Local businesses charge World Cup partiers thousands for offsite tailgates due to MetLife ban: We had to jump on the wagon

The tail-gatekeepers have spoken.World Cup fever has been gripping fervent soccer fans since mid-June, with revelers fanning out across the region to celebrate. Sure, it’s the first time the soccer tournament has been on US soil in 32 years, but local soccer fans attending a MetLife Stadium match better make sure tailgating is not in their plans.Normally a staple of events at the NFL venue that transformed into a soccer arena to host eight matches this summer, the fine American art of tailgating has been banned outright at the massive complex, much to the chagrin of charged-up soccer fans eager to celebrate their teams — and party in the process.While not an official FIFA policy, MetLife has banned parking altogether, and the tailgate crowd that normally comes with it. Host committee spokesperson Natalie Hamilton told NJ.com that matches at the now temporarily named New York New Jersey stadium are a “public transportation-first event,” because “the parking lots will be used for other functions ‘dedicated to fan engagement.’”“They’re making it very difficult for the average person to attend and enjoy the games,” an anonymous sports-loving tailgater told The Post. “It’s all about money, but they’ll probably say it’s because of security.”They’re not wrong.

Instead of some good old-fashioned drinks and snacks perched on the back of someone’s parked car pre-sports game, MetLife has transformed its massive parking lot into a fan experience complete with food, drinks and activities — of course, only offered to those with tickets.As a result of the ban, fans are taking their celebrations elsewhere — and businesses are capitalizing on it.Marvin Hyer Jr, the President of ManCave Events LLC, whose company specializes in “elevated” and “hassle-free” custom tailgating events, has partnered with Redds, a sports bar on the outskirts of the stadium, to host tailgating experiences in their parking lot.“When we found out about the...