Traveling with sports fans? An NFL stadium tour will give your group an insider’s look at game day and all that goes on behind the scenes
Stadium tours can be a welcome addition to the mix of attractions on any itinerary. For sports fans it can be a wonderful way to experience the game beyond the field, with a look at the locker rooms, broadcast boxes, suites and more. Here are four stadium tours that are sure to impress your group.
1. MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey
MetLife Stadium is home to not one but two NFL franchises, the New York Jets and New York Giants. It has also served as a world stage for major concerts, events and international soccer. Guided stadium tours of MetLife Stadium will take your group to some of the premier spaces, such as the Commissioners Club, Press Box and luxury suites, as well as taking a walk on the field. Private tours are offered Monday thru Friday at three times throughout the day, and tickets must be reserved at least one week in advance. MetLife Stadium is about 10 miles from New York City and conveniently connected by public transportation so your group can easily explore the Big Apple in conjunction with this exciting stadium tour. (metlifestadium.com/stadium/stadium-tours)
2. Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Florida
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers play here and you’re invited to see their stage. Guests get a behind-the-scenes look at the field and locker room. A glance inside a private suite shows how the game should be enjoyed, while a stop at Buccaneer Cove is a must. Raymond James Stadium partners with the University of South Florida Bulls and the Out Bowl. A community with both a historic past and a vibrant new economy, Tampa has much to offer visiting fans. Whether your visit to Tampa is a friends get-together or it’s a multi-generational family sports vacation, a visit to Busch Gardens is a must. Enjoy thrill rides, live music and exotic animals in natural habitats, all in an African setting. For a special meal in Tampa, consider Columbia Restaurant, the nation’s largest Spanish restaurant. (raymondjamesstadium.com/stadiumtours)
3. Bank of America Stadium
Charlotte, North Carolina
The home of the Carolina Panthers offer private stadium tours by request. From your starting point at the ticket office, your group gets a look at what makes an NFL team tick on game day, with visits to the locker room, weight room, suites and club lounges. Sports fan also know Charlotte as the center of NASCAR. Besides the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a high-tech shrine to motorsports culture, there are numerous working race shops in the area and the Charlotte Motor Speedway. If you want to eat like like a local, try Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill. Besides being voted among the best wings in Charlotte, they’re known for Roast Beef on “Weck” (a German-style roll) and the Haddock Fish fry. (panthers.com/stadium/)
4. Arrowhead Stadium
Kansas City, Missouri
Home to the Kansas City Chiefs, Arrowhead Stadium provides guided stadium tours for groups. Plan to spend about an hour-and-a-half. There are plenty of photo opportunities on the field, and you can test your passing skills with a few tosses on the sidelines. You’ll be also be visiting the Chiefs locker rooms to get into the game day mood. As almost any local will say, you cannot come to Kansas City without enjoying a steak dinner. Jess and Jim’s Steakhouse has been a favorite for more than 75 years. (chiefs.com/stadium/tours)
For more group travel inspiration for your next trip, be sure to subscribe for FREE to Leisure Group Travel.
