Sunday, August 29, 2010
New Meadowlands Stadium
As we enter the football season, the big story in the stadium world is the opening of the new Meadowlands Stadium to house the Giants and the Jets. As a native of New Jersey, I should feel great pride in this moment. I don't maintain tremendous nostalgia for Giants Stadium, despite seeing Bruce Springsteen four times in that venue. Seating 76,000 in the classic 70's configuration made for a great stadium atmosphere, but it was certainly time (considering the American impatience with older venues) to bring in a new home for football in the Garden State.
From the pictures, however, I am underwhelmed. While recent stadiums for the Cowboys and Cardinals resulted in "Wow" reactions, the new Meadowlands Stadium does not appear to break much new ground, especially given its $1.4 billion price tag. Conventional seating bowl, industrial look from the outside, no great views....perhaps the suites and club level will provide for that magical experience.
That being said, perhaps the focus of this stadium is where it should be, allowing patrons to focus on the game on the field instead of lots of diversions. That design decision would make this Jersey Boy proud of the new venue in the Swamps of Jersey.
From the pictures, however, I am underwhelmed. While recent stadiums for the Cowboys and Cardinals resulted in "Wow" reactions, the new Meadowlands Stadium does not appear to break much new ground, especially given its $1.4 billion price tag. Conventional seating bowl, industrial look from the outside, no great views....perhaps the suites and club level will provide for that magical experience.
That being said, perhaps the focus of this stadium is where it should be, allowing patrons to focus on the game on the field instead of lots of diversions. That design decision would make this Jersey Boy proud of the new venue in the Swamps of Jersey.
