View source for Meadowlands Sports Complex

{{Short description|Sports complex in New Jersey, U.S.}}
{{Infobox sports complex
| name                   = Meadowlands Sports Complex
| nickname               =''The Meadowlands''<br>''The New Meadowlands''<br>''The Sports Complex'' 
| logo_image             = 
| logo_size              = 
| logo_alt               = 
| logo_caption           = 
| image                  = Meadowlands Sports Complex aerial 1 2018.jpg
| image_size             = 
| image_upright          = 
| image_alt              = 
| image_caption          = Aerial view, 2018
| image_map              = 
| map_size               = 
| map_alt                = 
| map_caption            = 
| pushpin_map            = 
| coordinates            = {{coord|40|48|51|N|74|04|26|W|display=inline,title}}<!--GNIS 2013942-->
| pushpin_map_caption    = 
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_relief         = 
| pushpin_label          = 
| pushpin_size           = 
| full_name              = 
| former_names           = 
| address                = 
| city                   = [[East Rutherford, New Jersey|East Rutherford]], [[New Jersey]]
| country                = [[United States]]
| location               = 
| facilities             = [[MetLife Stadium]]<br/>[[Meadowlands Racetrack]]<br/>[[American Dream (shopping mall)|American Dream Meadowlands]]<br/>[[Meadowlands Arena]]<br/>Quest Diagnostics Training Center
| public_transit         = {{rint|rail}} {{rint|njt|60px}} [[Meadowlands station|Meadowlands]]<br/> <small>(select events)</small> {{rail color box|system=NJ Transit|line=Meadowlands}}
{{bus icon|12px|NJT Bus}} {{rint|njt|60px}} '''[[New Jersey Transit Bus Operations|NJT Bus]]''': [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (300–399)|353]]
{{bus icon|12px|NJT Bus}} '''[[Coach USA]]''': [[List of NJ Transit bus routes (300–399)|351]]
| parking                = 
| owner                  = [[New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority]]
| operator               = 
| use                    = <!-- The current use of the complex -->
| production             = 
| broke_ground           = 
| built                  = 
| opened                 = 
| renovated              = 
| rebuilt                = 
| expanded               = 
| closed                 = 
| reopened               = 
| demolished             = 
| cost                   = <!-- Cost of the whole complex, not just the main venue -->
| architect              = 
| project_manager        = 
| structural_engineer    = 
| services_engineer      = 
| general_contractor     = 
| main_contractors       = 
| years_active           = 
| builder                = 
| acreage                = 
| tenants                = <!-- List of tenants -->
| website                = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| homepage               = 
| embedded               = <!-- Children infoboxes to embed eg. {{Infobox park}} -->
| footnotes              = 
}}

The '''Meadowlands Sports Complex''' is a [[sports complex]] located in [[East Rutherford, New Jersey|East Rutherford]], [[New Jersey]], United States. The facility is owned and operated by the [[New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority]] (NJSEA).<ref>{{cite news |title=It's official: MetLife Stadium |first=John |last=Brennan |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/128299098_It_s_official__MetLife__Stadium_.html |newspaper=The Record |location=Bergen County |date=August 23, 2011 |access-date=2012-02-19}}</ref> It is named for the [[New Jersey Meadowlands]], upon which it was built.

The complex currently consists of [[MetLife Stadium]], which is home to the [[New York Giants]] and [[New York Jets]] of the [[National Football League]]; the [[Meadowlands Racetrack]], a famous [[harness racing]] circuit (which is home of the annual [[Hambletonian Stakes]]); and the [[#Quest Diagnostics Training Center|Quest Diagnostics Training Center]], which is the Giants' practice facility.

The complex is also home to the  [[American Dream Meadowlands|American Dream]] retail and entertainment venue, which was home to the [[Metropolitan Riveters]] of the [[Premier Hockey Federation]], and the now-closed [[Meadowlands Arena]], which served as a home for the [[New Jersey Devils]] of the [[National Hockey League]], [[Seton Hall University]]'s [[Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball|men's basketball team]], and the team the arena was built for, the then-[[New Jersey Nets]] (now–[[Brooklyn Nets]]) of the [[National Basketball Association]].

