As New Jersey prepares to welcome the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium in 2025 and 2026, the state is updating its existing alcoholic beverage framework to support operations at venues hosting global sporting events.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law March 12 expanding the number of all-inclusive areas allowed at stadiums, areas, team training facilities or similar venues on public property with a seating capacity of 50,000.

Previously, the holder of a sporting facility license could establish such a zone in only one part of the venue for each game or event. The law also capped the number of people allowed in the all-inclusive area at no more than 500.

Now, licensed sports facilities can designate up to five all-inclusive areas that can each hold up to 500 people, or 5% of the total venue capacity. The permit to do so would be valid for the duration of the event and come with a $2,000 per day fee for each all-inclusive area established.

According to the law, “national or international sporting events” are defined as “a tournament-level professional event governed by a national or international sports federation or governing body, including but not limited to sporting events governed by the National Football League, International Olympic Committee.”

State officials project that the FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 will generate over $2 billion in economic impact for the region and support more than 14,000 jobs. They also anticipate that the tournaments at the Meadowlands will bring well over 1 million visitors into the metropolitan area.

‘An ideal destination for global events’

In a statement, Murphy said, “As we continue to plan for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we want to provide the greatest possible entertainment experience for our guests this summer and next. By modernizing our alcoholic beverage licensing framework, we can cement New Jersey’s legacy as an ideal destination for global events while also serving as an economic engine for the state and region.”

Bill sponsor state Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-36th District, believes the change “will bring New Jersey’s licensing laws into line with industry practices so that premiere venues like MetLife Stadium can attract and retain world-class sporting events.”

“We can capitalize on the opportunities to host events such as the World Cup, the Olympics and a Super Bowl with the economic activity they generate. We want to continue to be a magnate for sports tourism here in the Garden State,” said Sarlo, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.

Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, D-36th District, added, “Bringing world-class events to New Jersey requires smart, forward-thinking policies that balance economic opportunity with public safety.”

Calabrese, who serves as vice chair of the Assembly’s Tourism, Gaming and Arts Committee, continued, “As the sponsor of A5007 and a representative of District 36—home to the Meadowlands and MetLife Stadium—I am proud to see this legislation signed into law. By modernizing our alcohol licensing framework for global sporting events, we are ensuring that New Jersey remains a premier destination for major international sporting events, strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and enhancing our state’s competitive edge in the global sports market.”

‘Enhancing the fan experience’

Following the bill signing, New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority President and CEO Nick Mammano praised the move, saying it will “help maximize the economic impact of major international events in New Jersey.”

“MetLife Stadium continues to bring millions of visitors to our state on an annual basis, and the upcoming FIFA soccer tournaments will further boost tourism and showcase New Jersey and the region on a global stage,” he stated.

Ron VanDevVeen, president and CEO of MetLife Stadium, thanked Murphy and the bill’s sponsors for the state’s continued support of the World Cup and other events held at the venue.

“The new licensing framework streamlines the process which is both timely and essential and reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing the fan experience for guests attending the nine FIFA Club World Cup 25 matches and eight FIFA World Cup 26 matches, including back-to-back finals,” he remarked.

Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey 2026 World Cup Host Committee, commented, “With the world’s biggest sporting event coming up, delivering an unforgettable fan experience is our top priority. We’re grateful to Governor Murphy and the bill’s sponsors for their leadership in enhancing the fan experience and regional impact.”