MetLife Stadium’s name change leaves N.J. as second fiddle. What else is new?
A FIFA policy requires the Meadowlands venue to strip its corporate name before hosting eight matches starting in June, including the July 19 final.
What do commuters on Route 3 in northern New Jersey have in common with the billions of soccer fans expected to tune into the World Cup this June? They won’t see the “MetLife” logo on the stadium that will host the world’s most-watched sporting event. Some motorists who drive by the home of the Jets and Giants at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford may have noticed a banner reading “We Are New York New Jersey,” signaling a temporary name change from MetLife Stadium .
And no, not even “New Jersey New York” even though the stadium is in the Garden State. View this post on Instagram FIFA said the temporary renaming of MetLife Stadium to New York New Jersey Stadium is in response to FIFA’s rule prohibiting venues named for corporations from hosting World Cup events. “In line with its brand protection policy , FIFA protects its brands and the exclusive rights of its sponsors, including clean zones around FIFA World Cup stadiums and other event sites,” a FIFA spokesperson told NJ.
com in an email. “FIFA is working closely with stadium authorities and host cities to implement these requirements in a manner consistent with previous editions of the tournament, while taking into account the unique infrastructure and operational considerations at each venue. ” The name change was previously reported by NorthJersey.
com . The stadium formerly known as MetLife will host eight World Cup matches starting on June 13 with Brazil vs. Morocco, culminating in the final on July 19.