History of MetLife Stadium in Timeline
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. With a construction cost of approximately $1.6 billion, it was the most expensive stadium built in the United States upon completion. The stadium is also slated to host the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, solidifying its status as a major venue for sporting events.
3 hours ago : The Weeknd's electrifying MetLife Stadium performance: A critic's review and setlist highlights.
The Weeknd's recent performance at MetLife Stadium received positive reviews, being called a 'rebirth' rather than a retirement. The setlist included a mix of his popular songs, captivating the New Jersey audience.
1913: Polo Grounds Host Giants and Yankees
In 1913, the Polo Grounds became home to both the baseball Giants and Yankees.
1922: Polo Grounds host Giants and Yankees
In 1922, the Polo Grounds was home to both the baseball Giants and Yankees.
1926: Madison Square Garden Hosts Rangers and Americans
In 1926, the third Madison Square Garden hosted the NHL's Rangers and Americans.
1942: Madison Square Garden Hosts Rangers and Americans
In 1942, the third Madison Square Garden was home to the NHL's Rangers and Americans.
1974: Shea Stadium Houses Mets and Yankees
In 1974, Shea Stadium housed both the Mets and Yankees during the baseball season.
1975: Shea Stadium Houses Mets, Yankees, Jets and Giants
In 1975, Shea Stadium housed both the Mets and Yankees during the baseball season and the Jets and Giants during the football season.
1984: Giants Stadium Hosts Giants and Jets
In 1984, Giants Stadium hosted both the Giants and Jets.
2005: Progress on West Side Stadium Halted
In 2005, progress on the West Side Stadium project was halted due to opposition.
September 12, 2008: Talks Between Allianz and Teams End
On September 12, 2008, talks between Allianz and the teams ended regarding a naming deal for the stadium.
June 2009: New Meadowlands Stadium Corporation and EPA Sign Memorandum of Understanding
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 via Secaucus Junction.
2009: Giants Stadium Hosts Giants and Jets
In 2009, Giants Stadium hosted both the Giants and Jets.
2009: MetLife Stadium Named "Greenest Stadium" in 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, it was announced that Super Bowl XLVIII was awarded to MetLife Stadium, marking the first time a Super Bowl would be played in the New York metropolitan area.
August 10, 2010: United States vs. Brazil International Exhibition Soccer Match
On August 10, 2010, MetLife Stadium hosted an international exhibition soccer match between the United States and Brazil, with Brazil winning 2–0.
August 2010: Replaceable Team Logos at Midfield Removed 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. For the next decade, the NFL's logo was painted at midfield.
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 player Eric LeGrand suffered a career-ending injury during the game.
2010: MetLife Stadium Opens
In 2010, MetLife Stadium opened, replacing Giants Stadium. It became the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL. The stadium's construction cost approximately $1.6 billion, making it the most expensive stadium built in the United States at the time.
March 26, 2011: United States vs. Argentina International 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-Final Matches
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 Enters Discussions to Purchase Naming Rights
On June 27, 2011, it was reported that MetLife entered discussions to purchase naming rights to the stadium.
June 9, 2012: Argentina vs. Brazil Friendly Match
On June 9, 2012, MetLife Stadium hosted a friendly match between Argentina and Brazil, with Argentina winning 4–3, highlighted by a Lionel Messi hat-trick.
August 1, 2012: 12th Siyum HaShas
On August 1, 2012, MetLife Stadium hosted the 12th Siyum HaShas, drawing the highest capacity crowd in the stadium's history with 93,000 attendees.
2012: "Solar Ring" Designed and Installed
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: Syracuse University vs USC Trojans
In 2012, Syracuse University hosted a home game at MetLife Stadium against the USC Trojans as part of New York's College Classic; the USC Trojans won 42–29.
2012: Monster Jam
Monster Jam has been held at MetLife Stadium since 2012.
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.
2012: New York's Bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics
The Jets were looking to have a proposed West Side Stadium built in Manhattan. Originally intended to be the 85,000-seat main stadium for New York's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics.
April 7, 2013: WrestleMania 29 Held at MetLife Stadium
On April 7, 2013, WrestleMania 29 was held at MetLife Stadium with 80,676 spectators.
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.
2013: Syracuse University 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 Played at MetLife Stadium
On February 2, 2014, Super Bowl XLVIII was played at MetLife Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos 43–8.
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 University vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
In 2014, Syracuse University hosted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at MetLife Stadium, losing 31–15.
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 on penalties 6–5. In the second match, Mexico defeated Costa Rica 1–0.
2016: Syracuse University vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Rematch
In 2016, Syracuse University held a rematch against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at MetLife Stadium, once again losing, this time 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. 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, also known as 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 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 by a score of 2–0.
April 7, 2019: WrestleMania 35 Held at MetLife Stadium
On April 7, 2019, MetLife Stadium hosted WrestleMania 35 with an attendance of 82,265.
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, which Atlético won 7–3, during the 2019 International Champions Cup.
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, setting a Division III attendance record 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 matchup was held at MetLife, with Navy defeating Army 17–13.
June 3, 2023: NHL Announces MetLife Stadium to Host 2024 NHL Stadium Series
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 in front of a stadium soccer record crowd of 82,262, with United winning 2–0.
2023: Team Logos Return to Midfield and New FieldTurf Core System Installed
In 2023, the Giants announced they would paint their team logo at midfield during their home games, with the Jets doing the same. 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 were among the NFL teams with the highest average home attendance at MetLife Stadium.
January 2024: Renovations Begin on Lower Bowl of MetLife Stadium
In January 2024, renovations began on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium to enlarge the playing field to meet FIFA requirements to host the eight games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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, MetLife Stadium hosted an NHL Stadium Series game between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Devils defeated the Flyers 6-3.
May 2024: Phase I Renovations Completed
In May 2024, Phase I of the renovations on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium was completed.
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, with Barcelona winning 2–1 in front of 82,154 fans.
September 28, 2024: MetLife Stadium to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Matches
On September 28, 2024, it was announced that MetLife Stadium would be one of the 12 venues to host matches for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
2024: Notice Date for Opting Out of Lease
In 2024, one of the two teams may give the state 12 months notice to opt out of the lease in 2025.
January 2025: Phase II Renovations Commence
In January 2025, Phase II of the renovations on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium will commence.
May 2025: Phase II Renovations Completed
In May 2025, Phase II of the renovations on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium will be completed.
July 13, 2025: MetLife Stadium to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final
On July 13, 2025, it was announced that MetLife Stadium will host the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
2025: MetLife Stadium to Host SummerSlam
In 2025, MetLife Stadium is set to host the first ever two-night SummerSlam, on August 2-3.
2025: Opportunity for Teams 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: Scheduled to Host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host multiple matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, including both finals.
2026: MetLife Stadium to Host Matches During 2026 FIFA World Cup
In 2026, MetLife Stadium is one of 16 venues that will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the stadium will temporarily be known as "New York/New Jersey Stadium".
2026: Scheduled to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2026: Host of 2026 FIFA World Cup Games
MetLife Stadium is set to host eight games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2030: Opportunity for Teams to Opt Out of Lease
In 2030, there will be an opportunity to opt out of the lease.
2035: Opportunity for Teams to Opt Out of Lease
In 2035, there will be an opportunity to opt out of the lease.
2040: Opportunity for Teams to Opt Out of Lease
In 2040, there will be an opportunity to opt out of the lease.
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