MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and Giants, has been designated as a "Mission Ready" venue by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This designation is part of a new partnership between FEMA and the National Football League (NFL) to identify venues that can serve a variety of emergency functions during disasters. MetLife Stadium is one of the first NFL venues to receive this designation.
The "Mission Ready" designation identifies the ways MetLife Stadium could be used for response and recovery activities during declared emergencies or disasters. The stadium could quickly transform into a shelter, evacuation point, mass vaccination site, or even a temporary hospital.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said, “During large-scale emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, or tornados, we’ve seen how large music, sports and entertainment venues can serve as a safe space for communities.”
The designation is part of a public-private partnership, and MetLife Stadium will increase its capabilities to better sustain public safety and be a source of support for the community they serve. MetLife Stadium President and CEO Ron VanDeVeen expressed his honor at the stadium being one of the first NFL venues designated as a Mission Ready Venue.
The designation is for five-year increments with a yearly check-in to ensure continued readiness of the venue. Redesignation will be necessary every five years.