SportBusiness.com

Jets and Giants play first fixture in $1.6bn NFL stadium

Last night saw NFL team New York Giants take on local rivals New York Jets in the first football game to be played at their new $1.6 billion New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Only soccer exhibitions and concerts had previously been held in the stadium.

Although a pre-season game, the match attracted attention because of the 82,500-seater stadium - which has been the subject of some controversy regarding financing ahead of its completion. Critics have complained about a variety of issues - from the use of public money to fund the stadium construction through to the price of tickets.

The price of luxury corporate boxes has also come under particular scrutiny - with many companies reluctant to splash out the $150,000 to $500,000 a season required.

It was the first time since the 1983 season that the Jets and Giants met for their opening pre-season game.

As yet, the downturn in the economy means the stadium has yet to secure a naming-rights partner. The price-tag for the naming rights is understood to be around $30 million a season.

New Meadowlands will host the 2014 Super Bowl.