History of MetLife Stadium in Timeline
MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, opened in 2010 as the replacement for Giants Stadium. Situated 5 miles west of New York City, it serves as the home stadium for both the New York Giants and the New York Jets of the NFL. Upon completion, its construction cost of approximately $1.6 billion made it the most expensive stadium ever built in the United States at that time.
1913: Giants and Yankees share Polo Grounds
In 1913, the baseball Giants and Yankees shared the Polo Grounds.
1922: Giants and Yankees share Polo Grounds
In 1922, the baseball Giants and Yankees shared the Polo Grounds.
1926: Rangers and Americans share Madison Square Garden
In 1926, the NHL's Rangers and Americans shared the third Madison Square Garden.
1942: Rangers and Americans share Madison Square Garden
In 1942, the NHL's Rangers and Americans shared the third Madison Square Garden.
1974: Mets and Yankees share Shea Stadium
In 1974, the Mets and Yankees shared Shea Stadium.
1975: Jets, Giants, Mets and Yankees share Shea Stadium
In 1975, the Mets, Yankees, Jets and Giants shared Shea Stadium.
1984: Giants and Jets share Giants Stadium
In 1984, the Giants and Jets shared Giants Stadium.
2005: Halt of West Side Stadium project
In 2005, progress on the West Side Stadium project was halted due to opposition, including from Cablevision, which owned Madison Square Garden at the time. The Giants then entered a joint venture with the Jets to build a new stadium.
September 12, 2008: End of Allianz naming rights talks
On September 12, 2008, talks between Allianz and the New York teams ended, following protests from New York's Jewish community and the Anti-Defamation League due to Allianz's historical ties to Nazi Germany during World War II.
June 2009: Agreement for environmentally-friendly materials
In June 2009, the New Meadowlands Stadium Corporation and the EPA signed a memorandum of understanding 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: Named Greenest Stadium in the NFL
In 2009, MetLife Stadium was named the "Greenest Stadium" in the NFL by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
2009: Giants and Jets share Giants Stadium
In 2009, the Giants and Jets shared Giants Stadium.
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 the 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 between the United States and 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: Removal of replaceable team logos
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 to be played in the new MetLife stadium. Rutgers defeated Army in overtime, 23–20. During the game's second half, Rutgers player Eric LeGrand was injured and paralyzed from the neck down while defending a Rutgers kickoff.
2010: MetLife Stadium Opens
In 2010, MetLife Stadium opened, replacing Giants Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It became the home stadium for both the New York Giants and the New York Jets of the NFL. The stadium's construction cost was approximately $1.6 billion, making it the most expensive stadium built in the United States at the time.
March 26, 2011: International friendly between the United States and Argentina
On March 26, 2011, MetLife Stadium hosted an international friendly between the United States and Argentina, which ended in a 1–1 draw in front of a sellout crowd of 78,926.
June 18, 2011: 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinal Matches
On June 18, 2011, MetLife Stadium hosted two quarterfinal matches of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Costa Rica played Honduras to a 1–1 draw, with Honduras winning on penalties 4–2. 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: Friendly match between Argentina and Brazil
On June 9, 2012, Argentina and Brazil played a friendly match at MetLife Stadium, 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. The event had a crowd of 93,000, the highest capacity crowd in the stadium's history.
2012: Installation of Solar Ring
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.
2012: New York's College Classic: Syracuse vs. USC Trojans
In 2012, Syracuse University hosted a home game at MetLife Stadium against the visiting USC Trojans as part of New York's College Classic. The USC Trojans won 42–29.
2012: New York's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics
In 2012, the proposed West Side Stadium 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 at MetLife Stadium
Since 2012, MetLife Stadium has hosted the Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), a two-day electronic music festival, bringing electronic acts to the New York Metropolitan Area.
2012: Monster Jam at MetLife Stadium
Since 2012, Monster Jam has been held at MetLife Stadium.
April 7, 2013: WrestleMania 29
On April 7, 2013, MetLife Stadium hosted WrestleMania 29, with 80,676 spectators. It was the third most-attended event and highest-grossing event in WWE history at $12.3 million.
August 4, 2013: 2013 International Champions Cup
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 opened its season against its rival Penn State at MetLife Stadium, losing 23–17.
February 2, 2014: Super Bowl XLVIII
On February 2, 2014, Super Bowl XLVIII was played at MetLife Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos 43–8. The temperature at kickoff was 49 °F (9 °C), making it the third-coldest Super Bowl on record.
2014: "Keep Seeking First God's Kingdom!" International Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses
In 2014, MetLife Stadium hosted two of the "Keep Seeking First God's Kingdom!" International Conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses.
2014: Syracuse vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
In 2014, Syracuse hosted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at MetLife Stadium, losing 31–15.
July 19, 2015: 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinal Matches
On July 19, 2015, MetLife Stadium hosted two quarterfinal matches of the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Trinidad and Tobago drew with Panama 1–1, with Panama winning on penalties 6–5, and Mexico defeated Costa Rica 1–0.
2016: Syracuse vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Rematch
In 2016, Syracuse University held a rematch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish at MetLife Stadium, once again losing to the Fighting Irish 50–33.
