“I think the prospects are pretty good”: MetLife Stadium Could Be at Full Capacity for New York Jets and Giants Games in 2021

Both New York franchises played in front of an empty MetLife stadium in 2020, and finished with poor records. However, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is optimistic ahead of the 2021 season.

MetLife Stadium was one of the fields where no spectators were allowed last year due to COVID restrictions. This meant that both the Jets and Giants had to play their 8 homes games in front of 82,500 empty seats.

All things considered, it was a relatively decent season for fans to miss. The Jets looked to be the worst team in the league for the majority of the year, before winning 2 games late and losing the first overall pick to the Jags.

The Giants put up an uninspiring 6-10 record, and somehow only narrowly missed the playoffs. The NFC East was a historically weak division last season, meaning Washington made the playoffs with just 7 wins.

With months left to go before the 2021 season begins, things already look better for both teams after adding important players in the draft.

Moreover, it now looks like their fans will be allowed to return to MetLife, perhaps even at full capacity.

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Will Fans Be Allowed At MetLife Stadium in 2021?

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, New Jersey Governor (MetLife is in NJ) Phil Murphy was asked about the chance of fans occupying the stadium at full capacity. “I think the prospects are pretty good,” he answered.

He did add, however, that this prediction is contingent on the state keeping COVID infections to a minimum. “If we blow through our objectives, there’s a lot higher likelihood the Jets and Giants can sell more tickets,” said Murphy.

Gov. Phil Murphy says chances are ‘pretty good’ for full MetLife Stadium by Week 1, as Giants, Jets await NFL schedule release https://t.co/HAZEHoyW7P

— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) May 10, 2021

As for social distancing measures within the stadium, the CDC will be the ones deciding. According to Murphy, the CDC is likely to update their recommendations soon, which could influence the capacity allowed at MetLife.

“Could you sit beside someone who is not in your family or your bubble?” Murphy asked. “Too early to tell, but there’s a good shot.”