You’d think with the billions of dollars flowing through the NFL, every team would have its own backyard. But honestly? It’s not that simple. Building a modern-day "super stadium" costs a fortune—we’re talking billions, not millions—and sometimes, it just makes more sense to split the rent.
Right now, there are exactly four NFL teams that share stadiums.
The New York Giants and the New York Jets do it at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Out west, the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers share the high-tech SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. That’s it. Just two buildings for four of the biggest brands in professional sports.
It sounds like a logistical nightmare, doesn't it? Well, it is. But the way they pull it off is actually pretty fascinating.
The "New York" Dynamic: MetLife Stadium
First off, let's address the elephant in the room. Neither of these teams actually plays in New York. They’re in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
MetLife Stadium opened in 2010. It cost about $1.6 billion, which was a staggering number back then. What makes this setup unique is that the Giants and Jets are 50/50 partners. They split the costs, and they split the profits.
The Overnight Transformation
Have you ever wondered how they change the field so fast? If the Giants play a 1:00 PM game on Sunday and the Jets have a Monday Night Football slot, the crew goes into overdrive.
- The End Zones: They use tray systems. Basically, they swap out the massive "GIANTS" turf sections for "JETS" sections.
- The Lighting: The exterior of MetLife is famous for its aluminum louvers. They glow blue for the Giants and green for the Jets. It takes a few button clicks to change the "vibe" of the entire building.
- The Branding: Everything from the wall padding to the digital displays has to be flipped.
I’ve heard from stadium staff that these "changeovers" are basically a military operation. They have less than 24 hours to scrub one team’s identity and plaster the other’s everywhere. It’s a frantic, coffee-fueled race against the clock.
The Los Angeles Experiment: SoFi Stadium
Then you have the West Coast version. SoFi Stadium is a different beast entirely. It’s arguably the most impressive piece of architecture in sports, costing over $5 billion.
But here’s the kicker: The Rams and Chargers aren't "equal" partners like the New York teams. Stan Kroenke, the Rams owner, built the place. He owns it. The Chargers are essentially the world’s most high-profile tenants. They reportedly pay $1 a year in rent but had to give up a massive chunk of their seat license revenue to help fund the construction.
Why the Turf Matters
In California, everyone loves natural grass. But you can't have two NFL teams—plus concerts, college games, and the World Cup—beating up a grass field every week. It would turn into a mud pit by October.
That’s why SoFi uses Hellas Matrix Turf. It’s artificial. It’s the only way to ensure the field doesn't look like a construction site when the second team kicks off on a Sunday night.
The Scheduling Headache
The NFL schedule makers probably have nightmares about these two buildings. Because the league uses a very strict formula for games, there are years where both New York teams are supposed to be "home" on the same weekend.
When that happens, one team usually plays Thursday or Monday. Or, they do the "doubleheader" Sunday where one team plays at 1:00 PM and the other at 8:20 PM. Can you imagine the traffic? 80,000 people leaving while another 80,000 are trying to get into the same parking lot. It’s pure chaos.
Why Don't More Teams Do This?
If it saves money, why doesn't everyone share?
Basically, it's about ego and "home-field advantage." Most owners want a building that screams their brand 365 days a year. They want the statues, the Hall of Fame, and the permanent locker rooms.
Speaking of locker rooms, MetLife and SoFi have separate ones. The Jets have their own permanent home, and the Giants have theirs. They never have to smell each other’s laundry. Even the visitors get their own designated spaces. It’s a way to maintain some level of "territory" in a shared house.
Surprising Facts About Stadium Sharing
Most people think it’s just a modern thing, but the history is pretty messy.
- The 1975 Nightmare: For one year, the Giants, Jets, Yankees, and Mets all shared Shea Stadium. It was the only time in history four pro teams used the same venue in one season. The grass didn't stand a chance.
- College Crossovers: While only four NFL teams share with each other, many share with colleges. The Steelers share Acrisure Stadium with the Pitt Panthers. The Eagles share Lincoln Financial Field with Temple.
- The Locker Room "Curse": In the old days of sharing, teams sometimes had to move their stuff out so the other team could move in. Now, with dedicated locker rooms, players don't even see the "other guys'" logos.
What’s Next for Shared Stadiums?
We’re seeing a shift. The Chicago Bears are currently fighting to get their own stadium in the suburbs because they're tired of being tenants at Soldier Field (which is owned by the city).
However, with construction costs soaring toward $6 billion for new venues, I wouldn't be surprised if more teams start looking at their neighbors and wondering if they can split the bill. It’s just too expensive to go solo anymore.
Take Action: How to Experience a "Shared" Game
If you’re a fan, there are a few things you should do if you plan on visiting MetLife or SoFi:
- Check the "Flip": If you can, book a stadium tour on a Saturday when the team playing on Sunday is different from the one that played Thursday. You can often see the crews halfway through the branding change.
- Parking Logistics: If there’s a "doubleheader" weekend, stay far away from the stadium until at least three hours after the first game ends. The gridlock is real.
- The Shop Trick: The team stores at these stadiums are massive. They often have "hidden" sections for the team that isn't playing that day, but they’ll prioritize the "home" team’s gear on the main racks.
Sharing a stadium is a business move, plain and simple. It’s about efficiency over tradition. While fans might hate the lack of a "pure" home, the reality is that these billion-dollar cathedrals are just too big to stand empty for 350 days a year.
Next Steps for Your Trip: If you're heading to a game at a shared stadium, download the specific stadium app (like the SoFi Stadium app) rather than just the team app. It usually has better real-time data on gate entries and concession wait times that are calibrated for the massive crowds these shared venues attract.