Items Now Banned From NY Giants and Jets Games at NJ’s MetLife Stadium
Whether you bleed Big Blue or you're riding the Gang Green rollercoaster one more year, there's nothing quite like a game at MetLife Stadium. The tailgate smoke, the crowd of 80,000-plus losing its mind on third down. It's a whole experience.
But here's the thing nobody tells you until you're standing at the gate: MetLife is one of the strictest venues in the NFL when it comes to what you can carry in. And if you're making the drive, that's a long way to go just to get turned around because of a backpack.
Every single guest goes through security screening before entering, and bags get checked more than once. So before you load up the car, here's everything you need to know, straight from MetLife Stadium's own carry-in rules.
What You Can Bring Into MetLife Stadium
Let's start with the good news. These items are allowed:
- One clear bag per person (plastic, vinyl, or PVC) no bigger than 12" x 6" x 12"
- One small clutch or purse no bigger than 4.5" x 6.5", even if it's not clear
- A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, like a Ziploc
- Food, as long as it's in a clear plastic bag. Yes, you can bring your own sandwich. Your wallet will thank you.
- Factory-sealed water or soft drinks, 20 ounces or less
- Empty reusable water bottles, plastic or aluminum. Fountains inside for refills.
- Hand sanitizer (6 ounces or less) and disinfecting wipes
- Still cameras with a lens of 6 inches or less, as long as they're not in a camera case
- Jackets and blankets you carry in by hand. Expect them to get patted down.
- Official national flags small enough for one person to hold, with no stick or pole
Medically necessary items are allowed too, but they'll be inspected at a designated gate, so plan a few extra minutes.
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The Full List of Items Banned at MetLife Stadium
Now for the stuff that'll stop you cold at security. Some of these are obvious. A few might surprise you. (If you want to see what an approved bag actually looks like, this breakdown has photos of the good and the bad.)
Bags that aren't clear and are bigger than a clutch. This is the one that catches the most people. Backpacks, fanny packs, diaper bags, camera cases, binocular cases, briefcases, laptop bags, and regular purses are all a no. If it's not see-through and it's bigger than 4.5" x 6.5", leave it in the car.
Seat cushions. Not just the big ones with pockets, either. MetLife bans seat cushions of any size unless you need one for a medical reason. Your back may protest, but rules are rules.
Battery-operated clothing. Heated socks, heated jackets, heated gloves. This one stings in December when that wind whips through the Meadowlands. Layer up the old-fashioned way instead.
Glass, coolers, thermoses, and ice chests. That thermos of hot cocoa or coffee you were counting on? It stays at the tailgate. Same goes for any cooler, no matter how small.
Alcohol of any kind. You can't bring it in, and you can't carry it out either. If security thinks you're trying to sneak something through, you won't get in. And if you show up visibly buzzed from the tailgate, you may not make it past the gate.
Banners. Any size. Your homemade bedsheet masterpiece has to stay home.
Flags that aren't official national flags. Team flags, novelty flags, anything on a stick or pole, or anything too big for one person to hold. Not allowed.
Umbrellas. Every kind. If rain is in the forecast, grab a poncho.
Strollers. If you're bringing little ones, plan on carrying them.
Laser pointers. These are a safety issue for players and fans, and there's zero tolerance.
Balls of any kind, including full-sized footballs. Save the tailgate toss for the parking lot.
Video cameras and big lenses. Single-purpose video cameras and still cameras with a lens longer than 6 inches are banned. Your phone is fine.
Drones. Absolutely not. The airspace around the stadium is restricted on game days anyway.
Selfie sticks. They block views and can be swung around, so they're out.
Weapons and potential projectiles. That covers weapons of any kind plus anything security decides could be thrown or used to hurt someone.
Adult-size football helmets with facemasks. Gotta admit, this one's a fun little quirk of the list. Your full-gear superfan costume needs a rethink.
Animals. Service animals are the only exception.
Anything else management says no to. The list is officially a guide, and stadium staff have the final call on whatever they consider inappropriate. When in doubt, check MetLife Stadium's site before you head out.
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What Could Get You Thrown Out of a Giants or Jets Game
Getting through the gate is only half the battle. MetLife has a Guest Code of Conduct, and the Giants, Jets, and stadium all expect fans to follow it. Things that can get you removed include:
- Fighting, throwing things, or using foul or abusive language and gestures
- Wearing clothing with indecent messages
- Disrupting the game with your behavior
- Sitting anywhere other than your ticketed seat, or refusing to show your ticket
- Ignoring instructions from stadium staff
- Hassling fans of the other team, the refs, or the players
- Smoking. MetLife is a smoke-free stadium.
There's No Bag Check, So Plan Ahead
This is the part that hurts. MetLife doesn't hold banned items for you. If security says no, your options are to walk it back to your car, use a third-party storage service near the stadium, or toss it in the trash. If you came in by train or bus, that gets tricky fast. The safest move is to pack light, go clear, and double-check everything before you leave the lot.
MetLife Stadium Alcohol Rules You Should Know
If you plan to grab a beer inside, keep a few things in mind. Anyone who looks 40 or younger will be carded. You can only have or buy two drinks at a time. And outdoor stands and portable carts stop serving at the start of the third quarter, so time your last round accordingly. The full alcohol policy also covers what international visitors need to show to get served.
Bottom line? Pack a clear bag, leave the cooler and the heated socks at the tailgate, and you'll breeze through security and be in your seat for kickoff. Now go enjoy the game, whichever side of the building you're cheering for.
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Gallery Credit: Matthew Wilkening