MetLife Stadium guide: What to know about the New York Giants’ home field

This article is part of the Stadium Guides series, a comprehensive guide to your NFL team’s stadium experience.

Buy tickets on StubHub to New York Giants games at MetLife Stadium here.

OK, let’s get this out of the way. The “New York” part of the Giants (and Jets) team name is somewhat misleading since MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, N.J., but try to forget that little detail if you can.

Opened in 2010 for a cool $1.6 billion, MetLife Stadium might maintain a more business-like vibe, but that doesn’t stop thousands of Giants (and New York Jets) fans from flocking to Jersey for games throughout the fall. The stadium, though, hosts more than just football games. It’s also hosted a pair of NHL hockey games, two Wrestlemanias, dozens of concerts — including Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” last year — and come 2026, the FIFA World Cup final will be played there.

But getting back to football, MetLife Stadium (and its turf playing surface) doesn’t boast the best reputation around the NFL. It’s often been at the center of the NFL’s grass versus turf debate, with many players believing playing on turf leads to more injuries. Superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffering a season-ending Achilles injury just four snaps into his Jets debut last year certainly didn’t help matters, although a new synthetic turf playing surface had been installed at MetLife — to what ultimately amounted to mixed reviews.

Alas, MetLife Stadium might never rank as a No. 1 destination for NFL players or fans, but there are still many aspects of the venue that can be enjoyed.

The Athletic has compiled 32 stadium guides, one for each NFL team, to give fans vital information about the game day experience. We’ve also asked readers to weigh in on the best food, beer and tailgate options at each stadium, among other things, to help football fans enjoy their visit.

Insider tips

2024 must-watch game at stadium: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 20

It’s Saquon Barkley’s homecoming. After thinking about the implications of Year 3 for a Giants regime that looks to be on thin ice, there are few bigger plot points than the Giants letting their superstar running back depart to the division-rival Eagles. GM Joe Schoen and company let him walk, and maybe that will end up being the right decision. But if Barkley goes berserk in Philadelphia and the Giants’ offense struggles to get off the ground again, it won’t be a good look for the coach and GM — especially after team co-owner John Mara said on “Hard Knocks” that the idea of losing Barkley would be hard to stomach.

“I’m going to have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philly, I’ll tell you that,” Mara said. “I’ve been around enough players. He’s the most popular player we have by far.”

Fan tradition to know: ‘Dee-fense!’

One of the oldest and most storied NFL franchises, the Giants have made a lasting impact on the game in their 100 years of existence. One good example: You know the ubiquitous “Dee-fense” chant you hear at just about every football game? Well, that dates back to the New York Giants’ days playing at Yankee Stadium.

Charlotte Carroll’s favorite thing

Since I’ve never experienced a Giants game as a fan, I’m going to highlight something a little more behind the scenes. I love the pregame arrivals in the tunnels. Players have really leaned into these over the last few years, and we get to see more of their personality through their fashion choices. And because it’s New York, it’s a perfect marriage of fashion and football. It’s chic and fun!

The Athletic’s stadium ranking: 25

Jon Machota ranked all 30 NFL stadiums in August 2023 and this is what was said about MetLife Stadium:

“Despite it not being old, 13 ballots had it ranked as one of the five worst stadiums in the league. … It’s a boring stadium — which is something universally agreed on by both Giants and Jets fans, a rarity — both in look and feel. The food is poor. And it’s always a disaster exiting the stadium, especially for fans — and that gets even worse after concerts.” — Zack Rosenblatt, Jets beat writer

After two years of traveling around various NFL stadiums, it’s hard to disagree with Zack’s assessment. MetLife is just kind of there and serves as a venue more than a mecca of football for its fans. The energy can be electric for big games, but it’s not on the level of Minnesota (U.S. Bank Stadium) or Seattle (Lumen Field). As reporters, we’re not in the stands, but it’s just the general vibe. As has been mentioned, it’s got a very corporate feel and because it’s home to both the Giants and the Jets, that duality can feel very present. — Charlotte Carroll

Fans’ game day advice

The Athletic surveyed NFL fans for their feedback on the following questions:

What is the ‘best bang for your buck’ seating section?