July 2017: 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 2017 International Champions Cup match between FC Barcelona and Juventus. Barcelona won the match 2–1 in front of 82,104 fans.
2017: 18th International Indian Film Academy Awards
In 2017, MetLife Stadium hosted the 18th International Indian Film Academy Awards, the Oscars of Bollywood, for the first time on July 14 and 15.
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 match between Manchester City F.C. and Liverpool F.C. as part of the 2018 International Champions Cup, with Liverpool winning 2–1.
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", with Brazil winning 2–0. Roberto Firmino and Neymar scored the goals.
April 7, 2019: WrestleMania 35
On April 7, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted WrestleMania 35, overtaking WrestleMania 29 with an attendance of 82,265, and $16.9 million in revenue.
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, during the 2019 International Champions Cup, with Atlético Madrid winning 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 football game in Division III history, with an attendance of 45,161, as part of season-long commemorations of the 150th anniversary of college football.
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 it was held in East Rutherford. Navy defeated Army 17–13.
June 3, 2023: 2024 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 match between Premier League clubs Manchester United and Arsenal. Manchester United won the match 2–0 in front of a stadium soccer record crowd of 82,262.
2023: Team logos at midfield and new artificial surface
In 2023, the Giants announced they would paint their team logo at midfield during their home games, with the Jets likewise doing the same approach. Also in 2023, the stadium installed a new artificial surface called the FieldTurf Core System.
2023: New York Giants and New York Jets Home Attendance
In 2023, the New York Giants and the New York Jets had some of the highest average home attendance figures in the NFL at MetLife Stadium. Only the Dallas Cowboys had a higher average home attendance overall.
January 2024: Renovations begin on the lower bowl
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: MetLife Stadium named host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final
In February 2024, MetLife Stadium was announced as the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The stadium will also host five group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match.
February 17, 2024: NHL Stadium Series: New Jersey Devils vs. Philadelphia Flyers
On February 17, 2024, as part of the NHL Stadium Series, the New Jersey Devils hosted the Philadelphia Flyers. The Devils won with a final score of 6–3 before 70,328 fans. Devils captain Nico Hischier scored the first NHL goal in MetLife Stadium history.
May 2024: Phase I completed on lower bowl renovations
In May 2024, Phase I of the renovations was completed 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.
August 3, 2024: Preseason El Clásico: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
On August 3, 2024, MetLife Stadium hosted a preseason match of El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barcelona won the match 2–1 in front of 82,154 fans.
2024: 2024 Copa América Matches
During the 2024 Copa América, MetLife Stadium hosted three matches: two in the group stage and a semifinal match.
2024: Notice date for opting out of stadium lease
In 2024, there will be a notice date for one of the two teams to opt out of the stadium lease.
May 2025: Phase II completed on lower bowl renovations
In May 2025, Phase II of the renovations was completed 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.
2025: First two-night SummerSlam
In 2025, MetLife Stadium also hosted the first ever two-night SummerSlam, on August 2–3.
2025: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
In 2025, MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host multiple matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, including the final.
2025: First opportunity to opt out of stadium lease
In 2025, after the 15th year of the lease, one of the two teams may opt out of the lease after giving the state 12 months notice.
2025: Upgrade of video boards and audio system
In 2025, the four corner video boards were upgraded with 8MM high-resolution LED boards along with a new stadium wide audio system featuring over 1,000 new speakers in the seating bowl.
2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup
In 2026, MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host eight games, including the final, of the FIFA World Cup.
June 6, 2027: 14th Siyum HaShas
MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host the 14th Siyum HaShas on June 6, 2027.
2030: Opportunity to opt out of stadium lease
In 2030, there will be another opportunity for one of the two teams to opt out of the stadium lease.
2035: Opportunity to opt out of stadium lease
In 2035, there will be another opportunity for one of the two teams to opt out of the stadium lease.
2040: Opportunity to opt out of stadium lease
In 2040, there will be another opportunity for one of the two teams to opt out of the stadium lease.
Mentioned in this timeline
Neymar J nior is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for...
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer widely considered one...
Liverpool is a port city and metropolitan borough located in...
The United States of America is a federal republic of...
College football is a popular amateur sport in the United...
Colombia is a country in South America with insular regions...
Trending
1 hour ago Enhanced Games: 'Steroid Olympics' backed by Trump Jr., sparking controversy in Las Vegas.
2 hours ago Owensboro PD theft investigation, Louisville Memorial Day events, and VFW remembrance.
2 hours ago Kathy Griffin Hospitalized Due To Colonoscopy Complications: Health Scare and Fan Support
4 hours ago Sam Fender & Olivia Dean's 'Rein Me In' Reigns Supreme on UK Charts!
4 hours ago Charlie Heaton joins 'Peaky Blinders' sequel as Tommy Shelby's son, Charles, new era.
5 hours ago Kevin Warsh becomes Fed Chair amid Trump's rate cut desires and inflation concerns.
Popular
Thomas Massie is a Republican politician and engineer representing Kentucky's...
Ken Paxton is an American politician and lawyer serving as...
William Franklin Graham III known as Franklin Graham is an...
Michael Joseph Jackson the King of Pop was a highly...
Chip Roy is an American attorney and politician currently serving...
Sir David Attenborough is a highly acclaimed English broadcaster natural...