History of MetLife Stadium in Timeline
MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, opened in 2010 as a replacement for Giants Stadium. Situated 5 miles west of New York City, it serves as the home for both the New York Giants and the New York Jets of the NFL. Upon completion, it was the most expensive stadium ever built in the United States, costing approximately $1.6 billion. It is a multi-purpose stadium and part of the Meadowlands Sports Complex.
4 hours ago : MetLife Stadium Temporarily Changes Name for 2026 World Cup; Logo Vanishes
MetLife Stadium temporarily changed its name due to FIFA World Cup 2026 branding regulations. The stadium's usual logo also disappeared as part of preparations for the event in New Jersey.
1913: Polo Grounds: Home to Baseball Giants and Yankees
In 1913, the Polo Grounds became home to the baseball Giants and Yankees.
1922: Polo Grounds: Home to Baseball Giants and Yankees
In 1922, the Polo Grounds was still home to the baseball Giants and Yankees.
1926: Third Madison Square Garden: Home to NHL Rangers and Americans
In 1926, the third Madison Square Garden hosted the NHL's Rangers and Americans.
1942: Third Madison Square Garden: Home to NHL Rangers and Americans
In 1942, the third Madison Square Garden was still home to the NHL's Rangers and Americans.
1974: Shea Stadium: Home to Mets and Yankees
In 1974, Shea Stadium housed both the Mets and Yankees.
1975: Shea Stadium: Home to Mets, Yankees, Jets and Giants
In 1975, Shea Stadium housed the Mets, Yankees, Jets and Giants.
1984: Giants Stadium: Home to Giants and Jets
In 1984, Giants Stadium hosted both the Giants and Jets.
2005: West Side Stadium Project Halted
In 2005, progress on the West Side Stadium project was halted due to opposition from various sources, including Cablevision, because the project required significant public funding.
September 12, 2008: Allianz Naming Rights Talks End
On September 12, 2008, talks between Allianz and the New York teams ended regarding naming rights for the stadium after opposition from the Jewish community due to Allianz's ties to Nazi Germany.
June 2009: Agreement with EPA to incorporate environmentally-friendly materials
In June 2009, the New Meadowlands Stadium Corporation and the EPA signed a memorandum of understanding outlining plans to incorporate environmentally-friendly materials and practices into the construction and operation of MetLife Stadium.
July 26, 2009: Meadowlands Rail Line Opens
On July 26, 2009, the Meadowlands Rail Line opened to the public, operating on event days between Meadowlands station and Hoboken Terminal via Secaucus Junction.
2009: Giants Stadium: Home to Giants and Jets
In 2009, Giants Stadium was still hosting both the Giants and Jets.
2009: MetLife Stadium Named "Greenest Stadium" in the NFL
In 2009, MetLife Stadium was named the "Greenest Stadium" in the NFL by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
May 25, 2010: Super Bowl XLVIII Awarded to MetLife Stadium
On May 25, 2010, Super Bowl XLVIII was awarded to MetLife Stadium, marking the first time a Super Bowl would be played in the New York metropolitan area and in a non-domed stadium in a cold-weather city.
August 10, 2010: International Exhibition Soccer Match: United States vs Brazil
On August 10, 2010, MetLife Stadium hosted an international exhibition soccer match between the United States and Brazil. Brazil won 2–0 in front of a near-sellout crowd of 77,223; the game was played on a temporary grass field.
August 2010: Midfield Logo Change After Hixon Injury
In August 2010, replaceable team logos at midfield were removed after Domenik Hixon tore his anterior cruciate ligament at a practice at the stadium during training camp. The NFL's logo was painted at midfield for the next decade.
October 16, 2010: Rutgers vs. Army College Football Game
On October 16, 2010, Rutgers hosted Army in the first college football game played at MetLife Stadium. Rutgers won in overtime, 23–20. During the game, Rutgers player Eric LeGrand was injured and paralyzed.
2010: Stadium Opening
In 2010, New York New Jersey Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium, opened at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Replacing Giants Stadium, it became the home for the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL. At approximately $1.6 billion, it was the most expensive stadium built in the United States at the time.
March 26, 2011: International Friendly: United States vs Argentina
On March 26, 2011, the stadium hosted an international friendly between the United States and Argentina, which ended in a 1–1 draw and was played in front of a sellout crowd of 78,926.
June 18, 2011: 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarter-Final Matches
On June 18, 2011, MetLife Stadium hosted two quarter-final matches of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Costa Rica played Honduras to a 1–1 draw with Honduras winning on penalties 4–2 in the first match. The second match featured Mexico against Guatemala with Mexico winning 2–1.
June 27, 2011: MetLife Enters Naming Rights Discussions
On June 27, 2011, it was reported that MetLife entered discussions to purchase naming rights to the stadium.
