New York Jets Tailgating
The New York Jets are a professional football team from New York City. They share MetLife Stadium with the New York Giants. Learn more about attending a New York Jets game in your RV.
Event information
The New York Jets are a New York City-based professional football team affiliated with the National Football League (NFL). The team is a member of the American Football Conference (AFC), and it’s one of four teams in the AFC East subdivision.
MetLife Stadium, the Jets’ home venue, is also occupied by cross-town rivals, the New York Giants, making it one of the few stadiums in the NFL shared by two professional football teams. Ironically, the stadium is actually located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which is across the way from Manhattan.
With a capacity to seat 82,500 people, MetLife Stadium is the largest stadium in the NFL in regards to capacity. The stadium opened in 2010, and it cost $1.6 billion to build. The Jets are one of the few teams in the league with no mascot, so green and white helps unify the team and fans.
Before joining the NFL, the Jets were members of the American Football League (AFL). The Jets won their first Super Bowl in 1968 while still part of the AFL. Two years later in 1970, the AFL merged with the NFL, and that’s when the Jets and Giants “sibling rivalry” began. With the Yankees and Mets also nearby, sports fans have a selection of teams to follow in New York and New Jersey.
Every four years, the two hometown teams meet in New Jersey. So far, they have played more than a dozen matches since 1970, and the Giants have won at least eight of those. The Jets also have rivalries with the other teams in their conference, including the Bills, Patriots, and Dolphins.
Tickets
Ticket prices can vary a lot depending on several factors such as opponent, time of the season, and seating section. Based on ticket prices from past seasons, fans might expect to pay between $60 to $120 on average to see the New York Jets. However, the most affordable tickets at the stadium can sometimes cost less than $20.
Explore New York Jets Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
To get to the stadium from New York, take the Lincoln Tunnel and hop on State Highway 3. Use I-95 if you’re coming from the north or south. Your individual route may vary depending on where you’re driving from, but rest assured that there are many different ways to reach East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Nearby cities include New York City, which is just across the way from the Hudson River, and Philadelphia, which is less than two hours south.
Parking areas
There is no designated RV parking for football games at MetLife Stadium. Instead, the Jets recommend that you contact one of their Client Relations Representatives to make arrangements. However, you can drive a tow vehicle to the stadium and host a tailgate at one of the several parking lots with designated tailgate areas.
Public Transportation
The New Jersey Transit rail provides transportation to and from the stadium. There is a rail stop right beside the stadium, so you won’t have to walk far when traveling to the game. The public transportation system also has bus routes that can take you anywhere around the city.
Where to stay
Onsite
There is no onsite camping available at MetLife Stadium. You can instead find a local RV park or natural campground for an overnight stay. Luckily, there are a few great spots not too far from the stadium. Be sure to fill up your gas and water tanks and to empty out your sewage since not all places may offer those amenities.
Nearby
Just half an hour south of the stadium, you can stay at Liberty Harbor RV Park, which not only offers great views of Manhattan, but it also provides wi-fi, water and electric hookups, and hot showers. The New York City North/Newburg KOA is about an hour’s drive north, and its semi-secluded ambiance and top-notch amenities make it a great place to stay.
Getting around
MetLife Stadium provides guests with a free shuttle if they park in Lot P, which is one of the lots furthest from the stadium. The shuttle drops off and picks up passengers from Lot G. Fans can also walk to the stadium via the sidewalk between some lots and Jets Stadium.
What to pack
Clothing
The weather, more than anything, will dictate what you may want to pack, so take a look at the forecast before planning outfits. Wear breezy t-shirts, shorts, and other cooling and comfortable clothing when the season starts since temperatures are mild. Warm clothing such as leggings, insulated pants, and jackets will be your best friend come wintertime.
Gear
Fans can still tailgate at the designated tailgating sections of some parking lots, so pack a few essentials in your tow vehicle. Bring a small grill, cooler, fold-out table, some chairs, and maybe a radio or Bluetooth speaker. It’s your tailgate, so feel free to do it your way in Jets green and white.
Health & Safety
With tailgates underway near Jets Stadium, keep an eye on the little ones, so they don’t wander off or get too close to the flames coming off a grill. At the campsite, remember to stow items like bicycles, chairs, and tables in case the wind picks up overnight or while you are away for the day.
Where to eat
Cooking
Whether you cook at a tailgate site or at your campground, you’ll first need to make a stop at the local grocery store or supermarket for some supplies. Taylor Ham, also known as Taylor Pork Roll, a New Jersey favorite, is a pork product that tastes not unlike Spam and can be cut into rounds. Fry up a few slices and make sandwiches or burgers with it for a local treat.
Restaurants
East Rutherford’s proximity to New York City makes it one of the best places to visit, in terms of food. Jets fans have a small handful of places to eat within a mile or two of the stadium. However, hungry crowds may also appreciate a trip across the Hackensack River for a wider selection. Skip further to the east and over the Hudson River for a day in Manhattan.
Vendors
MetLife Stadium is packed with storefronts that sell souvenirs, team apparel, and other merchandise. There are fixed stores and kiosks throughout the stadium. Concessions stands serve deli sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, and so many other snacks. There are even gluten-free, vegetarian, and kosher options. Both concession stands and stores accept cash and credit or debit cards.
Safety
Security
NFL stadiums have a strict clear bag policy that is strictly enforced. Non-clear bags larger than a clutch purse are prohibited due to safety concerns. Weapons, large video cameras, umbrellas, and strollers, among many other items, are also not allowed inside. Re-entry is permitted at Jets’ games but only for one hour before kickoff.
Weather
Summers are warm in East Rutherford, and fall is usually mild to cool. The average high temperature in July is in the mid-80s, and the average low December is around 30 degrees. It does snow often in the winter, and the average is roughly 26 inches, but that can vary from year to year.
Medical
Multiple first-aid rooms at MetLife stadium are staffed by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and EMTs. Seek help immediately if you’re not feeling well. Ask for direction from stadium employees if you need help finding the first-aid room.
