The basics:

• MetLife Stadium names Mark Stefanacci president and CEO
• Ron VanDeVeen moves to chief programming officer
• Changes take effect Sept. 1
• VanDeVeen will continue booking major events

After 10 years at the helm, MetLife Stadium President and CEO Ron VanDeVeen will move into a new role at the home venue of the New York Jets and New York Giants.

The East Rutherford stadium said Aug. 17 it elevated Mark Stefanacci to succeed VanDeVeen in those positions. Meanwhile, VanDeVeen will take on the newly created title of chief programming officer at MetLife Stadium.

The moves, including Stefanacci’s promotion to president and CEO, are effective Sept. 1. In his new role, VanDeVeen will continue to serve as primary booking agent for the venue.

Beyond the two NFL teams, MetLife Stadium also hosts global concert tours, international soccer events – you may have heard the World Cup was here this summer – family entertainment, college and high school football, and more.

“Ron’s leadership and guidance have been central to MetLife Stadium’s success, helping make it a benchmark for excellence across sports, entertainment, and live events,” said John Mara, president and CEO of the New York Giants.

Similarly, New York Jets Chairman and CEO Woody Johnson called VanDeVeen “the driving force behind MetLife Stadium’s rise as the world’s premier sports and entertainment destination.”

The 2.1 million-square-foot MetLife Stadium boasts capacity for 82,5000 attendees for football and soccer, and 50,000 for most concerts. Opened in 2010, the venue has hosted more than 600 major events and 3,000 special events. It has been named Billboard’s “Highest Grossing Stadium of the Year” nine times, including as No. 3 top last year.

VanDeVeen’s scorecard

VanDeVeen played a key part in securing the World Cup for New Jersey and Bergen County. MetLife Stadium said the endeavor spanned nearly his entire decade-long presidency — and produced results.

During its run as New York New Jersey Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, MetLife says the eight matches it hosted – including the final – drew the highest total attendance across the tournament (645,186 fans).

Other events VanDeVeen brought to MetLife include Super Bowl XLVIII, Copa America Centenario, WrestleMania 29 and 35, the NHL Stadium Series, Army/Navy football game, The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen and more.

“I’m grateful to the Mara, Tisch, and Johnson families for the opportunity to be a part of their history,” VanDeVeen commented. “I have made countless memories, cultivated relationships that will last a lifetime, and witnessed some of the most incredible events in history.”

VanDeVeen began his career with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority as a cleaning supervisor. Over 19 years at NJSEA, he advanced through roles in stadium operations, bookings, college athletics and corporate sales.

The leader ultimately served as vice president and general manager for Giants Stadium and the IZOD Center. He joined New Meadowlands Stadium Co. LLC (MetLife Stadium) as senior vice president of events and guest experiences in 2009.

The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) Hall of Fame inducted VanDeVeen in 2025. That same year, he also received the Meadowlands Chamber Award. Most recently, he was named a 2026 VenuesNow All-Star.

Stefanacci steps into the role

Stefanacci joined MetLife Stadium in 2012. He previously spent 14 years at NJSEA, including as COO and legal counsel. The venue noted he played an instrumental role in the negotiations and drafting of the ground lease for MetLife Stadium.

In his most recent role at MetLife Stadium, Stefanacci was responsible for major event agreements, stadium advertising and sponsorship agreements, collective bargaining agreements, stadium operations agreements, and all services agreements. In addition to the legal department, he oversaw stadium and site operations, along with human resources and labor relations.

He also served as a a member of the working group executive committee in preparation for Super Bowl XLVII. MetLife Stadium said he chaired the Government Relations Committee and was instrumental in negotiations to bring the 2026 FIFA World Cup to the East Rutherford venue.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead MetLife Stadium into its next chapter and recognize that I am following a legend,” stated Stefanacci. “There is only one Ron VanDeVeen, fortunately, I will be able to continue to work with Ron along with the best staff in the stadium business, and I’m looking forward to a seamless transition.”