Giants and Jets fans attending games this season at MetLife Stadium will encounter a familiar and welcome experience: normalcy. This comes a year after those teams, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, played in an entirely empty stadium.
MetLife Stadium will be at 100 percent capacity in 2021 in the seating bowls, suites and clubs for all events, with no physical distancing requirements. Face masks are not required for entry and guests are not required to show a negative COVID-19 test or provide proof of vaccination.
Plenty of safety protocols will be in place for the first time. The highlights:
— To reduce touch points, MetLife Stadium has implemented mobile ticketing upon entry, as well as cash-free transactions at all concession stands and retail locations. Giants and Jets games will offer fans mobile ordering and “Grab and Go’’ food and beverage options.
— In accordance with CDC recommendations, fans who are not fully vaccinated should wear masks in indoor public spaces.
— Empty reusable plastic or aluminum water bottles are permitted and can be filled up at water fountains in the stadium.
— Food may be brought into the stadium, as long as it is contained in a clear plastic bag.
— Enhanced and frequent cleaning and disinfecting protocols will be implemented throughout the stadium, including the use of electrostatic sprayers and hospital-grade cleaning supplies.
— Attendants will be stationed in every restroom to clean and disinfect throughout the game or event. Over 450 hand sanitizers will be available throughout the stadium and entrance gates.
— For all interior spaces, HVAC filtration systems have been upgraded to MERV-13 or MERV-15 air filters.
— Tailgating will be permitted in all MetLife Stadium parking lots, unless otherwise designated.
The first NFL game this preseason at MetLife Stadium will be Aug. 14, when the Giants face the Jets in what is a Giants home game. It will be the first NFL game with fans in the building since the Giants-Eagles game Dec. 29, 2019.