Wikipedia

Meadowlands Sports Complex

TheMeadowlands Sports Complexis asports complexlocated inEast Rutherford,New Jersey,United States. The facility is owned and operated by theNew Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority(NJSEA).[1]It is named for theNew Jersey Meadowlands,upon which it was built.

Meadowlands Sports Complex
Aerial view, 2018
AddressEast Rutherford, New Jersey
United States
Coordinates40°48′51″N74°04′26″W/ 40.81417°N 74.07389°W/40.81417; -74.07389
FacilitiesMetLife Stadium
Meadowlands Racetrack
American Dream Meadowlands
Meadowlands Arena
Public transitMainline rail interchangeNJ TransitMeadowlands
(select events)
Meadowlands Rail Line

NJT BusNJ TransitNJT Bus:353

NJT BusCoach USA:351
OwnerNew Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority

The complex currently consists ofMetLife Stadium,which is home to theNew York GiantsandNew York Jetsof theNational Football League;theMeadowlands Racetrack,a famousharness racingcircuit (which is home of the annualHambletonian Stakes); and theQuest Diagnostics Training Center,which is the Giants' practice facility.

The complex is also home to theAmerican Dreamretail and entertainment venue, which was home to theMetropolitan Rivetersof thePremier Hockey Federation,and the now-closedMeadowlands Arena,which served as a home for theNew Jersey Devilsof theNational Hockey League,Seton Hall University'smen's basketball team,and the team the arena was built for, the now–Brooklyn Netsof theNational Basketball Association.

History

edit

In the mid-1960s, civic leaders inNew Jerseybegan calling for a sports complex in theNew Jersey Meadowlandsthat would be able to lure anNFLteam from New York City. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority Law was passed by theNew Jersey Legislaturein 1971 and signed by then–Governor of New JerseyWilliam T. Cahill.The first chairman of the NJSEA wasDavid A. "Sonny" Werblin,former president of the NFL'sNew York Jets.By year's end, Werblin had secured a deal for theNew York Giants,who were then playing inYankee Stadiuminthe Bronx,to move to the Meadowlands. Ground was broken onGiants Stadiumand the Meadowlands Racetrack on November 19, 1972.

To accommodate the new facility, access roads were improved. TheNew Jersey Turnpike,which had been suffering the burden of increased traffic volumes near its northern terminus inRidgefield Park,built a new alignment, the "western spur", with an exit, interchange 16W, leading directly to the sports complex as well as toRoute 3.Routes 3 and 20 (now120) also received improvements.

On September 1, 1976, the Meadowlands Racetrack became the first complex venue to open, featuringharness racing.[2]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 theDallas Cowboys,24–14.[3]

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 ByrneArena, named for the sitting governor, opened July 2, 1981, with the first of six sold-out shows by musicianBruce Springsteen.[4]The arena was renamed for its corporate sponsor,Continental Airlines(now part ofUnited Airlines), as Continental Airlines Arena, in early 1996, since the airline had a hub at nearbyNewark Liberty International Airport.It was renamed again in 2007 forIzodas Izod Center. The first tenant in the arena was theNew Jersey Netsin 1981. A year later, theNew Jersey Devilsof theNHLand theSeton Hall Universitymen'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, theNew York Knicksby a score of 103–99. The Devils played their first game on October 5, 1982, against thePittsburgh Penguins.The game ended in a 3–3 tie.

TheNew York Jetsmoved to Giants Stadium on September 6, 1984, after playing atShea Stadiumfor nearly 20 years. In their first game at the stadium on that day, the Jets lost 23–17 to thePittsburgh Steelersin front of 70,564 fans.

In 2007, construction began on a mega-mall, named Meadowlands Xanadu. Work came to a halt in 2009, andTriple Five,owners of theMall 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 thePrudential Centerwas 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 Stadiumclosed in at the end of the2009 NFL seasonand 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 Arenaclosed 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 theNew Jersey State Police.

MetLife Stadium will host matches during the2026 FIFA World Cup,including thefinal;it will be the second time FIFA World Cup matches are played at the Meadowlands. Giants Stadium hosted matches during the1994 FIFA World Cup.[5][6]

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 theNew Jersey State Fairheld annually inSussex County) began in 1986 and has been operated by State Fair ofBellevillesince 2003. The parking lot is also the home of a twice-weeklyflea 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 theNew Jersey State PoliceSports Complex Unit.

Venues

edit

MetLife Stadium

edit
Main article:MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadiumopened in 2010, following the closing and demolition of the Giants' and the Jets' previous home,Giants Stadium.It is the home stadium for theNew York GiantsandNew York Jetsof theNFLand is one of two stadiums home to two NFL franchises (SoFi StadiuminInglewood, Californiais the other). It was the home of theNew York Guardiansof theXFL,MetLife Stadium hostedSuper Bowl XLVIIIin 2014 and will host matches during the2026 FIFA World Cup.

