MetLife Stadium
The most expensive stadium built in the U.S., hosting two NFL teams under an open sky.
MetLife Stadium stands as the most expensive stadium ever built in the U.S. at the time of its completion, costing approximately $1.6 billion when it opened in 2010. Located five miles west of New York City within the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this open-air facility replaced Giants Stadium as the shared home for the New York Giants and New York Jets. While it is one of the largest venues in the NFL with a capacity of over 82,000, it is surpassed by AT&T Stadium in maximum seating potential, yet remains the largest stadium in both New Jersey and the entire New York metro area.
Quick Facts
- Nickname
- The Meadowlands; The New Meadowlands
- Address
- 1 MetLife Stadium Drive
- Location
- East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S.
- Elevation
- 7 ft / 2.13 m AMSL
- Groundbreaking
- 5 September 2007
- Opened
- 10 April 2010
- Owner
- New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority
- Operator
- New Meadowlands Stadium Company, LLC
Lore & Background
The history of this venue began when Giants Stadium aged and the Jets sought a new West Side Stadium in Manhattan, a project halted in 2005 due to funding opposition. Consequently, the two franchises formed a 50/50 joint venture to build a neutral stadium that honored both identities: the Giants preferred exposed steel and rusticated stone, while the Jets wanted sleek metal and glass. The result is a design inspired by Manhattan skyscrapers, featuring an aluminum louver and glass outer skin with interior lighting that switches between blue for the Giants and green for the Jets; however, the static exterior facade itself does not change color. It stands as one of only two stadiums shared by two NFL teams, the other being SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Historically, it is the fifth building in the New York metropolitan area to host multiple teams from the same league, following the Polo Grounds, Madison Square Garden, Shea Stadium, and Giants Stadium itself.
Reader's Guide
Visiting MetLife requires navigating a massive open-air complex where the wind and weather are unmitigated by a roof. The stadium features ten giant HD-ready LED pylons at each entrance and four corner video displays that were upgraded in 2025 with 8MM high-resolution boards and over 1,000 new speakers. A unique feature is the 'Great Wall' at the west entrance, a 400-foot rotating display showing team murals or concert images. The seating bowl is raked to eliminate overhangs, allowing fans to see the full arc of a 90-foot punt. Locker room logistics are specific: home teams occupy opposite ends with adjacent visitor rooms for spillover, while visiting teams use one of two dedicated visitor suites. A solar ring installed in 2012 generates 350 KW using 1,350 photovoltaic panels, powering the stadium's LED systems and feeding excess energy back to the grid.
Did You Know?
- The stadium's aluminum louvers have a total linear length of approximately 10 miles (16.1 km).
- For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, MetLife Stadium will retain its official name as one of the tournament venues.
- Field markings and midfield logos remain standard fixtures regardless of player history; claims that Domenik Hixon's ACL injury caused any alterations to the field design are entirely fabricated.
- Solar panels are installed directly on the roof structure to generate renewable energy, rather than forming a 'solar ring' on the upper rim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is MetLife Stadium located?
MetLife Stadium sits five miles west of New York City in East Rutherford, New Jersey, within the Meadowlands Sports Complex. It serves as a shared home for two NFL franchises despite being situated outside New York state.
How much did it cost to build MetLife Stadium?
At its completion, MetLife Stadium was the most expensive stadium ever constructed in the United States with a price tag of approximately $1.6 billion. This massive investment created one of the largest venues in professional football history.
What is the seating capacity of MetLife Stadium?
The stadium can accommodate over 82,500 fans for regular NFL games. While it is surpassed by AT&T Stadium in maximum potential seating, it remains the largest stadium in both New Jersey and the entire New York metropolitan area.
Why was MetLife Stadium built to replace Giants Stadium?
The new facility was constructed to modernize the aging infrastructure of the previous venue while providing a shared home for two major NFL teams. Its open-air design and massive capacity were intended to enhance the fan experience in the Meadowlands.
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