==History==
{{More citations needed|date=August 2022}}
In the mid-1960s, civic leaders in [[New Jersey]] began calling for a sports complex in the [[New Jersey Meadowlands]] that would be able to lure an [[NFL]] team from New York City. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority Law was passed by the [[New Jersey Legislature]] in 1971 and signed by then–[[Governor of New Jersey]] [[William T. Cahill]]. The first chairman of the NJSEA was [[Sonny Werblin|David A. "Sonny" Werblin]], former president of the NFL's [[New York Jets]]. By year's end, Werblin had secured a deal for the [[New York Giants]], who were then playing in [[Yankee Stadium (1923)|Yankee Stadium]] in [[the Bronx]], to move to the Meadowlands. Ground was broken on [[Giants Stadium]] and the Meadowlands Racetrack on November 19, 1972.

To accommodate the new facility, access roads were improved. The [[New Jersey Turnpike]], which had been suffering the burden of increased traffic volumes near its northern terminus in [[Ridgefield Park, New Jersey|Ridgefield Park]], built a new alignment, the "western spur", with an exit, interchange 16W, leading directly to the sports complex as well as to [[New Jersey Route 3|Route 3]]. Routes 3 and 20 (now [[New Jersey Route 120|120]]) also received improvements.

On September 1, 1976, the Meadowlands Racetrack became the first complex venue to open, featuring [[harness racing]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Joseph F. |title="They're Off!" Tonight at Meadowlands Race Track |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/09/01/archives/theyre-off-tonight-at-meadowlands-race-track.html |date=1976-09-01 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> The track drew a capacity crowd of 42,133 for its initial date. Giants Stadium opened on October 10, 1976, as 76,042 fans watched the New York Giants lose to the [[Dallas Cowboys]], 24–14.<ref>{{cite news |last=Amdur |first=Neil |title=Pride of New Jersey: Stadium Designed for Comfort of Fans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/10/10/archives/pride-of-new-jersey-stadium-designed-for-comfort-of-fans-giants.html |date=1976-10-10 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref>

By 1977, plans were in the works to expand the complex. A new arena was to be built on the opposite side of Route 20 from the stadium and racetrack, connected by vehicle ramps and a pedestrian bridge. [[Brendan Byrne]] Arena, named for the sitting governor, opened July 2, 1981, with the first of six sold-out shows by musician [[Bruce Springsteen]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Palmer |first=Robert |title=Rock: Springsteen Inaugurates New Jersey Arena |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/04/arts/rock-springsteen-inaugurates-new-jersey-arena.html |date=1981-07-04 |newspaper=The New York Times}}</ref> The arena was renamed for its corporate sponsor, [[Continental Airlines]] (now part of [[United Airlines]]), as Continental Airlines Arena, in early 1996, since the airline had a hub at nearby [[Newark Liberty International Airport]]. It was renamed again in 2007 for [[Izod]] as Izod Center. The first tenant in the arena was the [[New Jersey Nets]] in 1981. A year later, the [[New Jersey Devils]] of the [[National Hockey League|NHL]] and the [[Seton Hall University]] men's basketball team joined the Nets.

The Nets played their first game at the arena on October 30, 1981, and lost to their cross-river rivals, the [[New York Knicks]] by a score of 103–99. The Devils played their first game on October 5, 1982, against the [[Pittsburgh Penguins]]. The game ended in a 3–3 tie.

The [[New York Jets]] moved to Giants Stadium on September 6, 1984, after playing at [[Shea Stadium]] for nearly 20 years. In their first game at the stadium on that day, the Jets lost 23–17 to the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]] in front of 70,564 fans.

In 2007, construction began on a mega-mall, named Meadowlands Xanadu. Work came to a halt in 2009, and [[Triple Five]], owners of the [[Mall of America]], took over the project in 2011. The construction was not complete until 2019.

