MetLife Stadium 2025: Upcoming Games, Concerts & Must-Grab Ticket Deals

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford is about to become the epicenter of pop-culture traffic as Beyoncé’s record-setting “Cowboy Carter Tour” gallops in for five nearly sold-out nights on May 22, 24, 25, 28 and 29. The venue, already trending thanks to Shakira’s mid-May shows and a brief NJ Transit labor scare, is primed for massive crowds, gridlocked roads and a spike in last-minute ticket searches. Here’s everything fans—and search engines—need to know. H2: Beyoncé at MetLife Stadium: show times, setlist buzz, last-minute tickets • Gates open 5:30 p.m.; music is scheduled for 7 p.m. but Beyoncé has been hitting the stage closer to 8 p.m. • The 39-song setlist fuses country, house and R&B, with viral moments such as the “Texas Hold ’Em” line-dance and surprise Jersey-only guest appearances, according to early reviews. • Official resale uploads on Ticketmaster and verified exchanges are dropping below $180 for upper-bowl seats; use “MetLife Stadium tickets Beyoncé” in searches for real-time inventory. H2: MetLife Stadium parking & clear bag policy—plan before you drive • Lots open at 2 p.m.; general parking is $44 when purchased in advance and tailgating is permitted until two hours after the encore. • Ride-share drop-off/pick-up sits in Lot E outside the Verizon Gate—expect surge pricing after 11 p.m. • NFL clear-bag rules apply: 12″ × 6″ × 12″ transparent totes or a 1-gallon freezer bag; non-clear clutches must stay under 4.5″ × 6.5″. H2: Beating the traffic: NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail back on track A tentative engineers’ strike that threatened service earlier this month has been resolved, and full rail and bus schedules will run for the Beyoncé shows. Depart from Secaucus Junction for a direct 15-minute ride straight to the stadium gates—search “NJ Transit to MetLife Stadium schedule” for live departure boards. H2: Health alert recap: measles exposure at Shakira concert The New Jersey Department of Health is still monitoring a May 15 measles case linked to Shakira’s stop at MetLife; no secondary infections have been confirmed, but officials urge anyone unvaccinated who attended either Shakira night to watch for symptoms through June 5. The stadium says enhanced sanitation and additional hand-washing stations will remain in place for the Beyoncé run. H2: Weather & what to wear for an open-air mega-show Late-May evenings in the Meadowlands can dip to the low-60s with occasional drizzle. Pack a light rain jacket that fits the clear-bag specs; umbrellas are prohibited. Stiletto heels sink into asphalt seams—boots or sneakers are the comfort play for Beyoncé’s two-plus-hour dance marathon. H2: Nearby food, pre-show hangouts and hotel hacks • American Dream mall, a five-minute Uber away, offers quick bites and indoor parking validation. • In-stadium concessions are cash-free—load your digital wallet before arrival. • Hotels in Secaucus and Hoboken still show sub-$250 rates for weeknight shows; use “hotels near MetLife Stadium” filters and sort by shuttle availability. H2: Quick checklist for MetLife Stadium concerts in 2025 1. Download your mobile tickets to Apple/Google Wallet before you leave home. 2. Screenshot stadium maps so you’re not data-dependent in heavy-cell traffic. 3. Arrive by 6 p.m. to clear security, hit merch stands and catch the opener’s 7 p.m. slot. 4. Snap a photo of your parking row or NJ Transit train schedule to avoid post-show gridlock. 5. Follow @MetLifeStadium on X for real-time weather, gate and merch alerts. With meticulous preparation, a clear bag and a little cowboy flair, you’ll be ready to turn MetLife Stadium into the biggest rodeo in the Tri-State. Search-friendly tip: keep “MetLife Stadium parking,” “MetLife clear bag policy” and “Beyoncé MetLife setlist” bookmarked for live updates all week long.