In a major power play for the North Jersey sports and entertainment market, American Express and MetLife Stadium announced a long-term partnership on Wednesday, naming the financial giant the Official Payments Partner of the stadium and its two NFL tenants, the New York Jets and the New York Giants.
The deal officially brings the East Rutherford venue into the American Express Venue Collection™, a portfolio of world-class facilities where card members receive “front-of-the-line” perks. The partnership is set to go live for MetLife Stadium just in time for the 2026 NFL season later this year.
MetLife Stadium, which holds the largest seating capacity in the NFL at 82,500, was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for ticket revenue in 2024. This partnership aims to capitalize on that massive foot traffic by offering eligible American Express Card Members:
- Amex Presale Tickets®: Early access to tickets for concerts and special events at the stadium.
- Concession Credits: Exclusive offers to earn statement credits on food and beverage purchases.
- Enhanced Fan Experiences: Dedicated on-site activations and “customer-first” services synonymous with the Amex brand.
“The New York Giants, New York Jets, and MetLife Stadium are honored to welcome American Express as a partner,” Ron VanDeVeen, president and CEO of MetLife Stadium said. “Together we will offer the world’s best customer experience on the world’s biggest stage.”
The New Jersey announcement was part of a broader expansion for American Express, which also unveiled similar “Founding Partner” agreements with Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the Atlanta Falcons, and Atlanta United.
This aggressive push into the NFL and MLS sectors follows a successful partnership launch last year with the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. By securing the two largest metropolitan markets on the East Coast, Amex is positioning itself as the premier lifestyle brand for sports and music fans.
“Recognizing the importance of sports and music fandom, we are creating even more value for our customers across moments that matter to them,” Elizabeth Rutledge, chief marketing officer at American Express said.
As MetLife Stadium continues to lead the nation in ticket sales and revenue, the integration of a global payments leader like American Express is expected to further boost per-capita spending at the venue. Furthermore, the partnership highlights the stadium’s ongoing appeal as a top-tier destination for global brands, particularly as it continues its commitment to the UN’s “Sports for Climate Action Framework” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