The New Jersey Devils and Seton Hall Pirates left the complex when the [[Prudential Center]] was finished in 2007, followed by the New Jersey Nets, who moved there in 2010 to go to Prudential Center, then Brooklyn two years later, leaving the Izod Center devoid of a main tenant but free to host more concerts and events. [[Giants Stadium]] closed in at the end of the [[2009 NFL season]] and demolition started immediately. In September 2010, [[MetLife Stadium]], then known as New Meadowlands Stadium, opened for its first game. It was privately built and funded by the Jets and Giants. A commuter train line and a training center for the Giants also opened at the same time.  MetLife bought the naming rights for the stadium and the entire complex in August 2011.

[[Meadowlands Arena]] closed in April 2015 to the public after suffering the loss of its major tenants and economic losses from other events. Since then, the arena has been used for concert rehearsals and private video productions. The former arena box offices are used as a station for the NJSEA EMS and the former Winner's Club lounge restaurant is the quarters for the [[New Jersey State Police]].

MetLife Stadium will host matches during the [[2026 FIFA World Cup]], including the [[2026 FIFA World Cup final|final]]; it will be the second time FIFA World Cup matches are played at the Meadowlands. Giants Stadium hosted matches during the [[1994 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sobko |first=Katie |date=February 6, 2024 |title=World Cup 2026: Murphy estimates $2B impact for NJ as funding questions linger |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2024/02/06/world-cup-2026-nj-financial-impact-gov-phil-murphy/72486312007/ |work=NorthJersey.com |accessdate=February 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Citak |first=Matt |date=2022-06-20 |url=https://www.giants.com/news/metlife-stadium-2026-world-cup-fifa-soccer-east-rutherford-host-city |title=Giants Now: MetLife Stadium to host World Cup matches in 2026 |website=New York Giants}}</ref>
[[File:Meadowlands Sports Secaucus jeh.jpg|thumb|From Secaucus]]
In addition to the three venues, the complex also hosts events in the MetLife Stadium parking lot. State Fair Meadowlands (formerly called the Meadowlands Fair, and not affiliated with the [[New Jersey State Fair]] held annually in [[Sussex County, New Jersey|Sussex County]]) began in 1986 and has been operated by State Fair of [[Belleville, New Jersey|Belleville]] since 2003. The parking lot is also the home of a twice-weekly [[flea market]], which is canceled when the parking spaces are needed for stadium events.

The NJSEA hires in-house security and emergency medical services staff to serve the venues at the Sports Complex, including MetLife Stadium. Law enforcement is primarily provided by the [[New Jersey State Police]] Sports Complex Unit.

The Meadowlands has been proposed as a potential location for a future [[casino]] in the event that voters approve a measure allowing it.<ref>[https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/business/2025/05/15/casino-at-meadowlands-racetrack-voters-could-decide/83646355007/ Should there be a casino at Meadowlands Racetrack? Monmouth Park? Voters might have a say]</ref>

==Venues==

===MetLife Stadium===
{{Main|MetLife Stadium}}
[[MetLife Stadium]] opened in 2010, following the closing and demolition of the Giants' and the Jets' previous home, [[Giants Stadium]]. It is the home stadium for the [[New York Giants]] and [[New York Jets]] of the [[National Football League|NFL]] and is one of two stadiums home to two NFL franchises ([[SoFi Stadium]] in [[Inglewood, California]] is the other).  It was the home of the [[New York Guardians]] of the [[XFL (2020)|XFL]], MetLife Stadium hosted [[Super Bowl XLVIII]] in 2014 and will host matches during the [[2026 FIFA World Cup]].

===Meadowlands Arena (former)===
{{Main|Meadowlands Arena}}

[[Meadowlands Arena]] (formerly Brendan Byrne Arena, Continental Airlines Arena and [[Izod|IZOD]] Center) was a multi-purpose indoor arena. Opened in 1981, it was home to the [[New Jersey Nets]] [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] team until 2010, the [[Seton Hall University]] men's basketball team until 2007 and to the [[New Jersey Devils]] of the National Hockey League until 2007. The Devils and the Seton Hall men's basketball team moved to the [[Prudential Center]] in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]]. The renamed Brooklyn Nets currently now play at the [[Barclays Center]]. It closed early in April 2015.

===Meadowlands Racetrack===
{{Main|Meadowlands Racetrack}}

The [[Meadowlands Racetrack]] is a [[horse racing]] track that hosts both [[thoroughbred racing]] and [[harness racing]]. It is known popularly in the region as "The Big M".