June 9, 2012: International Friendly: Argentina vs Brazil
On June 9, 2012, Argentina and Brazil played a friendly match, with Argentina winning in a thrilling 4–3 match featuring a Lionel Messi hat-trick.
August 1, 2012: 12th Siyum HaShas
On August 1, 2012, MetLife Stadium hosted the 12th Siyum HaShas, a celebration of the completion of the Talmud. At 93,000 seats, it was the highest capacity crowd in the stadium's history.
2012: "Solar Ring" Design and Installation
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 (BIPV) 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.
2012: New York's College Classic: Syracuse vs. USC Trojans
In 2012, Syracuse University hosted a home game at MetLife Stadium, branded as New York's College Classic, against the USC Trojans. The Trojans won 42–29.
2012: New York's Bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics
In 2012, a proposed West Side Stadium in Manhattan was originally intended to be the 85,000-seat main stadium for New York's bid for the Summer Olympics. It was designed to be downsized to 75,000 seats for the Jets.
2012: Electric Daisy Carnival
Since 2012, MetLife 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.
April 7, 2013: WrestleMania 29 Held at MetLife Stadium
On April 7, 2013, WrestleMania 29 was held at MetLife Stadium. 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.
August 4, 2013: 2013 International Champions Cup Matches
On August 4, 2013, MetLife Stadium hosted two second round matches of the 2013 International Champions Cup. Valencia defeated Inter Milan 4–0, and Chelsea defeated AC Milan 2–0.
2013: Syracuse vs. Penn State
In 2013, Syracuse University opened its season against rival Penn State at MetLife Stadium, losing 23–17.
February 2, 2014: Super Bowl XLVIII Held at MetLife Stadium
On February 2, 2014, Super Bowl XLVIII was played at MetLife Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos 43–8 for their first Super Bowl victory.
2014: Syracuse vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
In 2014, Syracuse University hosted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at MetLife Stadium, losing 31–15.
2014: 2014 NHL Stadium Series at Yankee Stadium
In 2014, Yankee Stadium hosted two games as part of the 2014 NHL Stadium Series, in which the New York Rangers won both games, defeating the New Jersey Devils 7-3 and defeating the New York Islanders 2–1.
2014: "Keep Seeking First God's Kingdom!" International Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses
In 2014, two of the "Keep Seeking First God's Kingdom!" International Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses were held at MetLife Stadium.
July 19, 2015: 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarter-Finals
On July 19, 2015, MetLife Stadium hosted two quarter-final matches of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Trinidad and Tobago played Panama to a 1–1 draw, with Panama winning 6–5 on penalties. Mexico defeated Costa Rica 1–0 in the second match.
2016: Syracuse vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Rematch
In 2016, a rematch was held between Syracuse University and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at MetLife Stadium, with Syracuse once again losing, 50–33.
July 2017: MetLife Stadium Named "Venue of the Year"
In July 2017, MetLife Stadium was named "Venue of the Year" by the Stadium Business Summit.
July 22, 2017: 2017 International Champions Cup: FC Barcelona vs. Juventus
On July 22, 2017, MetLife Stadium hosted a match of the 2017 International Champions Cup between FC Barcelona and Juventus, which Barcelona won 2-1 in front of 82,104 fans.
2017: 18th International Indian Film Academy Awards
On July 14 and 15, 2017, MetLife Stadium hosted the 18th International Indian Film Academy Awards (the Oscars of Bollywood) for the first time.
January 16, 2018: Inaugural Ball for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
On January 16, 2018, MetLife Stadium hosted the inaugural ball for newly elected New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy.
July 25, 2018: 2018 International Champions Cup: Manchester City F.C. vs. Liverpool F.C.
On July 25, 2018, MetLife Stadium hosted a 2018 International Champions Cup match between Manchester City F.C. and Liverpool F.C., which ended 2-1 in favor of Liverpool.
August 7, 2018: 2018 International Champions Cup: Real Madrid vs. AS Roma
On August 7, 2018, MetLife Stadium hosted a 2018 International Champions Cup match between Real Madrid and AS Roma, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid.
September 7, 2018: International Friendly: United States vs. Brazil
On September 7, 2018, MetLife Stadium hosted an international friendly match between the United States and Brazil as part of U.S. Soccer's "Kickoff Series." Brazil won the match 2-0, with goals from Roberto Firmino and Neymar.
2018: 2018 NHL Winter Classic at Citi Field
Citi Field previously hosted the 2018 NHL Winter Classic as well, with the Rangers defeating the Buffalo Sabres 3–2 in overtime in 2018.