Meadowlands Arena (former)

edit
Main article:Meadowlands Arena

Meadowlands Arena(formerly Brendan Byrne Arena, Continental Airlines Arena andIZODCenter) was a multi-purpose indoor arena. Opened in 1981, it was home to theNew Jersey NetsNBAteam until 2010, theSeton Hall Universitymen's basketball team until 2007 and to theNew Jersey Devilsof the National Hockey League until 2007. The Devils and the Seton Hall men's basketball team moved to thePrudential CenterinNewark.The renamed Brooklyn Nets currently play in theBarclays Center.It closed early in April 2015.

Meadowlands Racetrack

edit
Main article:Meadowlands Racetrack

TheMeadowlands Racetrackis ahorse racingtrack that hosts boththoroughbred racingandharness 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.[7][8]The Racetrack is the site of theHambletonian,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

edit

The Quest Diagnostics Training Center is the main headquarters and practice facility of theNew York Giants.It was known as the Timex Performance Center, renamed in July 2013 when the Giants andQuest Diagnosticsannounced[9]a new partnership after the four-year partnership between the Giants andTimexended. 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 hostTraining Campat 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

edit
Main article: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 will have over 450 stores.[10]The first of four opening stages occurred on October 25, 2019,[11]with the other stages opening on a staggered schedule on October 1, 2020.[11][12]

Only 45 percent of American Dream's space is devoted to retail locations.[13]The stores will include sixanchor retail tenantswith more than 50,000 square feet (4,600 m2) each, 12 major retailers with 20,000 to 50,000 square feet (1,900 to 4,600 m2) each, and 339 smaller shops of up to 20,000 square feet (1,900 m2).[14]It will include more than 100 eateries,[14]as well as a 38,000 square feet (3,500 m2), 18-vendor food court with a kosher food hall.[15]

The other 55 percent of the space contains entertainment facilities.[13]The amusement facilities include or will include an indoorNHL-sized ice rink, an indoor theme park calledNickelodeon Universe,an indoor water park calledDreamWorks Water Park,and a concert/performing arts venue with 2,400 to 3,000 seats.[16][13][17]Other attractions include theBig SNOW American Dreamindoor ski slope,[18]two miniature 18-hole golf courses,[13][19]aCMX Cine’Bistrodine-in luxury movie theater,[20]a family entertainment center,[13][21]a bowling alley,[22]aLegoland Discovery Center,[13][23]aSea Life Aquarium,[13][23]an indoor rock climbing facility,[13]and aMirror Mazeattraction.[13]It also includes akosherfood court,with kosher options ranging from ice cream to pizza to fast food chicken.[24]

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.[25]

Access

edit

Meadowlands station

edit

New Jersey Transitoperates theMeadowlands stationat the complex, the terminus of theMeadowlands Rail Line.[26]In preparation for the opening of theAmerican Dreammall, the station opened for service on July 26, 2009.[27]Studies are also underway about an extension of theHudson–Bergen Light Railline to the MetLife Sports Complex. Despite the opening of American Dream in 2019, the rail line is currently not being used daily.[28]

Road access

edit

The Meadowlands Sports Complex is primarily surrounded by four main highways:New Jersey Route 3to the south,Route 17to the west,Route 120(also calledPaterson Plank Road) to the north, and theNew Jersey Turnpike(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 (CR 503). Routes 3 and 17 also connect to numerous local roads as well. Route 3 also connects to theGarden State Parkwayfurther west, and theLincoln Tunnelfurther east, while the Turnpike/I-95 give access to and from theGeorge Washington Bridgenorthwards, andNewark Airportsouthwards.[29]

Auto racing

edit
Main article:Meadowlands Grand Prix

In 1983, aFormula Oneauto race was planned for the New York City area. A temporarystreet circuitat the Meadowlands Sports Complex was one of the finalists for the location. A course atFlushing Meadows Park,in the New York CityboroughofQueens,was chosen, but the event was canceled before the first running.[30]

In July 1984, theCARTIndyCar series held the firstMeadowlands Grand Prixon a temporary circuit built in theGiants Stadiumparking lot. The race was only moderately successful, and crowds were mediocre at best. In 1988, the course layout was moved to the streets surroundingBrendan Byrne Arenaand redesigned to a 1.2-mile (1.9 km), 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, theMarlboro 500,and the Marlboro Challenge All-Star event in the same year.[31]The prize was never won. In 1992, race officials announced plans to move the race toManhattan,using a street course at theWorld Trade Center.[32]Within a few months, however, the race was canceled because of cost concerns.