Opened in the mid–1970s, the Meadowlands Racetrack held its first harness race on September 1, 1976 while thoroughbred racing commenced on September 6, 1977.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cady |first=Steve |title=Jersey Complex Opens Trot Track Wednesday |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=August 29, 1976 |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0F14FA3B5E16738DDDA00A94D0405B868BF1D3 |access-date=2009-08-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cady |first=Steve |title=Meadowlands Starts Flat Racing Tuesday Night |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 4, 1977 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/09/04/archives/meadowlands-starts-flat-racing-tuesday-night.html |access-date=2009-08-07}}</ref> The Racetrack is the site of the [[Hambletonian Stakes|Hambletonian]], the most prestigious event in standardbred racing. The track is equipped to race at night, when most of its races are.

In the middle of the track is a lake, intended to resemble the state of New Jersey. The Meadowlands Racetrack is also one of the leading simulcast facilities in the world in terms of total handle.

===Quest Diagnostics Training Center===
The Quest Diagnostics Training Center is the main headquarters and practice facility of the [[New York Giants]]. It was known as the Timex Performance Center, renamed in July 2013 when the Giants and [[Quest Diagnostics]] announced<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-Quest-team-up-for-player-safety/8a07e970-97e5-4fc2-9f7d-bda63e322fca|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730230238/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-Quest-team-up-for-player-safety/8a07e970-97e5-4fc2-9f7d-bda63e322fca|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 30, 2013|title=Giants, Quest team up for player safety|website=giants.com|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref> a new partnership after the four-year partnership between the Giants and [[Timex Group USA|Timex]] ended. The facility, on the westernmost portion of the Meadowlands Sports Complex grounds, opened in 2010 and replaced the old Giants' practice fields and headquarters, adjacent to Giants Stadium. The Giants annually host [[Training camp (NFL)|Training Camp]] at the facility in the summers, including practices open to the public with fan activities and legend player meet-and-greet opportunities. Parking for Training Camp is in Lot K.

===American Dream ===
{{Main|American Dream (shopping mall){{!}}American Dream Meadowlands}}

American Dream is a large mall and entertainment complex. Formerly known as Xanadu, the project resides within the Meadowlands Sports Complex adjacent to the Izod Center that has over 450 stores.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/03/nyregion/dream-of-a-mall-starts-to-rise-out-of-a-meadowlands-nightmare.html?_r=0|title=Huge Mall Rising at Troubled Site in North Jersey|author=Bagli, Charles V.|date=October 2, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2016|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The first of four opening stages occurred on October 25, 2019,<ref name="NorthJersey7.3.19">{{cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2019/07/03/american-dream-open-oct-25-officials-say/1639522001/|title=It's finally happening: American Dream mall will open Oct. 25|author=Anzidei, Melanie|date=July 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703201850/https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2019/07/03/american-dream-open-oct-25-officials-say/1639522001/|archive-date=July 3, 2019|access-date=August 5, 2019|newspaper=[[NorthJersey.com]]}}</ref> with the other stages opening on a staggered schedule on October 1, 2020.<ref name="NorthJersey7.3.19" /><ref name="NJcom.9.20.19">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/bergen/2019/09/american-dream-reveals-plans-theme-park-will-open-before-water-park-ski-slope.html|title=American Dream's theme park to open in October. For other attractions, you'll have to wait.|last=Pries|first=Allison|date=September 20, 2019|publisher=NJ.com|language=en-US|access-date=September 24, 2019}}</ref>

