History of MetLife Stadium in Timeline
MetLife Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, opened in 2010 as a replacement for Giants Stadium. Located 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. Constructed at an estimated cost of $1.6 billion, it was the most expensive stadium in the United States upon its completion. It is also slated to host the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
1913: Polo Grounds host baseball Giants and Yankees
In 1913, the Polo Grounds became home to both the baseball Giants and Yankees.
1922: Polo Grounds continue to host baseball Giants and Yankees
In 1922, the Polo Grounds continued to host both the baseball Giants and Yankees until that year.
1926: Madison Square Garden hosts NHL's Rangers and Americans
In 1926, the third Madison Square Garden began hosting the NHL's Rangers and Americans.
1942: Madison Square Garden continues to host NHL's Rangers and Americans
In 1942, the third Madison Square Garden continued hosting the NHL's Rangers and Americans until that year.
1974: Shea Stadium houses Mets and Yankees
In 1974, Shea Stadium housed both the Mets and Yankees.
1975: Shea Stadium houses Mets, Yankees, Jets, and Giants
In 1975, Shea Stadium housed the Mets, Yankees, Jets, and Giants.
1984: Giants Stadium hosts Giants and Jets
In 1984, Giants Stadium began hosting both the Giants and Jets.
2005: West Side Stadium project halted
In 2005, progress on the proposed West Side Stadium was halted due to opposition, including from Cablevision, who owned Madison Square Garden.
September 12, 2008: Allianz Naming Rights Deal Ends
On September 12, 2008, talks between Allianz and the New York teams ended due to protests from New York's Jewish community regarding Allianz's past ties to Nazi Germany.
June 2009: Environmental Agreement Signed 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 stadium's construction and operation.
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 continues to host Giants and Jets
In 2009, Giants Stadium continued hosting both the Giants and Jets until that year.
2009: "Greenest Stadium" Award by EPA
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 the Super Bowl would be played in the New York metropolitan area.
August 10, 2010: International Exhibition Match: United States vs. Brazil
On August 10, 2010, MetLife Stadium hosted an international exhibition soccer match between the United States and Brazil, with Brazil winning 2–0 in front of 77,223 fans.
August 2010: Midfield Logo Change After 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 instead.
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 at MetLife Stadium. Rutgers won the game in overtime 23-20. Rutgers player Eric LeGrand was injured during the game and paralyzed from the neck down.
2010: MetLife Stadium Opening
In 2010, MetLife Stadium opened, replacing Giants Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It became the home stadium for the New York Giants and New York Jets.
March 26, 2011: International Friendly: United States vs. 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 Quarter-Final Matches
On June 18, 2011, MetLife Stadium hosted two quarter-final matches of the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs. Honduras (1–1, Honduras won 4–2 on penalties) and Mexico vs. Guatemala (2–1).
June 27, 2011: MetLife Naming Rights Discussions Begin
On June 27, 2011, it was reported that MetLife entered discussions to purchase naming rights to the stadium.
June 9, 2012: Friendly Match: Argentina vs. Brazil
On June 9, 2012, Argentina and Brazil played a friendly match at MetLife Stadium, with Argentina winning 4–3 thanks to 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, with 93,000 attendees, making it the highest capacity crowd in the stadium's history. It was a Department of Homeland Security level two security event.
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, consisting of 1,350 building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar panels. The panels generate about 350 KW of electricity.
2012: New York's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics
The West Side Stadium was originally intended to be the 85,000-seat main stadium for New York's bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, designed to be downsized to 75,000 seats for the Jets.
April 7, 2013: WrestleMania 29 Held at MetLife Stadium
On April 7, 2013, MetLife Stadium hosted WrestleMania 29, with an attendance of 80,676 and a gross revenue of $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 CF defeated Inter Milan 4–0 and Chelsea F.C. defeated A.C. Milan 2–0.
February 2, 2014: Super Bowl XLVIII Held at MetLife Stadium
On February 2, 2014, Super Bowl XLVIII was played at MetLife Stadium, with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the Denver Broncos 43–8.
July 19, 2015: 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarter-Final Matches
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.
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 Match: 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.
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 Match: 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 with goals from Roberto Firmino and Neymar.
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 a revenue of $16.9 million.
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, which Atlético 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 football game in Division III history, with an attendance of 45,161.
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. Navy defeated Army 17–13.
June 3, 2023: NHL Announces MetLife Stadium to Host Outdoor Games
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, with United winning 2–0 in front of a stadium soccer record crowd of 82,262.
2023: Team Logos Return to Midfield
In 2023, the Giants announced they would paint their team logo at midfield during their home games, with the Jets doing the same.
2023: High Average Home Attendance for New York Giants and Jets
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.
2023: New artificial surface installed
In 2023, the stadium installed a new artificial surface called the FieldTurf Core System, the first multilayer dual-polymer monofilament fiber surface, which also contains heavyweight infill.
January 2024: Renovations begin on lower bowl
In January 2024, renovations began on the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium to enlarge the playing field to meet FIFA requirements for 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. Additionally, the stadium will 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, MetLife Stadium hosted the NHL Stadium Series game between the New Jersey Devils and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Devils won 6-3. Devils captain 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, 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 the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
2024: Notice date to opt out of lease
In 2024, it will be the notice date to opt out of lease in 2025.
January 2025: Phase II of Renovations Commences
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.
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: Two-Night SummerSlam to be held
In 2025, MetLife Stadium is set to host the first ever two-night SummerSlam.
2025: First 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, with a notice date of 2024.
2025: 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Matches
MetLife Stadium will host multiple matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
2026: Host Eight Games for FIFA World Cup
In 2026, MetLife Stadium will host eight games, including the final, of the FIFA World Cup.
2026: 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
2030: Opportunity to Opt Out of Lease
In 2030, there will be another opportunity to opt out of the lease.
2035: Opportunity to Opt Out of Lease
In 2035, there will be another opportunity to opt out of the lease.
2040: Opportunity to Opt Out of Lease
In 2040, there will be another opportunity to opt out of the lease.
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