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

Tenants

edit

MetLife Stadium

edit

The Rink at American Dream

edit

Former Metlife Stadium tenants

edit

Former Giants Stadium tenants

edit

Former Meadowlands Arena tenants

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^Brennan, John (August 23, 2011)."It's official: MetLife Stadium".The Record.Bergen County.Retrieved2012-02-19.
  2. ^Sullivan, Joseph F. (1976-09-01).""They're Off!" Tonight at Meadowlands Race Track ".The New York Times.
  3. ^Amdur, Neil (1976-10-10)."Pride of New Jersey: Stadium Designed for Comfort of Fans".The New York Times.
  4. ^Palmer, Robert (1981-07-04)."Rock: Springsteen Inaugurates New Jersey Arena".The New York Times.
  5. ^Sobko, Katie (February 6, 2024)."World Cup 2026: Murphy estimates $2B impact for NJ as funding questions linger".NorthJersey.com.RetrievedFebruary 14,2024.
  6. ^Citak, Matt (2022-06-20)."Giants Now: MetLife Stadium to host World Cup matches in 2026".New York Giants.
  7. ^Cady, Steve (August 29, 1976)."Jersey Complex Opens Trot Track Wednesday".The New York Times.Retrieved2009-08-07.
  8. ^Cady, Steve (September 4, 1977)."Meadowlands Starts Flat Racing Tuesday Night".The New York Times.Retrieved2009-08-07.
  9. ^"Giants, Quest team up for player safety".giants.com.Retrieved9 April2018.[dead link‍]
  10. ^Bagli, Charles V. (October 2, 2015)."Huge Mall Rising at Troubled Site in North Jersey".The New York Times.RetrievedJuly 27,2016.
  11. ^abAnzidei, Melanie (July 3, 2019)."It's finally happening: American Dream mall will open Oct. 25".NorthJersey.com.Archived fromthe originalon July 3, 2019.RetrievedAugust 5,2019.
  12. ^Pries, Allison (September 20, 2019)."American Dream's theme park to open in October. For other attractions, you'll have to wait".NJ.com.RetrievedSeptember 24,2019.
  13. ^abcdefghiPries, Allison (May 20, 2019)."American Dream opening delayed -- again. But now there will be birds, bunnies and Instagram moments".NJ.com. Archived fromthe originalon May 20, 2019.RetrievedMay 21,2019.
  14. ^abBrennan, John (August 11, 2015)."American Dream Meadowlands by the numbers".NorthJersey.com. Archived fromthe originalon February 7, 2016.RetrievedAugust 13,2015.
  15. ^Pries, Allison (December 2, 2018)."Waterslides are being installed at the American Dream mega-mall and it is glorious".NJ.com.RetrievedMarch 17,2019.
  16. ^Brennan, John (February 21, 2013)."Work on American Dream complex set to resume in March, official says".NorthJersey.com.
  17. ^Brennan, John (September 13, 2016)."SpongeBob, Ninja Turtles sign on with American Dream".NorthJersey.com.RetrievedSeptember 15,2016.
  18. ^Thomas, Lauren (October 22, 2019)."More than 17 years in the making, American Dream megamall's story was shaped by retail's upheaval".CNBC.Archived fromthe originalon October 23, 2019.RetrievedNovember 6,2019.
  19. ^Bagli, Charles V. (May 31, 2017)."Looking for (Another) $1.1 Billion to Finish an Amusement Mall".The New York Times.
  20. ^O'Neill, Erin (October 8, 2015)."Dine-in theater with private rooms and '4D' coming to American Dream megamall".NJ.com.RetrievedSeptember 15,2017.
  21. ^Marroquin, Mario (April 4, 2017),American Dream making progress: KidZania latest to lease space,NorthJersey.com
  22. ^McCarthy, Craig (June 29, 2016)."Meadowlands megamall announces its next big entertainment venue".NJ.com.RetrievedSeptember 15,2016.
  23. ^abO'Neill, Erin (October 1, 2015)."Aquarium, Legoland coming to Meadowlands complex".NJ.com.RetrievedSeptember 15,2016.
  24. ^"Kosher Restaurants at American Dream in NJ - Kosher Dunkin, Cinnabon & More".American Dream.Retrieved2023-12-28.
  25. ^Wyshynski, Greg (September 14, 2022)."Metropolitan Riveters to play home games in New Jersey megamall American Dream".ESPN.com.RetrievedNovember 23,2022.
  26. ^Record NewspaperAccessed July 9, 2009.ArchivedFebruary 6, 2009, at theWayback Machine
  27. ^Clunn, Nick (July 26, 2009)."Thousands hop on board new Meadowlands rail service".The Record.Retrieved2009-08-02.
  28. ^Alex, Dan; er."NJ Transit bus service to American Dream mega mall at Meadowlands".New Jersey 101.5.Retrieved2020-03-11.
  29. ^"Directions to MetLife Stadium".MetLife Stadium.RetrievedAugust 9,2023.
  30. ^"ALAN L. WILSON"(PDF).Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2009-03-27.Retrieved2007-12-20.
  31. ^"Extra Indy-Car Incentive".The New York Times.July 20, 1988.Retrieved2009-08-06.
  32. ^Tadema-Wielandt, Michael (March 23, 2002)."Remember when?".www.grandprix.com.Retrieved2011-12-05.
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Meadowlands_Sports_Complex&oldid=1263886652"