Editor’s Note: City Dads Groups has a New York Jets ticket for you! Get details for catching any of the remaining 2021-22 home games at the end of this review!
Truth – it’s rough being a New York Jets fan. I try not to focus on the fact that their last winning season was in 2015. Or that this year they’re currently at an abysmal three wins and nine losses.
Instead, we’re focused on the rise of a young new quarterback, Zach Wilson, exciting rookies (Elijah Moore is on my fantasy football squad), and the return of in-person, outdoor sporting events.
My son and I were thrilled to recently attend the New York Jets against the Miami Dolphins football game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (aka The Meadowlands) — our first outdoor, sporting event since the pandemic. Dressed in our replica jerseys, we were ready for football, food and entertainment.
Even if you’re not a big football fan, there’s something spectacular about sitting in a massive stadium, immersed with thousands of loyal fans chanting “J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS.” Snacking on popcorn and hot pretzels, sipping hot chocolate, and jumping out of our seats to do the wave lead by legendary fans, “JETFAN” and “Fireman Ed,” was surreal. Watching a football game on television doesn’t come close to the special bonding experience with your family at a live, in-person game!
Was attending a game at MetLife Stadium safe?
If you haven’t been to a game in a while, new safety protocols have been added because of the pandemic:
- Mobile ticketing — Tickets are now paperless only. Entrance is contactless because your ticket is your cell phone, downloaded through the upgraded Jets app. You’ll zip right into the stadium.
- Vaccination — Proof of vaccination and face coverings are not required. Regardless of vaccination status, the New York Jets “strongly encouraged face coverings for indoor public spaces.” We still felt safe because it was a lovely November afternoon where we spent 99% of our time outdoors. We wore our masks any time we went to pick up food or hit the restrooms.
- Contactless, cash-free transactions – All transactions in the stadium for food, concessions and retail merch are completely cash-free. The ultimate highlight for us was their mobile ordering for food and beverage available via the Jets app! This awesome new “go to the head of the class” process was a difference maker. It saved a ton of time waiting in annoying lines. It also enabled us to spend more quality time bonding in our seats enjoying the football game. Let me share this secret: We downloaded the app and placed our mobile order a few minutes before the halftime rush. During halftime, we sauntered over to the “mobile order pick-up area” by the concessions and our order was ready and waiting for us. No crowds, no wait! Plus, this new service is available to everyone; however, we found that because most fans didn’t know about it, it was rarely used.
Is a New York Jets home game kid-friendly?
- Before you head into the game, be sure to stop by “JETS Island” located between the Verizon and MetLife gates. The island opens a few hours before kickoff, is free for all fans, and features a GenJets Kids Zone with special activities, inflatables, football toss, photo opportunities and more. We hung out to capture pics with the Transformer JET, enormous JETS sign and even enjoyed some free Butterfinger Candy during their giveaway.
- Once inside the MetLife Stadium gates, there’s another “Turf” section (also free) that provides the opportunity for you to kick a field goal right through the uprights. There are additional skills and drills experiences like an obstacle course and place to throw passes. This area was loads of fun, but we recommend getting there on the earlier side as it gets more crowded closer to kickoff.
- Other entertaining options:
- During game breaks, volunteers on the field launch T-shirts into the crowd.
- You can post pics on social media using appropriate hashtags so it can be displayed on the stadium scoreboards (it was awesome to see our photo on the jumbo scoreboard)
- Opportunities before the game to meet former New York Jets players
- Lots of food and treat options — we loved the cookie dough!
- Lastly, little ones up to 34” inches in height may enter MetLife Stadium free of charge but must share a seat with an accompanying ticketed adult (this includes all New York Jets football games).
The football game was a nail-biter until the fourth quarter, but the New York Jets couldn’t notch the victory. The outcome didn’t matter because we had an unforgettable experience. Next time, we’re arriving earlier so we can take advantage of tailgating in the parking lot before the game!
New York Jets ticket offer for rest of 2021-22 season!
Thinking about catching a New York Jets game before the season is over?
Here’s a sweet ticket offer for the remaining home games.
Disclosure: NYC Dads Group received complimentary passes to the New York Jets game. Opinions provided in this post have not been influenced by the free tickets.
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