MetLife Stadium to Host Record 24 Concerts This Summer

East Rutherford, New Jersey — This summer, MetLife Stadium is set to become a major entertainment hub, hosting a record 24 concerts and various events, including the FIFA Club World Cup. The busy schedule kicks off with a two-night concert by Kendrick Lamar and SZA on May 8 and 9.

Ron VanDeVeen, President and CEO of MetLife Stadium, shared his excitement with NJ Advance Media, stating, “It’s going to be epic.” The stadium’s 2023 schedule includes appearances from major artists such as Shakira, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and a reunion show from Oasis, among others.

According to VanDeVeen, the stadium’s infrastructure allows for a seamless transition between events. He explained that artists will be able to customize their performances while sharing the same basic stage setup. This innovation enables the venue to host multiple performances within a tight schedule, reducing setup time significantly.

“We are now doing the turnaround after the first concert in less than 24 hours, and we will do that three times,” he said. This creative stage-sharing arrangement is a first for the stadium, according to Steve Sansonese, vice president of facility operations and events.

In addition to concerts, the arena will host WWE‘s SummerSlam on August 2 and 3, marking the first time WrestleMania has been back since 2019. Sansonese highlighted the extensive planning around this two-day event, which has been over a year in the making.

MetLife Stadium has a seating capacity of 82,500 and is designed to function smoothly as a multipurpose facility. It is conveniently located near major metropolitan areas, drawing fans from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Philadelphia.

<pThe stadium’s historical significance returns to mind as it prepares for summer events. VanDeVeen recalls the hectic summer of 1994, when the stadium, then known as Giants Stadium, was transformed quickly between events. This summer, the schedule includes a performance by Zach Bryan shortly after the FIFA Club World Cup final.

Looking ahead, VanDeVeen is optimistic about the future, noting that next year will also feature the World Cup along with another packed slate of concerts.