Staying Cool: Canopy Tents and Shade at MetLife in July

Tailgating in New Jersey during the World Cup means facing the brutal reality of July weather. The vast asphalt parking lots around MetLife Stadium act as a heat sink, pushing temperatures well above 90°F (32°C). Without proper shade, your group will be exhausted and dehydrated before the match even begins. The solution is the pop-up canopy tent, the most vital piece of equipment you can bring.

The 10x10 Rule

The standard tailgate canopy is 10 feet by 10 feet. It is large enough to shade a folding table and a few chairs, but compact enough to fold into the trunk of an SUV. MetLife Stadium parking regulations state that you must keep your tent within the boundaries of your single parking space (typically directly behind your car). You cannot block the driving lanes with your tent, or parking attendants will force you to take it down.

Securing Your Shade

• The Danger of Wind:

  The Meadowlands area is notoriously windy, as it sits in a flat, marshy basin. A sudden gust of wind can easily pick up an unsecured canopy and send it tumbling across the lot, causing massive damage to surrounding vehicles.

• Weights, Not Stakes:

  Because you are on asphalt, you cannot use traditional camping stakes to secure the tent. You must use canopy weights. Sandbags or specially designed water weights that wrap around the legs of the tent are mandatory. In a pinch, bungie cording the tent legs to heavy coolers works.

• Maximizing Airflow:

  Avoid buying tents with solid side walls. They trap the heat and act like a sail in the wind. You want maximum cross-ventilation. A simple overhead canopy is the best defense against the mid-day sun.

Do not skip the canopy. Standing in direct sunlight for four hours on black asphalt will ruin your matchday experience. If you are renting a car, buy a cheap canopy from a local sporting goods store and consider it an essential tax on your trip.