Only 45 percent of American Dream's space is devoted to retail locations.<ref name="NJ.com5.20.192">{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/bergen/2019/05/american-dream-opening-delayed-again-but-now-there-will-be-birds-bunnies-and-instagram-moments.html|title=American Dream opening delayed -- again. But now there will be birds, bunnies and Instagram moments.|author=Pries, Allison|date=May 20, 2019|publisher=NJ.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520225259/https://www.nj.com/bergen/2019/05/american-dream-opening-delayed-again-but-now-there-will-be-birds-bunnies-and-instagram-moments.html|archive-date=May 20, 2019|access-date=May 21, 2019}}</ref> The stores will include six [[anchor retail tenants]] with more than {{convert|50,000|ft2}} each, 12 major retailers with {{convert|20,000|to|50,000|ft2|abbr=}} each, and 339 smaller shops of up to {{convert|20,000|ft2||abbr=}}.<ref name="NorthJersey8.11.152">{{cite news|url=http://blog.northjersey.com/meadowlandsmatters/11948/american-dream-meadowlands-by-the-numbers/|title=American Dream Meadowlands by the numbers|last=Brennan|first=John|date=August 11, 2015|access-date=August 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207221924/http://blog.northjersey.com/meadowlandsmatters/11948/american-dream-meadowlands-by-the-numbers/|archive-date=February 7, 2016|publisher=NorthJersey.com}}</ref> It will include more than 100 eateries,<ref name="NorthJersey8.11.152" /> as well as a {{convert|38,000|ft2}}, 18-vendor food court with a kosher food hall.<ref name="NJ.com12.2.182">{{cite web|url=https://expo.nj.com/news/erry-2018/12/8df3facb447815/waterslides-are-being-installe.html|title=Waterslides are being installed at the American Dream mega-mall and it is glorious|author=Pries, Allison|date=December 2, 2018|publisher=[[NJ.com]]|access-date=March 17, 2019}}</ref>

The other 55 percent of the space contains entertainment facilities.<ref name="NJ.com5.20.192"/> The amusement facilities include or will include an indoor [[NHL]]-sized ice rink, an indoor theme park called [[Nickelodeon Universe#American Dream|Nickelodeon Universe]], an indoor water park called [[DreamWorks Water Park]], and a concert/performing arts venue with 2,400 to 3,000 seats.<ref name="NorthJersey2.21.13">Brennan, John (February 21, 2013). [http://www.northjersey.com/eastrutherford/american_dream_bergen_improvement_authority.html "Work on American Dream complex set to resume in March, official says"]. NorthJersey.com.</ref><ref name="NJ.com5.20.192"/><ref name="NorthJersey9.13.16">{{cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/2016/09/13/spongebob-ninja-turtles-sign-on-with-american-dream/93001992/|title=SpongeBob, Ninja Turtles sign on with American Dream|date=September 13, 2016|last=Brennan|first=John|publisher=NorthJersey.com|access-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> Other attractions include the [[Big SNOW American Dream]] indoor ski slope,<ref name="CNBC">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/22/timeline-of-new-jerseys-american-dream-megamall-and-how-it-got-built.html|title=More than 17 years in the making, American Dream megamall's story was shaped by retail's upheaval|author=Thomas, Lauren|date=October 22, 2019|access-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023063919/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/10/22/timeline-of-new-jerseys-american-dream-megamall-and-how-it-got-built.html|archive-date=October 23, 2019|publisher=[[CNBC]]}}</ref> two miniature 18-hole golf courses,<ref name="NJ.com5.20.192" /><ref>Bagli, Charles V. (May 31, 2017). [https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/31/nyregion/looking-for-another-1-1-billion-to-finish-an-amusement-mall.html?_r=0 "Looking for (Another) $1.1 Billion to Finish an Amusement Mall"]. ''The New York Times''.</ref> a [[Cobb Theatres|CMX Cine’Bistro]] dine-in luxury movie theater,<ref>{{Cite news|last=O'Neill|first=Erin|date=October 8, 2015|url=http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2015/10/luxury_movie_chain_to_open_at_american_dream_megam.html|title=Dine-in theater with private rooms and '4D' coming to American Dream megamall|access-date=September 15, 2017|publisher=NJ.com|language=en-US}}</ref> a family entertainment center,<ref name="NJ.com5.20.192" /><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.njbiz.com/article/20170404/NJBIZ01/170409956/american-dream-making-progress-kidzania-latest-to-lease-space|title=American Dream making progress: KidZania latest to lease space|first1=Mario|last1=Marroquin|publisher=NorthJersey.com|date=April 4, 2017}}</ref> a bowling alley,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/06/meadowlands_megamall_announces_its_next_big_entertainment_venue.html|title=Meadowlands megamall announces its next big entertainment venue|date=June 29, 2016|last=McCarthy|first=Craig|publisher=NJ.com|access-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> a [[Legoland Discovery Center]],<ref name="NJ.com5.20.192" /><ref name="lego">{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/bergen/index.ssf/2015/10/aquarium_legoland_coming_to_meadowlands_complex.html|title=Aquarium, Legoland coming to Meadowlands complex|date=October 1, 2015|last=O'Neill|first=Erin|publisher=NJ.com|access-date=September 15, 2016}}</ref> a [[Sea Life Aquarium]],<ref name="NJ.com5.20.192" /><ref name="lego" /> an indoor rock climbing facility,<ref name="NJ.com5.20.192" /> and a [[Mirror Maze]] attraction.<ref name="NJ.com5.20.192" /> It also includes a [[kosher]] [[food court]], with kosher options ranging from ice cream to pizza to fast food chicken.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kosher Restaurants at American Dream in NJ - Kosher Dunkin, Cinnabon & More |url=https://www.americandream.com/ |access-date=2023-12-28 |website=American Dream}}</ref>

