There’s much, much more to going MetLife Stadium to watch the New York Giants play than simply filing into the stadium, finding your seat, and waiting for the action to start.
There is, of course, the game itself as the main attraction, with the tailgating as the opening act. But the stadium sits in the shadow of one of the world’s greatest metropolises. New York City and New Jersey, where the stadium is actually locared, are home to more things to see, more places to eat (and get anything from anywhere), and places to stay than we can readily count.
The Giants are one of the NFL’s flagship franchises, and New York itself is one of the greatest attractions in the world. How could you be bored?
Places to stay in New York City
It’s New York City! Stay anywhere that your budget allows. If you want to stay as close as possible to MetLife Stadium, there are a number of hotels on Paterson Plank Road actually within walking distance of the stadium.
The Hampton Inn Carlstadt at The Meadowlands, Springhill Suites or Fairfield Inn in East Rutherford are all good options in an average price range, and if you want to go a little fancier, check out the World of Blue, a boutique experience right by the stadium.
Things to do in New York City
Again, it is New York City! You can find anything you want to do. Go to Times Square! The Empire State Building! Macy’s! Central Park! Whatever you want to do, you can find it.
The best thing to do right near the stadium? Visit the American Dream mall. The second-largest mall in the country is basically next door to MetLife, and includes MUCH MORE than shopping. It includes an indoor theme park, water park, ski slope, and high-end luxury stores.
For more information, please visit American Dream.
In New York City, the Circle Line Tour of Manhattan is a must. They have a range of boat tours exploring Manhattan’s history and architecture. We highly recommend the sunset version so you can experience the city lights to their full effect. One of Circle Line’s boats was used for the water rescue when Captain Sully landed his plane in the Hudson River, so even the boat is a little famous.
Best places to eat in New York City
We keep saying it, but it’s New York City. It is just a few miles away, and it is an easy shuttle or rideshare away. Right near the stadium? Here are three options:
- Redd’s — Want a post-game or pre-game experience with fans within the shadow of the stadium? This is your place.
- Yard House — Located inside the American Dream mall. Offersan extensive menu of globally influenced dishes and the world’s largest selection of draft beer.
- Candlewyck Diner — Love the casual diner experience? The Candlewyck Diner is your place pre-game or post-game. It’s an easy drive to Paterson Ave., just a couple of miles from the stadium
In New York City, check out Friedman’s for a massive menu with tons of allergy-friendly options and seven locations in the city. Their cheese blintzes are a revelation. We also recommend the Park Ave. Kitchen by David Burke for the best dry-aged steak you’ll ever have in your life.
MetLife Stadium parking, rideshare and transit options
The best way to get to MetLife Stadium for a game is to take advantage of the mass transit options. MetLife stadium suggests using either NJ Transit or taking a Coach USA bus.
NJ Transit
NJ TRANSIT will operate the Meadowlands Rail Service for events with anticipated attendance above 50,000.
The Meadowlands Rail Service delivers guests directly to the front door of MetLife Stadium! To access the train while at an event, guests should exit from the MetLife or Verizon Gates.
Most of NJ TRANSIT’s rail system connects at Secaucus Junction, allowing fans from the region to quickly and efficiently reach MetLife Stadium. Trains depart from Secaucus Junction, with rail service commencing a few hours prior to kickoff and continuing for a couple of hours after the conclusion of the match. Travel time between Secaucus Junction and the Sports Complex station is approximately 10 minutes.
On select occasions, NJ TRANSIT may offer bus service between Secaucus Junction and MetLife Stadium. When this option is available, the NJ TRANSIT team will be on hand to direct you to the designated bus boarding areas. The travel time from the stadium to Secaucus Junction is approximately the same by train or bus.
Coach USA bus
Coach USA provides the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority to the MetLife Sports Complex for NFL games and other large events at MetLife Stadium.
The 351 bus service will begin two and one half (2 1/2) hours prior to the start of a game and will continue to run until one half hour (1/2) after the start of a game. The 351 bus line will be operational for approximately one (1) hour following the conclusion of the game.
Bus drop-off/pick-up is in Lot K, near the Quest Diagnostics Performance Center, which may be accessed by exiting from the MetLife Gate.
Please visit www.351express.com or call (800) 877-1888, Ext. 3 for more information.
Tailgating at MetLife
Gates open to the parking lots five hours before kickoff. You must have a parking pass. For NFL Games, parking is pre-paid and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis determined by parking tier. (i.e. Premium, Reserved, General, etc.)
For those ticketholders who do not bring their own tailgating supplies, there are activity zones within the plazas adjacent to MetLife Stadium. A variety of food, games, entertainment, and activities for adults and children will be available in the plaza areas. The Bud Light Beer Garden will be open in Lot F.
Please visit the MetLife Stadium Tailgating web page for more information.
The Giants game-day experience
If you want to do more than sit in the stands and watch the game, you have options.
The stadium offers a wide variety of food and beverage options. The stadium features five hospitality clubs that can seat a total of more than 10,000 people.