A first-time visit to a colossal venue like MetLife Stadium can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. As one of the top entertainment and sports venues in the United States, this stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hosts both the New York Giants and the New York Jets. It opened in 2010 and is one of two NFL stadiums shared by two teams. With 82,500 seats, it has the largest seating capacity in the NFL. Beyond football, the stadium stages massive concerts and international events. To make your visit smooth, take note of the stadium rules. Large bags are restricted, but a nearby MetLife storage point can help with luggage or other items you do not want to bring to the stadium.
MetLife Stadium itself is worth a look. It uses extensive digital technology throughout the venue so you can follow the action from many areas. The stadium’s four cornerstone video boards were upgraded in 2025, with additional digital display improvements completed as part of a broader technology upgrade. On Giants game days, blue lighting and team icons fill the stadium; on Jets days it flips to green. The concourses are wide and have many food stands, from classic stadium food to higher-end choices. Club lounges and premium seats give a peek at a fancier fan experience. A game or concert can become a full-day outing here.
MetLife Bag Policy
Knowing the bag policy ahead of time is one of the best ways to speed your entry. MetLife Stadium follows the NFL Clear Bag Policy as its general bag policy. However, policies can change for individual concerts, sporting events, and other special events, so always check the specific event’s Know Before You Go information before arriving.
Types of Bags Allowed
Guests may bring a limited set of bags. The main option is a clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", with a limit of one per person. A one-gallon clear, resealable plastic freezer bag is also permitted.
In addition, each guest may bring one small non-clear purse or handbag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". You can carry this small bag along with an approved clear bag.
An exception is made for medically necessary items after appropriate inspection at a designated gate.
Types of Bags Not Allowed
Non-clear bags larger than 4.5" x 6.5" are prohibited. This includes most purses and handbags, standard non-clear backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera and binocular cases, briefcases, and computer bags.
A backpack-style bag that is completely clear and complies with the 12" x 6" x 12" clear-bag limit may qualify as an approved clear bag, subject to the rules for the specific event.
Seat cushions are also prohibited except when required for medical reasons. Large luggage and other bags that do not meet the policy should be left at home, returned to your vehicle, or taken to the stadium’s Bag Check Facility.
MetLife Lockers
MetLife Stadium does not offer traditional public self-service lockers, but it does operate Bag Check Facilities outside each open stadium gate.
If you arrive with a bag that exceeds the permitted size, you may return it to your vehicle or check it at one of these facilities. Bag check is currently complimentary for NFL events and costs $5 per item for non-NFL events.
Because the facilities can become busy before and after large events, bringing an approved bag or arranging luggage storage in advance is still the easiest option.
MetLife Transportation
Getting to MetLife Stadium is set up for big crowds. Your best option depends on where you start, your budget, and how much convenience you want. Driving is common, but public transit can help you avoid heavy event traffic.
One of the most efficient ways to reach the stadium is NJ TRANSIT rail service. For the 2026 NFL season, the DoorDash Meadowlands Rail Line operates between Secaucus Junction and MetLife Stadium for every Giants and Jets home game. For other major events, rail availability depends on the specific event.
Travelers from New York Penn Station can take an NJ TRANSIT train to Secaucus Junction and transfer to the Meadowlands service when it is operating. Always check the event-day schedule because departure times and service levels vary.
Another option from New York City is the Coach USA 351 Meadowlands Express. For NFL games and many other large events, it runs between the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan and the MetLife Sports Complex. For games, service generally begins about 2.5 hours before kickoff and continues until 30 minutes after kickoff. Return service operates for approximately one hour after the conclusion of the game. The stadium stop is in Lot K.
Driving remains an option. Use this address for GPS: One MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, NJ 07073. For NFL games, on-site parking generally requires a prepaid permit. Guests without one may use the designated off-site parking facility when available. For most non-NFL events, prepaid parking is available, but parking may also be purchased on arrival depending on the event.
If you use a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, drop-off is on the roadway between Lots D and E, while the designated post-event pickup zone is in Lot E. Wait times and surge pricing can be significant after major events.
MetLife Camera Policy
Guests may bring certain cameras into MetLife Stadium. Still-photography cameras with lenses 6 inches or shorter are generally permitted for personal use, provided they are not carried in a camera case.
However, professional cameras, cameras with detachable lenses, and still cameras with lenses longer than 6 inches are prohibited. The exact camera policy may vary by event, so visitors should always check the event’s Know Before You Go information.
