What Red Bull Arena is and where it sits

Red Bull Arena is the home stadium of the New York Red Bulls, an MLS team that plays in the Eastern Conference. The stadium opened in 2010 in Harrison, New Jersey, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan. It holds about 25,000 people and was built specifically for the Red Bulls — before that, the team played at Giants Stadium, which it shared with the NFL's New York Giants.

The location in Harrison puts the stadium in Hudson County, roughly 10 miles west of Midtown Manhattan. If you're coming from New York City, you can take NJ Transit buses or drive across the Holland Tunnel or Lincoln Tunnel and head south into New Jersey. Parking is available at the stadium itself, though it fills up on match days.

Key Takeaways

  • Red Bull Arena opened in 2010 in Harrison, New Jersey, and holds about 25,000 spectators for Red Bulls matches.
  • The stadium is accessible by car from New York City via the Holland Tunnel or Lincoln Tunnel, or by NJ Transit bus service.
  • Red Bulls play 17 home matches per regular season, typically from March through October, with playoff matches possible in November.
  • Tickets are sold through the Red Bulls' official website and Ticketmaster, with prices varying by opponent and seat location.
  • The stadium has concessions, restrooms, and accessible seating areas, though you should arrive early on match days for parking and entry.

Getting to Red Bull Arena from New York City

Most people driving from Manhattan take either the Holland Tunnel or the Lincoln Tunnel into New Jersey, then head south on local roads toward Harrison. The drive is usually 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and which part of the city you're starting from. If you're coming during evening rush hour on a match day, allow extra time.

NJ Transit also runs bus service to the stadium. The #191 bus runs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan directly to Red Bull Arena on match days. The trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This is often faster and cheaper than driving and parking, especially if you're traveling alone or don't want to deal with traffic.

If you're coming from other parts of New Jersey, you can drive directly or use NJ Transit local bus routes. The stadium address is 600 Cape May Street, Harrison, NJ 07029, which you can enter into a GPS or mapping app.

The Red Bulls' regular season and match schedule

The Red Bulls play 17 home matches during the MLS regular season, which runs from March through October. The exact dates change each year, so you'll need to check the Red Bulls' official website or the MLS website to see the full schedule. Matches are typically played on weekends (Saturday or Sunday) or on Wednesday or Thursday evenings.

If the Red Bulls make the MLS Playoffs, they may host additional matches in November. The number of playoff matches depends on how far they advance — a team can play anywhere from one to three home playoff matches if they reach the conference finals or MLS Cup.

The Red Bulls also play in the U.S. Open Cup, a separate tournament that runs alongside the regular season. Some of those matches are at Red Bull Arena, though the schedule varies year to year.

Buying tickets and seat options

Tickets to Red Bulls matches are sold through the team's official website (redbulls.com) and through Ticketmaster. Prices vary depending on the opponent, the day of the week, and where the seat is located in the stadium. A match against a rival like New York City FC or Philadelphia Union will cost more than a match against a team from the western conference.

The stadium has general seating areas, premium seating, and club seating with better views and amenities. Single-game tickets go on sale several weeks before each match. If you plan to attend multiple matches, the Red Bulls offer season ticket plans and partial-season packages that cost less per match than buying single tickets.

Tickets can sell out for popular matches, especially derbies against other New York-area teams. If a match is sold out through official channels, resale sites like StubHub and SeatGeek sometimes have tickets available, though prices may be higher than face value.

What to bring and what to expect on match day

Arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff if you're driving, so you have time to park and get through the gates. The stadium has bag checks at entry, so expect a short line. You can bring a small bag or backpack, but large bags and professional cameras are typically not allowed.

The stadium has concessions throughout the building — food, drinks, and merchandise stands. Prices are higher than outside the stadium, so budget accordingly. You can also bring your own water bottle (empty, to be filled at fountains inside) to save money.

Restrooms are located throughout the stadium. The facility is accessible for people with mobility issues, and the Red Bulls offer accessible seating and parking. If you need accessible seating, contact the Red Bulls' ticket office in advance.

Parking and transportation on match day

Red Bull Arena has a large parking lot on the grounds. Parking costs vary — it's usually between $10 and $20 per vehicle depending on the match. Lots fill up quickly on popular match days, so arriving early helps. Parking is first-come, first-served in most cases.

If you take the NJ Transit bus from Manhattan, you don't need to worry about parking. The bus drops you off near the stadium entrance and picks you up after the match. This is often the easiest option if you're traveling from the city and don't want to drive.

After the match, traffic leaving the parking lot can be heavy. If you're not in a rush, waiting 20 to 30 minutes for the lot to clear can make the drive back easier. If you took the bus, it will wait for fans to exit the stadium before heading back to Manhattan.

Stadium amenities and what's nearby

Red Bull Arena has standard stadium amenities: concession stands, restrooms, merchandise shops, and seating for all price levels. The stadium itself doesn't have a hotel or major entertainment complex attached, so plan to eat before or after the match rather than expecting restaurants at the venue.

Harrison has some restaurants and shops within walking distance of the stadium, but the area is not a major entertainment district. Most fans either eat at the stadium or head to a nearby restaurant before heading home. If you're coming from Manhattan, you might eat in the city before taking the bus to the match.

The Red Bulls' training facility is also in the Harrison area, though it's not open to the public on match days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Red Bull Arena?

Outside food and drinks are not allowed into the stadium. You can bring an empty water bottle to fill at fountains inside. Concessions are available throughout the stadium, though prices are higher than outside.

What time should I arrive for a match?

If you're driving, arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to allow time for parking and entry. If you're taking the bus, aim to arrive 60 to 75 minutes early. Gates typically open 90 minutes before the match starts.

Is Red Bull Arena accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes. The stadium has accessible parking, accessible seating, and accessible restrooms. Contact the Red Bulls' ticket office in advance if you need accessible seating so they can reserve the right location for you.

What's the cheapest way to get to Red Bull Arena from Manhattan?

The NJ Transit #191 bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal is usually the cheapest option. It costs less than parking at the stadium and avoids rush-hour traffic. The trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance, or can I buy them at the gate?

You can buy tickets in advance online or at the gate on match day, depending on availability. Popular matches often sell out in advance, so buying ahead is safer if you want to may provide a seat.