On September 14, 2022, the Metropolitan Riveters of the Premier Hockey Federation became tenants of The Rink at the American Dream for at least the next three years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/34589619/metropolitan-riveters-play-home-games-new-jersey-megamall-american-dream|title=Metropolitan Riveters to play home games in New Jersey megamall American Dream|website=ESPN.com|date=September 14, 2022|last=Wyshynski|first=Greg|accessdate=November 23, 2022}}</ref>

=== Concerts and entertainment ===
In addition to serving as a hub for professional and collegiate sports, the Meadowlands Sports Complex has long been a major venue for concerts, large-scale shows, and cultural events. Giants Stadium, during its existence from 1976 to 2010, hosted internationally renowned performers including Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, U2, and Bon Jovi. Springsteen, a New Jersey native, performed dozens of concerts at the venue and held the record for the most shows by a single artist at the stadium.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pareles |first=Jon |title=Springsteen Closes Giants Stadium With Jersey Pride |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/arts/music/10springsteen.html |work=The New York Times |date=October 9, 2009 |access-date=September 27, 2025}}</ref>  

MetLife Stadium, which opened in 2010, continues that tradition and has hosted some of the highest-grossing concert tours in the world, including multi-night residencies by Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Coldplay.<ref>{{cite news |title=Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Shatters Records at MetLife Stadium |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/taylor-swift-eras-tour-metlife-stadium-records/ |work=Billboard |date=May 30, 2023 |access-date=September 27, 2025}}</ref> The stadium has also been the site of international events such as WrestleMania 29 in 2013 and WrestleMania 35 in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |title=WrestleMania 35 breaks attendance record at MetLife Stadium |url=https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2019/04/wrestlemania-35-breaks-attendance-record-at-metlife-stadium.html |work=NJ.com |date=April 8, 2019 |access-date=September 27, 2025}}</ref>  

The Izod Center, active from 1981 until its closure in 2015, was also a prominent stop on national and international concert tours, hosting artists ranging from Madonna and Michael Jackson to Jay-Z. In addition to concerts, the arena regularly presented family entertainment shows such as Disney on Ice, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the Harlem Globetrotters.<ref>{{cite news |title=Looking back at the top concerts and events at the Izod Center |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/2015/01/14/looking-back-at-the-top-concerts-and-events-at-the-izod-center/ |work=NorthJersey.com |date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=September 27, 2025}}</ref>  

The complex has also been the site of notable cultural gatherings, including Pope John Paul II’s mass at Giants Stadium in 1995, which drew tens of thousands of attendees.<ref>{{cite news |title=Pope John Paul II Celebrates Mass at Giants Stadium |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/05/nyregion/pope-john-paul-ii-celebrates-mass-at-giants-stadium.html |work=The New York Times |date=October 5, 1995 |access-date=September 27, 2025}}</ref>


