New York Giants football fans get the chance to extend the Super Bowl celebration as the team looks to defend their title. The best way to party with other New York Giants fans is by tailgating before a big game.
The Giants have a lot of great home games to tailgate at, especially their opening day battle against the Dallas Cowboys. Tailgating can be an enjoyable experience as long you follow the proper rules and guidelines that the team has set up.
Venue: MetLife Stadium
Year Opened: 2010
Tailgating Times: The parking lots are opened and monitored five hours prior to kickoff time. Anyone arriving earlier will be asked to leave. For 1 p.m. games, the lot opens at 8 a.m. For 4 pm games, the lot opens at 11 a.m. During an 8 p.m. night game, the lot opens at 3 p.m.
Tailgating Areas: All parking lots except for the parking directly next to the adjacent IZOD Center.
Parking Policy: MetLife Stadium has a strict "One Car = One Space" policy. This means that you cannot use an empty parking space to set up tables, a large canopy or other items. The space between the lines is your zoned area for tailgating.
Grilling Policies: No open fires, deep fryers or oil-based cooking is allowed. Grills cannot be used near any of the buildings and must be set up in your parking area. MetLife stadium recommends that everyone who cooks has a Class 2A-10B:C fire extinguisher available in case of an emergency.
Charcoal grills should never be placed under cars due to a potential fire hazard. There are separate charcoal disposable bins that should be used before entering the staidum.
Sound Systems: Guests may play any type of audio as long it doesn't exceed 65 decibels due to New Jersey law. This is not much louder than the average conversation.
Prohibited Vehicles: Other than your car, almost everything else with wheels is banned from MetLife Stadium parking lots. This includes skateboards, rollerblades, go-karts, scooters and bicycles. There is also no football tossing allowed as it can be considered dangerous around traffic and parked cars.
Types of Lots: There are three Premium Lots for season ticket holders and then assorted general lots. Parking costs $25 for a daily pass.
Alcoholic Beverages: Any type of drink is allowed, but anyone that looks too impaired will not be allowed access into MetLife Stadium.
MetLife Plaza Areas: For those who want to enjoy the tailgating experience without parking at MetLife, visit the various plazas near the stadium. Several booths are set up, music is playing and it is a great time, especially for families.
Post-Game: The parking lots close two hours after the game ends.
Tailgating Experience at MetLife: The rules may seem strict, but there is a lot of fun to get out of the stadium. The playoffs are especially exciting at the new stadium and there are plenty of people to party with. Families should stick tot he plaza area for its carnival like setting and easy access to tons of food and entertainment.
Alan Donahue is a lifelong fan of the New York Giants. He has written hundreds of sports articles, including many on tailgating.
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