Commercial Projects

Skanska Begins Massive Upgrade of MetLife Stadium

The stadium will host FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including the final.

Updated on

March 10, 2024

Swedish construction giant Skanska has begun a massive upgrade of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, US, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The scope of the project involves the renovation of the lower bowl of MetLife Stadium, which will host eight World Cup matches, including the final.

Skanska, the Nordic region’s biggest builder, will demolish the four corners of the pre-existing precast seating throughout the stadium and install a modular steel seating system.

The company will also oversee the adjustment of mechanical, electrical, audiovisual, and plumbing installations and the removal of 1,740 permanent seats.

This will enlarge the field to comply with FIFA’s size requirements.

According to Sean Szatkowski, executive vice president and general manager with Skanska USA Building, the contractor is ready and up for the challenge at hand.

“Having started our original work at MetLife Stadium back in 2010, this project presents the unique and exciting challenge of making the necessary adjustments needed to meet FIFA requirements,” Szatkowski said in a news release.

This means that MetLife Stadium Skanska is going to be done in two phases to ensure minimum disturbance to the already existing stadium activity and team schedules.

Phase one of the project started in January and is expected to be completed by May. Phase two will start in January 2025 and end in May of the same year.

In 2010, Skanska completed the construction of MetLife Stadium, covering 2.2 million square feet. This state-of-the-art open-air stadium accommodates 82,500 spectators and features 222 luxury suite boxes.

Notably, it was the inaugural facility designed for two National Football League (NFL) teams, the New York Football Giants and the New York Jets.

Beyond NFL events, the stadium hosts concerts, entertainment, and various sports activities. Notably, it served as the venue for Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

MetLife Stadium Highlights

Seating capacity: With a seating capacity of 82,500, MetLife Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in the NFL. It can be expanded to accommodate more than 90,000 spectators for special events.

Luxury suites: MetLife Stadium features 222 luxury suites, offering premium amenities and excellent views of the field. These suites contribute significantly to the stadium’s revenue and fan experience.

Super Bowl: MetLife Stadium hosted Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014, making it the first outdoor, cold-weather Super Bowl in the history of the NFL. The game featured the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks.