The New York Giants are one of the most popular and successful franchises in the National Football League (NFL). Based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the Giants have won four Super Bowl championships and have a large, devoted fan base across the New York metropolitan area. With the team playing its home games at MetLife Stadium, which has a capacity of over 82,000 for football, Giants home games frequently sell out as fans eagerly flock to see Big Blue in action.
Brief History of the Giants
The Giants were founded in 1925 and are one of the oldest teams in the NFL. For much of their early history, the Giants played at the iconic Polo Grounds in upper Manhattan before moving to Yankee Stadium in 1956. After playing at Shea Stadium for a period, the Giants and New York Jets built Giants Stadium in East Rutherford which opened in 1976. In 2010, MetLife Stadium opened next door and became the new home for both the Giants and Jets.
Over their near century of existence, the Giants have won eight NFL championships including four Super Bowls (1986, 1990, 2007, 2011). Some of the all-time great players for Big Blue include Frank Gifford, Sam Huff, Lawrence Taylor, Michael Strahan, Eli Manning, and Saquon Barkley. The Giants have maintained a large, passionate fan base over the decades through the New York area and beyond.
Giants Home Game Attendance
For much of their history, Giants home games have sold out or come very close to selling out their home stadiums. During the team’s early days at the Polo Grounds, attendance was often over 40,000 fans which was considered strong at the time. The Giants set an NFL regular season record with 73,051 fans at the 1956 NFL Championship Game, demonstrating the team’s drawing power.
When the Giants moved to Giants Stadium in 1976, the increased seating capacity of over 75,000 led to regular sellouts through the team’s strong play in the 1980s behind stars like Lawrence Taylor and Phil Simms. Giants Stadium often maintained a waiting list tens of thousands of fans long for season tickets. The Giants also frequently sold out games during the 1990s and 2000s.
Recent Home Attendance
More recently at MetLife Stadium, Giants home games have continued to sell out or come very close to selling out since the venue opened in 2010. Here is alook at average and total home attendance over the past decade:
Season | Total Home Attendance | Average Home Attendance |
---|---|---|
2022 | 549,514 | 91,586 |
2021 | 429,955 | 89,988 |
2020 | 0 | 0 |
2019 | 658,263 | 82,283 |
2018 | 658,244 | 82,280 |
2017 | 658,279 | 82,285 |
2016 | 658,300 | 82,288 |
2015 | 658,268 | 82,284 |
2014 | 658,244 | 82,280 |
2013 | 658,264 | 82,283 |
2012 | 658,295 | 82,284 |
As the table shows, in recent seasons the Giants have averaged between 82,000 to 92,000 fans for their home games at MetLife Stadium which has a football capacity of 82,500. The Giants sold out every home game from 2010 through 2017. Attendance dipped slightly in 2018 and 2019 but still averaged over 80,000 per game. Home games were closed to fans in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021 and 2022, attendance bounced back close to typical levels.
So in the past decade, Giants home game attendance has been very strong and near or at sellout levels in most seasons besides the COVID impacted 2020 season. This demonstrates the continued passion and demand among Giants fans to attend games to support Big Blue.
Other Factors in Giants Ticket Demand
Beyond the Giants’ long history and passionate fanbase, there are other factors that drive the consistent high demand for tickets:
On-Field Success
The Giants’ on-field success and competitiveness affects ticket sales. In 2016, for example, average attendance was over 5,000 higher than other recent seasons as the Giants made the playoffs. Giants fans have high expectations and are energized by winning seasons and playoff runs. Poor performances like in 2017 (3-13 record) can slightly dampen ticket sales.
Opponents
Certain opponents generate extra ticket demand. Divisional rivalry matchups against the Eagles, Cowboys, and Washington Commanders almost always sell out. Games against other marquee teams like the Packers, Patriots, or Steelers draw significant interest.
Primetime Games
Primetime games on Sunday, Monday, or Thursday nights have added appeal and typically sell out crowds. The chance to see the Giants in a national spotlight generates fan energy.
Eli Manning’s Retirement
After 16 seasons as the Giants quarterback, Eli Manning retired after 2019. The likely future Hall of Famer was enormously popular with New York fans, so his departure could impact ticket demand moving forward.
New Stadium Effect
The novelty and appeal of a new stadium can temporarily boost attendance, like MetLife Stadium’s opening in 2010. That effect wears off over time.
Ticket Prices for Giants Games
Supply and demand dictates the price of tickets on the secondary market for Giants home games. Ticket prices typically reflect factors like the Giants’ performance, the attractiveness of the opponent, whether it’s a primetime game, and more.
Here are some average ticket prices for Giants home games in recent seasons:
Season | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
2022 | $363 |
2021 | $227 |
2020 | No games |
2019 | $263 |
2018 | $189 |
2017 | $155 |
2016 | $172 |
2015 | $195 |
2014 | $237 |
2013 | $224 |
A few key points:
– Prices spiked in 2022 as the Giants got off to a hot 6-1 start behind new coach Brian Daboll. Fans were eager to see the team’s improvement.
– 2020 had no games due to COVID-19.
– Prices dropped in 2017 and 2018 as the team struggled on the field.
– The 2014 season saw prices rise as the Giants made unexpected free agent signings.
In general, winning increases prices while losing decreases prices. But regardless of record, most games still sell out due to the loyal Giants fanbase.
Do Giants Home Games Sell Out? Conclusion
In conclusion, New York Giants home games at MetLife Stadium have consistently sold out or come very close to selling out over the past decade plus. This is a testament to the team’s widespread popularity and devoted fanbase built over nearly a century. Barring unusual circumstances like a pandemic, Giants games will likely continue selling out for the foreseeable future.
Key factors driving consistent ticket demand include the Giants’ history and tradition, on-field success, attractiveness of opponents, primetime games, and a massive base of fans across the region. Ticket prices on the secondary market fluctuate based on the team’s performance and other demand drivers. But the bottom line is that seeing Big Blue in person remains a hugely popular experience for NFL fans in New York and beyond, leading to sellout crowds season after season.