==Access==
===Meadowlands station===
[[New Jersey Transit]] operates the [[Meadowlands station]] at the complex, the terminus of the [[Meadowlands Rail Line]].<ref>[http://www.northjersey.com/environment/environmentnews/xanadu020309.html Record Newspaper] Accessed July 9, 2009. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206142202/http://www.northjersey.com/environment/environmentnews/xanadu020309.html |date=February 6, 2009 }}</ref> In preparation for the opening of the [[American Dream Meadowlands|American Dream]] mall, the station opened for service on July 26, 2009.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clunn |first=Nick |title=Thousands hop on board new Meadowlands rail service |newspaper=The Record |date=July 26, 2009 |url=http://www.northjersey.com/news/transportation/Thousands_hop_on_board_new_Meadowlands_rail_service.html |access-date=2009-08-02}}</ref> Studies are also underway about an extension of the [[Hudson–Bergen Light Rail]] line to the MetLife Sports Complex. Despite the opening of American Dream in 2019, the rail line is currently not being used daily.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nj1015.com/nj-transit-bus-service-to-american-dream-mega-mall-at-meadowlands/|title=NJ Transit bus service to American Dream mega mall at Meadowlands|last1=Alex|first1=Dan|last2=er|website=New Jersey 101.5|language=en|access-date=2020-03-11}}</ref>

===Road access===
The Meadowlands Sports Complex is primarily surrounded by four main highways: [[New Jersey Route 3]] to the south, [[New Jersey Route 17|Route 17]] to the west, [[New Jersey Route 120|Route 120]] (also called [[Paterson Plank Road]]) to the north, and the [[New Jersey Turnpike]] ([[Interstate 95 in New Jersey|Interstate 95]]) to the east. The Turnpike interchanges with Route 3 near the south side of the complex, giving access from that point, and also has a direct southbound exit/northbound entrance at the north side. Route 120 starts at Route 3 near the southeast corner, runs straight through the complex, giving direct exits to certain parking lots east of MetLife Stadium, then turns west to connect back with Route 17, while also giving access from Washington Avenue ([[County Route 503 (New Jersey)|CR 503]]). Routes 3 and 17 also connect to numerous local roads as well. Route 3 also connects to the [[Garden State Parkway]] further west, and the [[Lincoln Tunnel]] further east, while the Turnpike/I-95 give access to and from the [[George Washington Bridge]] northwards, and [[Newark Airport]] southwards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Directions to MetLife Stadium |url=https://www.metlifestadium.com/getting-here/directions |access-date=August 9, 2023 |website=MetLife Stadium}}</ref>

==Auto racing==
{{Main|Meadowlands Grand Prix}}
In 1983, a [[Formula One]] auto race was planned for the New York City area. A temporary [[street circuit]] at the Meadowlands Sports Complex was one of the finalists for the location. A course at [[Flushing Meadows Park]], in the New York City [[borough (New York City)|borough]] of [[Queens]], was chosen, but the event was canceled before the first running.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wilsonmotorsport.com/public_html/Resume-Website-2004.pdf |title=ALAN L. WILSON |access-date=2007-12-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327033215/http://www.wilsonmotorsport.com/public_html/Resume-Website-2004.pdf |archive-date=2009-03-27 }}</ref>

In July 1984, the [[Championship Auto Racing Teams|CART]] IndyCar series held the first [[Meadowlands Grand Prix]] on a temporary circuit built in the [[Giants Stadium]] parking lot. The race was only moderately successful, and crowds were mediocre at best. In 1988, the course layout was moved to the streets surrounding [[Brendan Byrne Arena]] and redesigned to a {{convert|1.2|mi|km|adj=on}}, six-turn layout in an effort to improve competition. The race continued until 1991, and crowds continued to stay away.

From 1988 to 1991, the race was part of the Marlboro Million, a cash prize to be awarded to any driver who won the Marlboro Grand Prix, the [[Firestone Indy 400|Marlboro 500]], and the Marlboro Challenge All-Star event in the same year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Extra Indy-Car Incentive |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 20, 1988 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/20/sports/extra-indy-car-incentive.html |access-date=2009-08-06}}</ref> The prize was never won. In 1992, race officials announced plans to move the race to [[Manhattan]], using a street course at the [[World Trade Center (1973–2001)|World Trade Center]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Remember when? |first=Michael |last=Tadema-Wielandt |url=http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ftmt001.html |work=www.grandprix.com |date=March 23, 2002 |access-date=2011-12-05}}</ref> Within a few months, however, the race was canceled because of cost concerns.

