History of MetLife Stadium in Timeline

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MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, opened in 2010 as the replacement for Giants Stadium. It serves as the home for both the New York Giants and the New York Jets of the NFL. Notably, it's set to host the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Upon its completion, the stadium's construction cost was approximately $1.6 billion, making it the most expensive stadium built in the United States at that time.

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1913: Giants and Yankees at the Polo Grounds

In 1913, the baseball Giants and Yankees shared the Polo Grounds.

1922: Giants and Yankees at the Polo Grounds

From 1913 to 1922, the baseball Giants and Yankees shared the Polo Grounds.

1926: Rangers and Americans at Madison Square Garden

In 1926, the third Madison Square Garden hosted the NHL's Rangers and Americans.

1942: Rangers and Americans at Madison Square Garden

From 1926 to 1942, the third Madison Square Garden hosted the NHL's Rangers and Americans.

1974: Mets and Yankees at Shea Stadium

In 1974, Shea Stadium housed both the Mets and Yankees.

1975: Mets, Yankees, Jets, and Giants at Shea Stadium

In 1975, Shea Stadium housed the Mets, Yankees, Jets, and Giants.

1984: Giants and Jets at Giants Stadium

In 1984, Giants Stadium hosted both the Giants and Jets.

1989: Army-Navy Game

In 1989, MetLife Stadium held the Army-Navy Game

1993: Army-Navy Game

In 1993, MetLife Stadium held the Army-Navy Game

1997: Army-Navy Game

In 1997, MetLife Stadium held the Army-Navy Game

2002: Army-Navy Game

In 2002, MetLife Stadium held the Army-Navy Game

2005: West Side Stadium Project Halt

In 2005, progress on the West Side Stadium project was halted due to opposition.

September 12, 2008: Allianz Naming Rights Talks End

On September 12, 2008, talks between Allianz and the teams ended after protests from New York's Jewish community due to Allianz's ties to Nazi Germany.

June 2009: Memorandum of Understanding with EPA

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

The Meadowlands Rail Line opened to the public on July 26, 2009, operating on event days between Meadowlands station and Hoboken Terminal.

2009: Giants and Jets at Giants Stadium

From 1984 to 2009, Giants Stadium hosted both the Giants and Jets.

2009: "Greenest Stadium" Title

In 2009, MetLife Stadium was named the "Greenest Stadium" in the NFL by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

May 7, 2010: Mexico vs. Ecuador Exhibition Match

On May 7, 2010, MetLife Stadium hosted the first international exhibition match between Mexico and Ecuador.

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: United States vs. Brazil Exhibition Match

On August 10, 2010, the stadium hosted an international exhibition soccer match between the United States and Brazil, which Brazil won 2–0.

August 2010: Midfield Logo Change

In August 2010, replaceable team logos at midfield were removed after Domenik Hixon's injury.

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 23-20 in overtime. During the game, Rutgers player Eric LeGrand was injured and paralyzed.

2010: MetLife Stadium Opening

In 2010, MetLife Stadium opened, replacing Giants Stadium. It became the home stadium for the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL.

March 26, 2011: United States vs. Argentina Friendly

On March 26, 2011, MetLife Stadium hosted an international friendly between the United States and Argentina, which ended in a 1–1 draw.

June 18, 2011: 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarter-Finals

On June 18, 2011, MetLife Stadium hosted two quarter-final matches of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs. Honduras and Mexico vs. Guatemala.

June 27, 2011: MetLife Naming Rights Discussions

On June 27, 2011, MetLife entered discussions to purchase naming rights to the stadium.

June 9, 2012: Argentina vs. Brazil Friendly Match

On June 9, 2012, Argentina and Brazil played a friendly match at MetLife Stadium, with Argentina winning 4–3, 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 through the 7+1⁄2-year Daf Yomi study program. The event had the highest capacity crowd in the stadium's history with 93,000 attendees.

November 14, 2012: Colombia vs. Brazil Exhibition Match

On November 14, 2012, MetLife Stadium hosted an exhibition match between Colombia and Brazil in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

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 using BIPV solar panels and LED lighting.

2012: New York's College Classic: USC Trojans vs Syracuse University

In 2012, Syracuse University hosted the USC Trojans at MetLife Stadium as part of New York's College Classic. USC won the game 42-29.

2012: New York Olympics Bid

MetLife Stadium was originally intended to be the main stadium for New York's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

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.

April 7, 2013: WrestleMania 29

On April 7, 2013, MetLife Stadium hosted WrestleMania 29, with 80,676 spectators and $12.3 million in revenue.

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 CF vs. Inter Milan and Chelsea F.C. vs. A.C. Milan.

November 15, 2013: Argentina vs. Ecuador Friendly

On November 15, 2013, Argentina and Ecuador played an international friendly to a 0–0 draw at MetLife Stadium.

2013: Penn State vs Syracuse University

In 2013, Syracuse University opened its season against 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, with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the Denver Broncos 43–8.

June 10, 2014: Republic of Ireland vs. Portugal Friendly

On June 10, 2014, MetLife Stadium hosted an international friendly before the 2014 FIFA World Cup between the Republic of Ireland and Portugal, with Portugal winning 5–1.

