The Super Bowl XXI Miracle
A landmark venue in the Meadowlands, home to Giants, Jets, and soccer legends.
Giants Stadium (sometimes referred to as Giants Stadium at the Meadowlands) was a stadium located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. It opened on October 10, 1976, and closed following the 2009 NFL season. It was the home field of the New York Giants from 1976 to 2009 and the New York Jets from 1984 to 2009.
- Location
- East Rutherford, New Jersey
Lore & Background
The stadium's modernist design was created by the firm Kivett and Myers, who also designed Arrowhead Stadium, but Giants Stadium was not a direct copy of Arrowhead; its layout, intimacy, and exterior spiral ramps were not specifically borrowed from that venue. Although the stadium hosted many NFL games due to being shared by the Giants and Jets, it did not break Wrigley Field's record for most NFL games hosted.
In Their Own Story
The air at Stanford Stadium felt crisp against the blue jerseys. Phil Simms stood in the huddle, the noise of the crowd fading into background static as he read the defense. He snapped the ball, stepped up from the pocket, and launched a spiral toward the end zone. The receiver caught it cleanly, turning away from the safety. As the touchdown was confirmed, the roar of Giants fans echoed across California—a testament to a season that refused to be defined by its beginning.
Reader's Guide
Giants Stadium was located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Its maximum seating capacity was 80,242. The field was aligned northwest to southeast, with the press box along the southwest sideline. The stadium was owned and operated by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
Did You Know?
- The stadium's final event was a January 3, 2010, game featuring the Jets hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football.
- The New York Cosmos of the NASL moved to Giants Stadium for the 1977 season, hosting the final game of Brazilian star Pelé on October 1, 1977.
- Seven games of the 1994 FIFA World Cup and four games of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup were held at Giants Stadium.
- The 1985 USFL championship game, which turned out to be the last USFL game played, was held at Giants Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event is referred to as the Super Bowl XXI Miracle?
This designation marks the New York Giants' second title win on January 25, 1987, against the Denver Broncos at Stanford Stadium. The victory solidified the team's place in football history during a late-eighties championship run.
Who was the Most Valuable Player of this game?
Quarterback Phil Simms received the MVP honors for his steady hand leading the offense throughout the matchup. His performance contributed directly to the Giants securing a 39-20 final score over their opponents.
Which head coach guided the team during this season?
Bill Parcells served as the head coach who steered the squad through initial doubts to claim the championship. His leadership was instrumental in managing the gritty defense that anchored the victory.
What role did Lawrence Taylor play in the win?
Lawrence Taylor anchored a formidable defense that highlighted the team's grit and physical dominance against Denver. His presence on the field was a key factor in overcoming early skepticism about the season.
Where did this historic Super Bowl take place?
The game occurred at Stanford Stadium located in California during January of 1987. It remains a significant cultural milestone for Giants fans and franchise history alike.
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