In the early 2000s, conceptual plans were drafted to build a [[NASCAR]]-style speedway at the Meadowlands Sports Complex as part of a revitalizing project. However, the plan was rejected and abandoned.

==Tenants==

===MetLife Stadium===
* [[New York Giants]] ([[National Football League|NFL]])
* [[New York Jets]] ([[National Football League|NFL]])

===The Rink at American Dream===
* [[Metropolitan Riveters]] ([[Premier Hockey Federation|PHF]])

===Former Metlife Stadium tenants===
* [[New York Guardians]] ([[XFL (2020–2023)|XFL]]) (2020)

===Former Giants Stadium tenants===
* [[New York Giants]] ([[National Football League|NFL]])
* [[New York Jets]] ([[National Football League|NFL]])
* [[New York Cosmos (1971–1985)|New York Cosmos]] ([[North American Soccer League|NASL]]) (1977–84)
* [[New Jersey Generals]] ([[United States Football League|USFL]]) (1983–85)
* [[New York/New Jersey Knights]] ([[NFL Europe|WLAF]]) (1991–92)
* [[New York Red Bulls]] ([[Major League Soccer|MLS]]) (1995–2009) (moved to [[Sports Illustrated Stadium]] in [[Harrison, New Jersey|Harrison]])
* [[New York/New Jersey Hitmen]] ([[XFL (2001)|XFL]]) (2001)

===Former Meadowlands Arena tenants===
* [[New Jersey Nets]] ([[National Basketball Association|NBA]]) (1981–2010) (moved to [[Prudential Center]] in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]] from 2010–2012 and then moved to the [[Barclays Center]] in [[Brooklyn]] as the [[Brooklyn Nets]].)
* [[New Jersey Rockets (MISL)|New Jersey Rockets]] (1981–1982) ([[Major Indoor Soccer League (1978–1992)|MISL]])
* [[New York Cosmos (1971–1985)|New York Cosmos]] (1981–1985) ([[North American Soccer League|NASL Indoor]]/[[Major Indoor Soccer League (1978–1992)|MISL]])
* [[New Jersey Devils]] ([[National Hockey League|NHL]]) (1982–2007) (moved to [[Prudential Center]] in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]])
* [[Seton Hall University]] [[Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball|Men's Basketball]] ([[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]]) (1981–2007) (moved to [[Prudential Center]] in [[Newark, New Jersey|Newark]])
* [[New Jersey Saints]] ([[National Lacrosse League|NLL]]) (1987–1988) (moved to [[Nassau Coliseum]] in [[Uniondale, New York]] as the [[New York Saints]]) 
* [[New Jersey Red Dogs]]/Gladiators ([[Arena Football League|AFL]]) (1997–2002) (moved to [[Las Vegas]])
* [[New Jersey Rockin' Rollers]] ([[Roller Hockey International]]) (1995–1997)
* [[New Jersey Storm]] ([[National Lacrosse League|NLL]]) (2002–2003) (moved to [[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]])
* [[New Jersey XTreme]] ([[National Indoor Football League|NIFL]]) (2005)

== Notes ==
{{portal|New Jersey}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.meadowlands.com Meadowlands Sports Complex]
* [http://www.meadowlandsxanadu.com/ The Mills – Meadowlands Xanadu]
* [http://www.teterboro-online.com/xanadu/index.shtml Teterboro Online: Xanadu Project]
*{{NYTtopic|people/z/george_r_zoffinger|George R. Zoffinger}}
{{Meadowlands Sports Complex|state=autocollapse}} 
{{East Rutherford, New Jersey}}
{{NewYorksportsvenues}}
{{Champ Car tracks}}
{{Indy Lights racetracks}}
{{Barber Pro Series tracks}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Meadowlands Sports Complex| ]]
[[Category:Champ Car circuits]]
[[Category:East Rutherford, New Jersey]]
[[Category:IMSA GT Championship circuits]]
[[Category:New Jersey Meadowlands District]]
[[Category:Sports venues in Bergen County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Bergen County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Sports complexes in the United States]]
[[Category:Entertainment districts in the United States]]