September 9, 2014: Brazil vs. Ecuador Friendly

On September 9, 2014, MetLife Stadium hosted an international friendly between Brazil and Ecuador, with Brazil victorious 1–0.

2014: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Syracuse University

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 NHL Stadium Series. The New York Rangers won both games, defeating the New Jersey Devils 7-3 and 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.

2014: Exhibition match in preparation for 2014 FIFA World Cup

On November 14, 2012, MetLife Stadium hosted an exhibition match between Colombia and Brazil in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

March 31, 2015: Argentina vs Ecuador International Friendly

On March 31, 2015, MetLife Stadium hosted an international friendly match between Argentina and Ecuador. Argentina won the game 2-1 in front of 48,000 fans.

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 drew 1-1 with Panama, with Panama winning 6-5 on penalties. Mexico defeated Costa Rica 1-0 in the second match.

June 26, 2016: Copa América Centenario Final

On June 26, 2016, MetLife Stadium hosted the final of the Copa América Centenario. Chile defeated Argentina 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw after extra time, to win the tournament.

August 3, 2016: 2016 International Champions Cup: Real Madrid vs FC Bayern Munich

On August 3, 2016, MetLife Stadium hosted a 2016 International Champions Cup match between Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich, with Real Madrid winning 1-0.

2016: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Syracuse University Rematch

In 2016, a rematch was held at MetLife Stadium between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Syracuse University. Syracuse lost again, 50-33.

July 2017: "Venue of the Year" Award

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. 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.

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. Liverpool won the match 2-1.

August 7, 2018: 2018 International Champions Cup: Real Madrid vs AS Roma

On August 7, 2018, MetLife Stadium hosted a match between Real Madrid and AS Roma as part of the 2018 International Champions Cup. Real Madrid won the match 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". Brazil won the match 2-0.

2018: 2018 NHL Winter Classic at Citi Field

Citi Field hosted the 2018 NHL Winter Classic. The New York Rangers defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in overtime.

April 7, 2019: WrestleMania 35

On April 7, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted WrestleMania 35, 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 as part of the 2019 International Champions Cup. Atlético Madrid won the match against Real Madrid 7-3.

November 16, 2019: 61st Cortaca Jug Rivalry Game

On November 16, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted the 61st Cortaca Jug rivalry game between Cortland Red Dragons and Ithaca Bombers. The game set a Division III attendance record with 45,161 attendees, as part of the 150th anniversary of college football commemorations.

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. Navy defeated Army 17-13. It was the first time the game was held at MetLife Stadium.

June 3, 2023: NHL Announces 2024 Stadium Series Games at MetLife Stadium

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. 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 and a new artificial surface called the FieldTurf Core System was installed.

2023: High Average Home Attendance for New York Giants and New York Jets

In 2023, the New York Giants and the New York Jets had some of the highest average home attendance among NFL teams, playing at MetLife Stadium.

January 2024: Renovations Begin

In January 2024, renovations began on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium to enlarge the playing field to meet FIFA requirements.

February 2024: MetLife Stadium to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

In February 2024, MetLife Stadium was announced as the host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

February 17, 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 NHL Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium. The Devils defeated the Flyers 6-3. Nico Hischier scored the first NHL goal in MetLife Stadium history.

May 2024: Phase I Completion

In May 2024, Phase I of the renovations on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium to enlarge the playing field to meet FIFA requirements was completed.

August 3, 2024: 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.

September 28, 2024: MetLife Stadium named as 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Venue

On September 28, 2024, it was announced that MetLife Stadium would be one of the 12 venues that will host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

2024: MetLife Stadium to Host 2024 Copa América Matches

In 2024, MetLife Stadium will host three matches during the Copa América: two in the group stage and a semi-final match.

2024: Notice Date for Opting Out of Lease

In 2024, there will be a notice date for one of the two teams to opt out of the lease in 2025.

January 2025: Phase II Commences

In January 2025, Phase II of the renovations on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium to enlarge the playing field to meet FIFA requirements will commence.

May 2025: Phase II Completion

In May 2025, Phase II of the renovations on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium to enlarge the playing field to meet FIFA requirements will be completed.

July 13, 2025: MetLife Stadium to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final

On July 13, 2025, MetLife Stadium will host the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

2025: Two-Night SummerSlam

In 2025, MetLife Stadium is set to host the first ever two-night SummerSlam.

2025: MetLife Stadium to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Matches

In 2025, MetLife Stadium will host nine matches during the FIFA Club World Cup, including the final.

2025: Opportunity to Opt Out of 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: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

MetLife Stadium will host multiple matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup Final

In 2026, MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host the final of the FIFA World Cup.

2026: MetLife Stadium to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

In 2026, MetLife Stadium will host matches during the FIFA World Cup, including five group stage matches, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 match. The stadium will be temporarily known as "New York/New Jersey Stadium" during the event.

2030: Opportunity to Opt Out of Lease

In 2030, there will be an opportunity for one of the two teams to opt out of the lease.

2035: Opportunity to Opt Out of Lease

In 2035, there will be an opportunity for one of the two teams to opt out of the lease.

2040: Opportunity to Opt Out of Lease

In 2040, there will be an opportunity for one of the two teams to opt out of the lease.