Discussion of a new stadium in the Meadowlands began in the 1960s, beginning when a local sportswriter proposed building two stadiums in East Rutherford; one for both football and baseball. The New York Giants were targeted for this project because they had been playing at the aging Yankee Stadium for many years. Home of the New York Yankees, Yankee Stadium was originally built for baseball and began to deteriorate by the late 1960s. On August 27, 1971 the Giants signed a 30 year lease agreement to move to a new stadium to be constructed in the Meadowlands. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority was formed to finance, construct and maintain the stadium. No public funding was used to finance the stadium. Originally scheduled to be completed by 1975, several obstacles forced the opening of the stadium to be pushed back by a year. While the stadium was constructed the Giants played the 1973 and 1974 seasons at the Yale Bowl, and the 1975 season at Shea Stadium.

Named after the team, Giants Stadium opened on October 10, 1976. Over 77,000 seats in three tiers circle the entire playing field. Two scoreboard/video-boards are located above the upper deck beyond both end zones. The Giants were the primary tenant at the stadium until 1984, when the New York Jets moved from Shea Stadium to the stadium. On September 6, 1984, the Jets played their first game at the stadium. During their first several seasons, the move to Giants Stadium seemed like it may have been an unwise move. At many Jets games the stands were half empty and the stadium lacked the characteristics to make it seems like it was the Jets true home. From its opening in 1976 until 2000, the stadium's playing surface was Astroturf. In 2000, it was replaced with natural grass. However, after the 2002 season the grass field was replaced with Fieldturf. Giants Stadium has over 70 luxury suites, and also has an enormous restaurant that can seat 2,000 people. The stadium is also host to many concerts, the NY/NJ Metro Stars (MLS), and many other events. Currently, nearly all Giants and Jets games sellout on a regular basis. However, because Giants Stadium lacks many amenities that newer stadiums in the NFL have today both the Giants and Jets have partnered together in an effort to build a new stadium adjacent to Giants Stadium. The new Meadowlands stadium will open in 2010.

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