study program, on August 1, 2012. At 93,000 seats, it was the highest capacity crowd in the stadium's history, due to on-field seating and a ticket sell-out. The siyum was a Department of Homeland Security level two security event, the most critical short of a presidential visit. On January 1, 2020 it hosted the 13th Siyum HaShas.
Since 2012, the stadium has been the main site of the two-day electronic music festival Electric Daisy Carnival's stop in the New York Metropolitan Area bringing electronic acts including Armin Van Buuren, Hardwell, Porter Robinson and Tiësto.
On July 14 and 15, 2017, the stadium hosted the 18th International Indian Film Academy Awards, the Oscars of Bollywood, for the first time.
On January 16, 2018, the stadium hosted the inaugural ball for newly elected New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.