MetLife Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in the United States and a flagship venue for major international sporting events. Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York City, it is home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets and regularly hosts concerts, international football matches and large-scale spectacles. With crowds often exceeding 80,000, security procedures — particularly around bags — are enforced very strictly.
Why MetLife Stadium has strict bag controls
MetLife Stadium operates within a heavily managed event perimeter. On major matchdays, access routes are controlled, pedestrian flows are separated from vehicle traffic, and security screening begins well before you reach the gates. Because so many spectators arrive within a narrow time window, the stadium relies on a predictable, tightly enforced bag policy to keep entry moving safely and efficiently.
Visitors commonly arrive via shuttle buses from Secaucus Junction, by coach, or from New York City transport hubs. Carrying bulky bags through queues, security screening and long walks around the stadium complex is strongly discouraged.
Book your luggage storage with Stasher before heading to the stadium if you’re travelling with anything larger than a small personal bag.
MetLife Stadium bag policy
MetLife Stadium enforces a clear bag policy, similar to those used across the NFL. While event-specific rules can apply, the standard policy allows:
- Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12” × 6” × 12”.
- One-gallon clear resealable freezer bags.
- Small clutch-style purses, roughly the size of a hand, with or without a strap.
Backpacks, large handbags, camera bags, suitcases and travel luggage are not permitted. All bags are subject to inspection, and there is no on-site luggage storage available for prohibited items.
World Cup 2026: what visitors should know
MetLife Stadium will play a central role in the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosting the final of the tournament alongside several earlier-stage matches. This places it among the most important venues of the entire competition. As part of the expanded 48-team format, World Cup 2026 will feature 104 matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, drawing unprecedented numbers of international fans.
Matchdays at MetLife during the World Cup will involve extremely high attendance, heightened security and significant transport demand. Fans should expect multiple security perimeters, longer screening times and managed arrival slots, particularly for knockout-stage fixtures. Arriving early will be essential, especially for high-profile matches such as the final.
Unlike stadiums located directly in city centres, MetLife sits within a large complex with limited surrounding amenities. World Cup visitors should plan food, transport and timing carefully, and avoid carrying unnecessary items. With summer temperatures and long approach routes, travelling light will make a noticeable difference to comfort on the day.
Getting to MetLife Stadium
On event days, dedicated NJ Transit rail services typically run from Secaucus Junction to the MetLife Stadium Station, alongside coach and shuttle services from key locations. Road access is heavily managed, and parking areas are subject to strict controls. Public transport and official shuttles are usually the most reliable option for large international events.
Travelling with luggage on matchday
Many World Cup fans will be arriving from New York City, nearby airports or onward destinations on the same day as a match. With no luggage storage at the stadium and strict clear-bag enforcement, bringing suitcases or large backpacks to MetLife is not feasible.
Book your luggage storage for MetLife Stadium now if you’re travelling with larger bags or checking out of accommodation before a match.
Storing bags before heading to the stadium
A practical approach is to store luggage in New York City before travelling to New Jersey for the match. This allows you to arrive at MetLife with only an approved clear bag, move through security more quickly, and focus on the World Cup experience rather than logistics.
Book your luggage storage for MetLife Stadium now and arrive prepared for one of the most important fixtures of World Cup 2026.
MetLife Stadium enforces a strict clear-bag policy and does not provide on-site luggage storage. With multiple World Cup 2026 matches scheduled here — including the tournament final — advance planning is essential. By storing luggage beforehand and carrying only approved items, you’ll ensure a smoother, more comfortable experience at one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