April 7, 2019: WrestleMania 35 Held at MetLife Stadium
On April 7, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted WrestleMania 35. With an attendance of 82,265 and $16.9 million in revenue, it overtook WrestleMania 29's records.
July 29, 2019: 2019 International Champions Cup: Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid
On July 29, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted the first Madrid derby held outside of Europe between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, as part of the 2019 International Champions Cup. Atlético Madrid won 7-3.
November 16, 2019: 61st Cortaca Jug Rivalry Game
On November 16, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted the 61st Cortaca Jug rivalry game between the NCAA Division III Cortland Red Dragons and Ithaca Bombers. The game set a record for the most-attended Division III football game with 45,161 attendees.
January 1, 2020: 13th Siyum HaShas
On January 1, 2020, MetLife Stadium hosted the 13th Siyum HaShas.
December 11, 2021: 122nd Army–Navy Game
On December 11, 2021, MetLife Stadium hosted the 122nd Army–Navy Game, the first time the historic matchup was held at MetLife and the fifth time in East Rutherford. Navy defeated Army 17–13.
June 3, 2023: NHL Stadium Series Announcement
On June 3, 2023, the National Hockey League announced that MetLife Stadium would host two outdoor games as part of the 2024 NHL Stadium Series.
July 23, 2023: International Friendly: Manchester United vs. Arsenal
On July 23, 2023, MetLife Stadium hosted an international friendly between Premier League clubs Manchester United and Arsenal, with United winning 2-0. The game drew a stadium soccer record crowd of 82,262.
2023: Team Logos Return to Midfield and New Artificial Surface Installed
In 2023, the Giants announced they would paint their team logo at midfield during their home games, with the Jets likewise doing the same. Also in 2023, the stadium installed a new artificial surface called the FieldTurf Core System.
2023: High Average Home Attendance for NY Giants and NY Jets
In 2023, the New York Giants and the New York Jets had high average home attendances at MetLife Stadium, with only the Dallas Cowboys drawing a higher average.
January 2024: Renovations Begin for 2026 FIFA World Cup
In January 2024, renovations began on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium to enlarge the playing field to meet necessary FIFA requirements to host the eight games, including the final, of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
February 2024: Host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final announced
In February 2024, MetLife Stadium was announced as the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
February 17, 2024: 2024 NHL Stadium Series: New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers
On February 17, 2024, the New Jersey Devils hosted the Philadelphia Flyers as part of the 2024 NHL Stadium Series. The Devils won 6-3, and Nico Hischier scored the first NHL goal in MetLife Stadium history.
May 2024: Phase I of Renovations Completed
In May 2024, Phase I of the renovations on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium was completed.
August 3, 2024: El Clásico Preseason Match: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
On August 3, 2024, MetLife Stadium hosted a preseason match of El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barcelona won 2-1 in front of 82,154 fans.
2024: 2024 Copa América Matches
In 2024, MetLife Stadium hosted three matches during the 2024 Copa América: two group stage matches and one semi-final match.
2024: Notice Date for Opting Out of Stadium Lease in 2025
In 2024, either the Giants or Jets must provide a 12 month notice to opt out of the stadium lease in 2025.
January 2025: Phase II of Renovations to Commence
In January 2025, Phase II of the renovations on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium will commence.
May 2025: Phase II of Renovations Completed
In May 2025, Phase II of the renovations on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium will be completed.
2025: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Matches
In 2025, MetLife Stadium hosted nine matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, including the final.
2025: First Ever Two-Night SummerSlam
In 2025, MetLife Stadium will host the first ever two-night SummerSlam, on August 2–3.
2025: First Opportunity to Opt Out of Stadium Lease
In 2025, the first opportunity for either the Giants or Jets to opt out of the stadium lease will occur after providing the state with 12 months' notice.
2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches
In 2026, MetLife Stadium is one of the 16 venues, and one of the eleven American venues, which will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the event, the stadium will be temporarily known as "New York New Jersey Stadium". The stadium will host five group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match.
2026: MetLife Stadium to host 2026 FIFA World Cup
In 2026, MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host eight games of the FIFA World Cup, including the final.
June 6, 2027: 14th Siyum HaShas
On June 6, 2027, MetLife Stadium will host the 14th Siyum HaShas.
2030: Opportunity to Opt Out of Stadium Lease
In 2030, there is an opportunity for either the Giants or Jets to opt out of the stadium lease after giving the state 12 months notice.
2035: Opportunity to Opt Out of Stadium Lease
In 2035, there is an opportunity for either the Giants or Jets to opt out of the stadium lease after giving the state 12 months notice.
2040: Opportunity to Opt Out of Stadium Lease
In 2040, there is an opportunity for either the Giants or Jets to opt out of the stadium lease after giving the state 12 months notice.
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