Fan fest at MetLife Stadium is an exciting pre-game tradition for New York Giants and New York Jets home games. Held just outside the stadium, it gives fans a chance to get pumped up for the game with entertainment, contests, food, and more.
When is fan fest held?
Fan fest takes place 3-4 hours before every Giants and Jets home game at MetLife Stadium. It starts when parking lots open to fans and ends about 45 minutes before kickoff when fans make their way into the stadium.
Where is fan fest located?
Fan fest is held right outside MetLife Stadium in Lot E. This large parking lot is transformed into an entertainment zone for fans on game days. Other parking lots around the stadium also host smaller pre-game festivities.
What activities happen at fan fest?
There are tons of fun things for fans to see and do at MetLife Stadium’s fan fest. Activities include:
- Live music from local bands
- Appearances by Giants and Jets cheerleaders and mascots
- Kid-friendly entertainment like face painting
- Food trucks and vendors selling game day food
- Contests and prize giveaways
- Photo opportunities with the Giants’ Super Bowl trophies
- Autograph sessions with current and former players
- Displays of historic team memorabilia
- Merchandise tents for fans to gear up
Are there any special fan fest events?
In addition to the regular festivities, the Giants and Jets will sometimes have special fan fest events leading up to big games or rivalries. For example:
- Player autograph sessions with stars like Saquon Barkley or Jamal Adams
- Appearances by NFL legends like Eli Manning or Joe Namath
- Concerts by popular artists when they play major halftime shows
- Giveaways of limited edition merchandise for fans
- Opportunities to take photos on the actual field before the game
Is fan fest only for ticket holders?
Fan fest is open to all fans, regardless of whether they have a ticket to the game or not. So even if you can’t get into MetLife Stadium, you can still soak up the pre-game atmosphere and root for your team at the festivities outside.
How much does it cost to attend fan fest?
Entry to fan fest is completely free – no ticket required! Fans just have to pay for any food, drinks, or merchandise they want to buy from vendors.
What should you bring to fan fest?
To fully enjoy the fan fest experience, be sure to bring:
- Team jersey or apparel to show your Giants or Jets pride
- Comfortable shoes for walking around the parking lots
- Sunscreen or a hat for outdoor activities
- A camera or smartphone to take pictures & videos
- Cash for food, drinks, souvenirs, etc.
- A football to toss around in the parking lots
- Sharpie and memorabilia for any potential player autographs
Is there tailgating at fan fest?
Fan fest has a party-like atmosphere, but isn’t technically considered tailgating. Tailgating with BBQ grills, tables, tents, etc. is reserved for ticketed parking lots closer to the stadium. But fans at fan fest definitely bring the same energetic spirit with their chanting, face paint, and team pride!
What is the best time to arrive?
The most die-hard fans will arrive as soon as fan fest starts to get the full experience. But realistically, arriving 1-2 hours before kickoff will give you plenty of time to take in the sights and sounds. If you want autographs from players or alumni, be sure to arrive early as lines can get long.
Is there seating or shade at fan fest?
Since fan fest takes place in open parking lots, there is limited seating and shade. Be prepared to stand and walk around. Some areas may have picnic tables, and tents are set up over vendor areas. But overall, bring comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Can you leave and re-enter fan fest?
Fans are allowed to come and go from fan fest as they please. So you can arrive early, head out for lunch or errands, and return later. Your fan fest entry credentials will allow you to re-enter the area.
When does fan fest end?
Fan fest starts wrapping up about 45 minutes prior to kickoff. Vendors will begin closing up, music will end, and fans will start heading into MetLife Stadium. Security will gently usher fans towards the gate entrances at this time. The parking lots clear out rather quickly, as no one wants to miss those important pre-game intros!
Is fan fest fun for families?
Absolutely! Fan fest provides a ton of entertainment for fans of all ages. From face painting and inflatables for kids to contests, music, and alumni visits for adults, there’s something to keep every member of the family engaged. It’s an easy way to get even little fans excited for game day.
What food is available at fan fest?
Fan fest features dozens of food trucks and vendors selling classic game day fare to fuel up fans. Popular options include:
Food Item | Vendor(s) |
---|---|
Hot dogs | Nathan’s Famous, Marty’s Dogs |
Burgers and sausage | Pat LaFrieda Grill, Smoking Joe’s BBQ |
Pizza | John’s Pizzeria, Totaro’s |
Chicken tenders and fries | Freddy’s Fried Chicken |
Nachos and quesadillas | Dos Toros |
Ice cream and cookies | Big Gay Ice Cream, Insomnia Cookies |
Are alcohol sales allowed at fan fest?
Technically no – fan fest takes place in the parking lots outside MetLife Stadium where alcohol sales are prohibited. However, small amounts of alcohol may be permitted if discreetly consumed, as long as fans maintain responsible behavior.
Is fan fest kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Fan fest provides a number of fun activities for younger fans, including:
- Face painting booths
- Appearances by team mascots Swoop and Freddie the Falcon to high-five kids
- Inflatable games and photo booths
- Football toss and other interactive games
- Kid-friendly junk food like cotton candy and snow cones
- Autograph signings with current players who are happy to meet fans
It’s a high-energy environment but very family-friendly. Kids are sure to have a blast and start their fandom early!
Is there access to stadium restrooms during fan fest?
Restroom access is limited since fan fest takes place outside the stadium gates. Portable restrooms are set up in the parking lot areas. There are also restrooms located inside the Stadium Club restaurant, which fans can sometimes access from the outside.
What security screening is there for fan fest?
Since fan fest is outside the stadium, the security presence is generally more relaxed than stadium gates. Staff may perform light bag checks or use handheld metal detectors on random fans, but it is much less stringent than stadium entry points.
Can you watch warmups from fan fest?
No – fan fest takes place too far from the field to be able to see warmups. Fans will need a stadium ticket to access field level areas and watch warmups up close as players gear up for battle!
What is the atmosphere like at fan fest?
The atmosphere at fan fest is electric! Fans bring massive energy and excitement as they unite in their Giants or Jets pride. Chants echo through the parking lots, face paint and jerseys abound, and fans laugh, cheer and celebrate their beloved teams.
When was fan fest first introduced?
Fan fest originated at old Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands and became an instant hit with fans. When MetLife Stadium opened in 2010, the tradition continued in the new parking lots and has grown even bigger over the last decade.
Can you still tailgate with a fan fest ticket?
Yes, fan fest tickets grant access to designated tailgating lots at MetLife Stadium. After enjoying fan fest, ticketholders can head to their parking spot to set up grills, chairs, games, etc. Many fans tailgate for hours leading up to the game.
Do the players ever make appearances?
Current Giants and Jets players will occasionally make appearances at fan fest, especially big-name stars. They may do autograph sessions, participate in contests, or simply walk around to high-five fans. Seeing your favorite players up close is a huge thrill!
Conclusion
Fan fest at MetLife Stadium provides an incredible pre-game experience that gets fans fired up for Giants and Jets action. With entertainment, contests, vendors, and special activities, it’s a can’t-miss tradition for diehard football fans. Whether you have tickets to the game or just want to soak up the exciting atmosphere, fan fest is the perfect place to fully embrace your New York football fandom!