Since sightlines are pretty great throughout the stadium, the 300 level is probably the best bang for your buck. You get a great view of the field and can see everything going on. Just be careful in the cold weather. The wind can cut through you! — Drew D.

I think the best bang for the buck seating is the 200 sections behind the end zones. Prices aren’t drastically higher than other sections, but the views are better, and you have the potential for some coverage from inclement weather. — Nick C.

What’s the can’t-miss food?

The Fat Rooster! This (spicy chicken) sandwich is honestly delicious and big! A very close second for me is the Premio stands located throughout the stadium. A spicy sausage and peppers sandwich never fails. — Drew D.

The dumplings are the best bang for your buck. Four of them for about $5-$6. — Daniel A.

What’s the best beer option?

The venue has plenty of beer options all over whether you drink fancy craft beer/cocktails/wine or regular, old Miller Lite. — Aaron A.

Where is the best spot to take a photo?

If you’re in the last row of the upper deck sections that face NYC, it’s a great view on a nice day. — Michael F.

The best spot is probably pregame down near the field from either end zone. Many times, if you get in early, security will let you sneak down to get an amazing selfie at field level. Also, the 200 level behind each end zone has a pretty nice view of the whole field. — Nick C.

What are the kid-friendly activities/options at the stadium?

The (Giants) Legacy Club museum is a very cool and free experience for families to check out. You can see the Hall of Fame busts, Super Bowl trophies and a ton of memorabilia. — Drew D.

Where is the best place to tailgate?

Anywhere in the parking lot is the best place to tailgate. It is about the friends you are with, not the people who park near you. — John B.

New York Giants fans tailgate outside of MetLife Stadium. (Rich Graessle / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

What to know if you go

Stadium address: 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, N.J. 07073.

Year opened: 2010.

Roof? No roof.

Playing surface: Turf.

Stadium capacity: 82,500.

2023 average attendance per game (per Pro Football Reference): 79,307.

Tickets: $232 is the average StubHub ticket cost at MetLife Stadium for a 2024 New York Giants game, according to StubHub. Season tickets for the 2024 Giants season are still available.

Bag policy: Bags made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC that are no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches are allowed. Non-clear bags that are no larger than 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches and are about the size of a hand are permitted. These bags can be carried with or without a strap or by hand. Other permitted bags include one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags, binocular cases and camera cases. Official NFL team logo clear plastic tote bags are also permitted. Exceptions may be made for medically necessary items after inspection.

Outside food policy: Fans can bring food of any kind in a clear plastic bag. Also permitted: Factory-sealed canned or plastic bottles of water or soft drinks that are 20 ounces or less in size and reusable water bottles (both plastic and aluminum) that are 20 ounces or less. Bottles must be empty upon entry.

ADA information: MetLife Stadium offers wheelchair/low mobility and companion seating on all levels. It has accessible parking in Lots E, F and G with a parking pass and a valid DMV-issued license plate and/or placard for persons with a disability. The dedicated drop-off area for guests with disabilities is Lot C, located between the Verizon Gate and the HCL Tech Gate. Public ramps are available for use at the north and south end zones. Elevators for guests with disabilities are located at the HCLTech, Verizon and Moody’s entrances. All public restrooms are accessible to guests with disabilities. Service animals are permitted inside MetLife Stadium. For more ADA information, click here.

Tailgating policy: Tailgating is permitted at all MetLife Sports Complex parking lots unless otherwise designated. The use of grills and other heating devices is not allowed in the parking decks. For more details on MetLife Stadium policies, click here.

Transportation options: For Giants games, a prepaid parking pass is required for entry. The NJ Transit operates the Meadowlands Rail Service, which drops off guests at the front door of MetLife Stadium. Coach USA provides the 351 Meadowlands Express bus service from the Port Authority to the MetLife Sports Complex. Bus drop-off/pickup is in Lot K, near the Quest Diagnostics Performance Center, which may be accessed by exiting from the MetLife Gate. A designated rideshare zone is located in Lot E off West Peripheral Road, right outside the Verizon Gate.

Learn more: metlifestadium.com

Scoop City Newsletter

Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.

Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.

Sign Up

The Stadium Guides series is part of a partnership with StubHub.

The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.

(Top illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; photos: Fan: Perry Knotts and Sarah Stier / Getty Images)