Hot 97 Summer Jam
Serving up the biggest names in hip hop and R & B, Hot 97’s Summer Jam, in New Jersey, is the annual party that everyone wants to attend.
Event information
First founded in 1994 by radio station Hot 97, Summer Jam is arguably the biggest celebration of Hip Hop and R&B in the country. This one-day event promises to be a blast, and it is located at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
As well as up and coming names, the New York Radio station hosts some of the biggest names in this business, with recent names including Lil' Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and many more. Plus, the Heineken Festival village has so much going on, with food, drinks, souvenirs, and photo ops.
Although there is no onsite camping at the Summer Jam, there are several campsites to choose from nearby. Rock up in your RV to take your festival experience to the next level.
With some of the biggest hip hop stars lighting up the stage at the MetLife Stadium at this annual celebration, Hot 97’s Summer Jam is the place to be. Check out their playlist on Spotify to get you in the mood for their next event. Maximize your Summer Jam with nearby RV camping.
Tickets
If you are a hard-core hip hop fan, there is no event quite like the Hot 97 Summer Jam. Tickets go on sale several months before, and you may want to book early as they often sell out. The cost of your ticket will depend on seating, with prices starting at around $120. All guests over 34 inches must have their own ticket. It is also noted that tickets do not include re-entry, so if you leave the stadium, you will not be able to go back inside. If you are looking to upgrade your Summer Jam experience, VIP tickets are available, which include access to the VIP patio.
Explore Hot 97 Summer Jam RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
The Hot 97 Summer Jam event is located at 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073. Just 8 miles out of New York City, the majority of the main highways in the area could be taken to arrive at the event, depending on where your drive will originate. It does get quite busy, and Hot 97 recommends that you arrive at the event at least an hour before it is due to begin. If you are driving to the Summer Jam to pick up or drop off a festival-goer, you need to make sure that you do so between parking lots E and D.
Parking areas
There is parking available on site for an additional fee. Cars will need to pay around $30 to park, whereas for buses and RVs it is usually around $120. If you are looking to park your RV, it should be mentioned that these spaces are limited. Parking generally opens approximately five hours before the event, and it is advised that you get there early to ensure a spot.
Public Transportation
Due to the convenient location of the Hot 97 Summer Jam, it is relatively easy to get there via public transportation. Whether you opt for train, subway, bus, metro or coach, there are several different routes to choose from in the area. If you are attending Summer Jam from further afield, you can fly into any of the New York airports, including John F Kennedy, La Guardia, Newark, or Liberty International (EWR), which is the closest.
Where to stay
Onsite
There is no onsite camping available at Hot 97 Summer Jam. However, if you wish to travel in RV-style, you can park it at the event for an additional fee; adding comfort and convenience to your trip. Alternately, if you do prefer to stay in East New Jersey overnight, check out the various campsites in the local area. There is a variety of different options available in the region, depending on how far you are willing to travel.
Nearby
If you are looking for an RV site that will act as a base for your Summer Jam adventure, there are several campsites nearby, often within a 30-minute drive, each of which has a range of facilities available. Whether you are looking for a full hook-up glamping experience or would rather get back to nature, some campsites are family-friendly, those that accommodate groups and ones that are more rustic for that traditional camp experience.
Some campgrounds may also focus on historical landmarks of the area, so you may find it enjoyable to add an extra day or two to your trip to give time to enjoy what the area offers within an hour's radius of the stadium.
Getting around
Most of the getting around at Summer Jam is by walking, but this is mainly from the Festival Village to the Stadium for the Main Stage event. If you have any questions regarding accessibility, contact the event’s organizers or MetLife Stadium for more information about the assistance that can be provided.
What to pack
Clothing
We all love to dress up, but try to leave your heels at home. For the best experience, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must, with sneakers being popular. The weather is often sunny in the summer in NJ, so think t-shirts, light clothes, and comfortable fabrics. However, there is always a chance of rain, so having your own rain poncho is recommended. Plus, a light jacket or sweater is useful, particularly as the temperature can drop towards the end of the evening.
Gear
If you are looking to take gear into Summer Jam itself, it is important to check the stadium bag policy. Any bags that do not comply can be stored in one of the bag check facilities, usually at the cost of $5. If you are camping nearby, the gear that you take may depend on what amenities your facility will have available. At this time of year, you should be okay with a two or three-season sleeping bag and your usual camping supplies. An emergency flashlight, first aid kit, and electronic charger for your phone are also recommended.
Health & Safety
Be aware of the importance of hydration and make sure that you keep your H2O levels topped up throughout the day. Water is available to purchase inside the stadium. Guests are not allowed to take alcohol into the event, but it is possible to buy it on site. Also, you may be outside in the sun for quite a long period of time, so sunscreen is a must.
Where to eat
Cooking
In past years, guests have been able to take food into the event itself, if stored in a clear plastic bag. You can also take bottles of water or soft drinks, but these must be 20 oz. or less. Taking a snack or a small picnic into the fest is a great way to save some cash. With regards to your RV stay, the cooking rules when you are camping will depend on which nearby campsite you choose. Traffic conditions in the area may deem it preferable to stock up on food supplies before arriving in the area.
Restaurants
Travelers will find plenty of top restaurants nearby in East Rutherford, with a few within walking distance of the stadium. However, these can get busy, especially after the event, so make sure you book ahead to reserve a table or enjoy your restaurant meal on the way to the Hot 97 Summer Jam festivities. There is also food available in the Festival Village, with a choice of delicious snacks and sugary treats as well as meals.
Vendors
Summer Jam is well known for having vendors that serve up delicious grub. There are a few options available, mainly within the Heineken Festival Village. Here you can discover a selection of different cuisines, from typical festival food to something from further afield. You can also discover vendors offering souvenir, photos, prizes, and so much more. If you have VIP tickets, you will get access to a full food and drink bar.
Safety
Security
Security staff will be positioned throughout the venue to make sure that everything goes without a hitch. Check the list of prohibited items carefully before you attend. There are no banners or flags, no alcohol of any kind, and there are rules regarding what cameras are acceptable. Alcohol is available for purchase on-site, but you will need an appropriate ID.
Weather
The Hot 97 Summer Jam usually takes place in early summer in New Jersey, and typically the event sees quite sunny weather, with averages between 57 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it does often rain during July as well, so be sure to check out the forecast as you plan your departure.
Medical
If you have any medical concerns or issues, speak with a uniformed stadium team member or use the Guest Text Messaging System, The medical team at MetLife are on hand to help, with First Aid Rooms located near Sections 103, 128, 201 and 325. There will also be additional response teams placed throughout the event. In case of an emergency, there are several hospitals and medical centers nearby. Drug store options are as close as a 10-minute drive of the stadium.