Video recording of live events is prohibited. GoPros, dedicated video cameras, audio recording devices, selfie sticks, monopods, and tripods are also not permitted.
MetLife Food Policy
MetLife Stadium does allow guests to bring outside food. Food of any kind may be brought into the stadium as long as it is contained in a clear plastic bag. Outside food is not permitted in suites.
Guests may also bring factory-sealed cans or plastic bottles of water or soft drinks that are 20 ounces or less.
In addition, empty reusable water bottles made of plastic or aluminum and no larger than 20 ounces are permitted. Water fountains are available throughout the stadium, allowing guests to fill reusable bottles after entering.
Glass bottles, coolers, thermoses, ice chests, and alcohol brought from outside are prohibited.
Other MetLife Rules & Information
MetLife Stadium is a cash-free facility. Cash is not accepted at concession stands or retail locations. Guests can pay with credit or debit cards or mobile payment services such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you only have cash, reverse ATMs are available inside the stadium to load cash onto a prepaid debit card at no charge.
MetLife Stadium has a no re-entry policy for most events, including New York Giants games. However, the rule differs for New York Jets games, when guests may re-enter up to one hour before kickoff. Select other events can also have different policies, so check with stadium staff or review your event’s information before leaving.
MetLife Stadium is smoke-free in its seating areas, concourses, halls, stairways, ramps, and most other interior spaces. However, smoking is currently permitted along the fence line on the Plaza Level. The same policy applies to electronic cigarettes. Smoking is not permitted in the East Hall, MetLife West Hall, or on or near stairways, ramps, and escalators.
Other prohibited items include umbrellas, strollers, laser pointers, drones, balloons, noisemakers, whistles, air horns, and balls, including full-sized footballs. Banners and signs are generally prohibited unless an individual event specifically allows them. Flags are generally prohibited except under specific rules for international soccer events.
Because policies can vary by event, always check the official event page before arriving.
Tips For Visitors
The most valuable tip for any first-time visitor to MetLife Stadium is to check the official MetLife Stadium website before you go. Events vary and rules can change, so the stadium’s site has the most current A-Z Guide covering parking, transportation, prohibited items, and guest services. Look up your specific event’s Know Before You Go information for any special restrictions.
To move through security faster, use a compliant bag and pack light. Bring an approved clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, or a small non-clear purse or handbag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5".
If you have luggage or a backpack you cannot bring inside, consider a luggage storage service like Qeepl. Storage costs US$7.39 per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of US$1,000. MetLife Stadium does offer Bag Check Facilities outside open gates, but lines can form around major events.
Plan for longer lines near entry and at food stands before kickoff or showtime. Arrive early, use rail or bus service when it is operating, and know your gate ahead of time. Keep your mobile ticket ready before reaching the entrance.
Finally, remember that some rules can change for concerts, soccer matches, and other special events. Follow the event-specific Know Before You Go guide and stadium staff instructions for the smoothest experience.
FAQ
How strict is the stadium bag policy?
MetLife Stadium actively enforces its bag policy. Bags that do not comply cannot be carried into the stadium. Guests can return prohibited bags to their vehicle or use a Bag Check Facility outside an open gate. Bag check is complimentary for NFL events and currently costs $5 for non-NFL events.
Can I bring a purse to a NY Giants game?
Yes. You may bring one small non-clear purse or handbag no larger than 4.5" x 6.5". You may also bring one approved clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12".
Are fanny packs allowed at MetLife Stadium on Reddit?
The official MetLife Stadium policy lists non-clear fanny packs that exceed the small-bag allowance among prohibited bags. Rather than relying on Reddit, check the stadium’s current official bag policy and the Know Before You Go guide for your specific event.
Are crossbody bags allowed in stadiums?
At MetLife Stadium, a non-clear crossbody purse or handbag must be 4.5" x 6.5" or smaller to meet the small-bag allowance. A completely clear crossbody-style bag may also be permitted if it meets the 12" x 6" x 12" clear-bag limit. Event-specific rules can still apply.
Can you bring an unopened water into MetLife Stadium?
Yes. MetLife Stadium permits factory-sealed cans or plastic bottles of water or soft drinks that are 20 ounces or less. Guests may also bring an empty reusable plastic or aluminum water bottle of 20 ounces or less and fill it at a water fountain inside.
