About Sports Illustrated Stadium
Sports Illustrated Stadium sits in the Riverbend District of Harrison, New Jersey โ across the Passaic River from Newark and just 7 miles west of Lower Manhattan. With 25,000 seats, itโs a purpose-built soccer venue that prioritizes atmosphere over sheer size. The first row is 21 feet from the touchlines. The stands are raked at 33 degrees. There is no running track. Every seat was designed to feel like youโre on top of the pitch.
The stadium is home to the New York Red Bulls (MLS) and NJ/NY Gotham FC (NWSL). Originally opened as Red Bull Arena in March 2010, it was renamed Sports Illustrated Stadium in December 2024 as part of a 13-year naming rights deal โ the first venue in the iconic brandโs 70-year history to carry its name.
The defining feature is the 360-degree cantilevered canopy โ 322,276 square feet of tensioned membrane fabric covering every seat, the largest roof of any MLS stadium. Designed by Rossetti Architects, who studied European soccer venues, the canopy uses three types of lightweight fabric membrane to create a translucent, shell-like structure that traps crowd noise and reflects it back onto the field. The upper bowlโs galvanized metal decking was an intentional choice โ fans can amplify the atmosphere by stomping their feet.
Beyond MLS, the stadium has hosted CONCACAF Gold Cup matches (2011, 2013, 2017), the 2011 MLS All-Star Game against Manchester United, USMNT and USWNT internationals, and FC Barcelona in a 2022 friendly. For the 2026 World Cup, it will serve as an official training site for teams playing at nearby MetLife Stadium.
Getting to Sports Illustrated Stadium
Public Transit
The PATH train is by far the best way to get here. Harrison Station is directly adjacent to the stadium โ a 5-minute walk from the gates.
โ From World Trade Center (Manhattan): Take the Newark-bound PATH train directly to Harrison Station. About 25 minutes, $2.75 each way.
โ From Midtown Manhattan: Take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Newark Penn Station, then transfer to the Newark-bound PATH and ride one stop to Harrison.
The station is well-signed on match days, and the walk to the stadium is straightforward โ northeast on Harrison Avenue, right onto Cape May Street.
Driving + Parking
The stadium is at 600 Cape May Street, Harrison, NJ 07029 โ accessible from the NJ Turnpike and I-280.
โ From Manhattan (~9 mi): Lincoln Tunnel to NJ Turnpike South, exit at I-280 East toward Harrison. About 25-30 minutes.
โ From Newark (~4 mi): I-280 East or surface streets south. About 10-15 minutes.
โ From Brooklyn (~15 mi): Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to NJ Turnpike, exit at I-280 East. About 30-40 minutes.
Harrison public lots (A, B, C) charge $15-$30, cashless only. Street parking in the Riverbend District is limited. The PATH train is the smart play โ parking fills up and post-match traffic is painful.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft serve the stadium area. Drop-off is on Pete Higgins Boulevard near the Toyota Gate. Post-match pickup is directed over the Jackson Street Bridge or north up Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard. Expect $25-$40 from Manhattan depending on surge.
Pro tip: The PATH train is faster and cheaper than rideshare for most Manhattan-based fans. Save the Uber for the trip home if youโre out late.
From the Airport
โ Newark Liberty International (EWR): 4 miles west, about 15-20 minutes by car. Take the AirTrain to Newark Penn Station, then PATH to Harrison โ about 25-30 minutes total and the most reliable option.
โ LaGuardia (LGA): 15 miles northeast, about 30-40 minutes by car. No direct transit link โ rideshare is your best bet.
โ JFK International (JFK): 28 miles east, about 40-55 minutes by car. Doable but not ideal.
History of Sports Illustrated Stadium
The stadiumโs story begins with Red Bull GmbHโs acquisition of the MetroStars in 2006 and the immediate ambition to build a world-class soccer-specific venue. Architect Rossetti toured European stadiums before designing a 25,000-seat bowl with no compromises โ steep sightlines, a translucent canopy, and an intimacy that larger multi-sport venues canโt match. Groundbreaking took place on September 19, 2006, in Harrisonโs Riverbend District โ a former industrial zone undergoing redevelopment along the Passaic River. After construction delays, the $200 million venue opened on March 20, 2010, with the Red Bulls defeating Santos FC of Brazil 3-1 before a sellout crowd.
- Inaugural Match (March 20, 2010): New York Red Bulls 3, Santos FC 1 before 25,000 fans. The stadiumโs first competitive match.
- MLS All-Star Game (July 27, 2011): Manchester United defeats the MLS All-Stars 4-0 in the first All-Star Game in the NY metro area since 1997.
- Gold Cup Matches (2011, 2013, 2017): The stadium becomes a regular CONCACAF Gold Cup venue, hosting group stage and knockout matches.
- Safe Standing Installed (2020): The South Ward (Sections 101, 102, 133) converts to rail seating โ home to the Empire Supporters Club and Viking Army.
- Naming Rights Change (December 11, 2024): Red Bull Arena becomes Sports Illustrated Stadium in a 13-year, nine-figure deal โ the first stadium to carry the Sports Illustrated name.
- Record Home Win (May 10, 2025): Red Bulls defeat the LA Galaxy 7-0, the most goals scored at home in club history.
Photo Gallery
Fun Facts
The 322,276-square-foot tensioned membrane canopy is the largest roof of any MLS stadium, covering all 25,000 seats with a 360-degree cantilevered design.
The upper bowl uses galvanized metal decking so fans can amplify noise by stomping their feet โ an intentional design choice to create one of the loudest soccer venues in America.
Sports Illustrated Stadium is the first venue in the brand's 70+ year history to carry the Sports Illustrated name, part of a 13-year deal worth over $100 million.
Stadium Location
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get to Sports Illustrated Stadium from Manhattan?
- Take the PATH train from World Trade Center to Harrison Station โ a direct ride of about 25 minutes. The station is a 5-minute walk from the stadium. The fare is $2.75 each way.
- Is Sports Illustrated Stadium the same as Red Bull Arena?
- Yes. The stadium was renamed from Red Bull Arena to Sports Illustrated Stadium in December 2024 as part of a 13-year naming rights agreement. It is the first venue to carry the Sports Illustrated name.
- Does Sports Illustrated Stadium have a roof?
- The stadium features a 360-degree cantilevered canopy that covers all 25,000 seats. At 322,276 square feet, it is the largest roof canopy in MLS. About 60 feet of the roof is translucent, allowing natural light onto the pitch.
- How much does parking cost at Sports Illustrated Stadium?
- Harrison public parking lots range from $15-$30 and are cashless only. Multiple surface lots and a parking garage are available within walking distance.
- What teams play at Sports Illustrated Stadium?
- The New York Red Bulls (MLS) and NJ/NY Gotham FC (NWSL) both play their home matches here. The venue also hosts international soccer matches, Gold Cup games, and concerts.
- How close are the seats to the field?
- The first row of seating is just 21 feet from the touchlines, and the stands are raked at a steep 33-degree angle. The soccer-specific design puts fans exceptionally close to the action with no running track.
- Will Sports Illustrated Stadium be used for the 2026 World Cup?
- World Cup matches will be played at nearby MetLife Stadium, but Sports Illustrated Stadium and the adjacent Red Bull Training Facility will serve as official training sites for participating teams.
- Can you tailgate at Sports Illustrated Stadium?
- Tailgating is technically prohibited in the official parking areas but generally tolerated by staff. Open-flame grills and oil fryers are not allowed. The Viking Army supporters' tailgate area charges approximately $20 for entry.
Last updated: 2026-02-26
