Flash back just two seasons ago to when the Jets fan base was supporting Gang Green at their old stomping grounds. On any given Sunday, thousands of supporters came out to cheer for their team -- no matter how frigid the temperature.
But the game experience for fans at Giants Stadium possessed a more ‘traditional' game day atmosphere with little extracurricular activity. Fans either tailgated ... or entered the stadium, sat in their seat and watched the game.
Thanks to MetLife Central, things are changing -- in a positive way.
MetLife is one of the four major ‘cornerstones' sponsors of New Meadowlands Stadium. They created 'MetLife Central', a three-level interactive space which utilizes interactive exhibits to enhance fans' experience at games, all for free.
MLC holds many contests and giveaways. On Sunday, they held a Halloween costume party on the plaza stage where fans that were in costume were eligible to win prizes. Adults were awarded Coaches Club tickets for a future game, and a couple of lucky youths even got the opportunity to step foot onto the field with Peanuts characters during halftime!
I was lucky enough to experience it first hand as they hosted me in their executive suite; and I have to say it was one of the most fun sporting event experiences I've attended.
MetLife's associates devote their hours spent at the stadium to ensuring Jets fans not only enjoy the game, but also come away with some free stuff as well. And yeah, I think we can all agree everyone loves free stuff.
(Former Jets QB Glenn Foley signs an autograph for a lucky fan at MetLife Central.)
For every Jets home game at NMS, MetLIfe Central brings in a former New York Jet to sign autographs for the public. Fans can stand in line for a short period of time, then literally walk right up to and interact with the player as well as receive an autograph!
The official MLC lock is an amazing sight and great meeting place for Jets fans. It's a stadium landmark which fans can view from afar. It is a meeting place near the gate where fans can get together to win prizes.
MetLife is reaching out to all demographics of Jets fans: Families, high school or college students and also young children. Remember, all one needs to do to be eligible for these great prizes is to sign up for a Countdown Card, and that can be done by clicking (here). Fans can even win tickets to a future game just by signing up for a card, so sign up and get on board, now!
The Jets have always been supported by a blue collar fan base; MetLife is doing their best to fill NMS and keep it that way, and they're doing it right in our own backyard.