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AC/DC bring the POWER UP Tour to the New York area for one night at MetLife Stadium — Friday, September 25, 2026 — with The Pretty Reckless in support. Part of the tour marking the band’s 50th anniversary, this is one of the biggest rock shows of the year, and a rare chance to see one of the loudest, most enduring live acts on the planet on a stadium stage. If you’ve been waiting for the right excuse to see AC/DC live — or to build a New York trip around it — this is it. Here’s everything you need on tickets, the venue, where to stay, and how to plan the trip.
Why the MetLife show is worth the trip
Few bands have earned the word “legendary” like AC/DC. Fifty years on, they remain one of the best-selling and most influential rock acts in history — and one of the most reliably thunderous live shows you can see. The POWER UP Tour delivers exactly what fans want: the wall of guitars, the cannons, the bells, and a career-spanning setlist of anthems that an entire stadium sings back word for word. On the tour’s 50th-anniversary run, a night like this carries extra weight.
The Pretty Reckless open the night — Taylor Momsen’s hard-rock band is a fitting, high-energy warm-up that’s well worth arriving early for rather than a support slot to skip.
And the setting fits the scale: MetLife Stadium is one of the largest venues in the country, just across the Hudson from Manhattan, which makes it easy to turn the show into a full New York trip.
MetLife Stadium: The venue
MetLife Stadium sits in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey — home to both the New York Giants and Jets — about 10 miles west of Manhattan. With a capacity north of 82,000, it’s one of the biggest stadiums in the United States and a regular stop for the world’s largest touring acts. For a band built on sheer scale like AC/DC, it’s a natural fit.
Getting there: On event days, NJ Transit runs the Meadowlands Rail Line directly to the stadium — from New York, take a train to Secaucus Junction and transfer to the Meadowlands service, which drops you right at the venue. It’s the easiest way in and out and avoids the notorious post-show parking crush. Driving is possible with paid stadium parking (lots open early in the afternoon), but public transport is the smoother option after a sold-out show.
What to expect: Doors typically open around 5:30 PM for the 7:00 PM start, with parking lots opening in the early afternoon — plenty of time to tailgate if that’s your thing. MetLife enforces a clear-bag policy and is a cashless venue, so bring a card or phone wallet and check current bag rules before you leave. With The Pretty Reckless opening, aim to be in early.
Getting tickets and choosing your seats
As a single New York-area date on a huge anniversary tour, this show is likely to move fast, so it’s worth sorting tickets sooner rather than later. Floor/field spots put you closest to the stage and the wall of sound but come at a premium. Lower-bowl seats are the sweet spot for most fans — a clear view of the full production without the field price. Upper-deck seats are the budget-friendly option and still give you the enormous scale of an AC/DC stadium show.
Wherever you sit, this is a production built to be seen from every angle — the staging, pyro and lights are designed for a stadium, so even the back rows get the full spectacle.
Compare before you buy: Prices and availability shift as the date approaches, especially for a one-night stadium stop. Check the current listings on Ticombo above and grab your seats once you’ve found a section and price that work for your trip.
Where to stay for the show
MetLife’s location just outside Manhattan gives you a real choice: stay close to the stadium for convenience, or base yourself in New York and make a proper city trip of it.
Manhattan (Midtown / near Penn Station) — The classic New York base, with the most to see and do, and a direct train link to the stadium via Secaucus. Best if you want the full city experience around the show.
Secaucus / Meadowlands — Closest to the venue, with a cluster of hotels a short ride from the stadium and an easy train connection into the city. The most convenient option on show night.
Jersey City / Hoboken — Good value with a lively waterfront scene, quick PATH access into Manhattan and straightforward links toward the Meadowlands.
The map below shows live hotel rates across the New York and MetLife area for your dates — filter to find what fits your budget and preferred area.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you — it helps keep these guides going.
New York highlight: Statue of Liberty & Skyline Cruise
If you’re building a day around the show, one of the best ways to see New York from a different angle is from the water. This 90-minute cruise takes you past the Statue of Liberty, under the city’s famous bridges and along the Lower Manhattan skyline — a relaxed, scenic contrast to a big night out at MetLife, and a great way to tick off some of the city’s landmarks in one go.
Book ahead · New York City
90-Minute Cruise: Lady Liberty, Bridges & Skyline
See the Statue of Liberty, the bridges and the Manhattan skyline from the water on a relaxed sightseeing cruise.
Book the Skyline CruiseBuilding a New York trip around the show
Late September is one of the best times to visit New York — warm days, cooler evenings, and none of the peak summer humidity. A Friday show gives you the whole weekend to explore, so it’s an easy excuse for a long weekend in the city.
Beyond the concert, the essentials are worth building in: the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock for the skyline, a walk through Central Park, the Met or MoMA if you’re into art, and a Broadway show for a second big night out. Food-wise, New York rewards wandering — a good bagel, a proper slice, and a meal in whatever neighbourhood you’re staying in will tell you more about the city than any single must-visit list.
Planning your trip around live music? Our concert travel hub rounds up more shows worth booking a trip for, with the same tickets-and-where-to-stay guidance.
Want to book a few experiences ahead of time? Here’s a selection of well-rated New York tours and activities.
Frequently asked questions
When are AC/DC playing at MetLife Stadium?
AC/DC play MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Friday, September 25, 2026, with a 7:00 PM start (doors around 5:30 PM), on the POWER UP Tour.
Who is supporting AC/DC at MetLife?
The Pretty Reckless, fronted by Taylor Momsen, are the opening act. They’re worth arriving early for.
Where is MetLife Stadium?
MetLife Stadium is in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, about 10 miles west of Manhattan. On event days it’s reachable by the NJ Transit Meadowlands Rail Line via Secaucus Junction.
How do I get tickets?
You can find resale listings on Ticombo via the links in this post. As a single New York-area date on a 50th-anniversary tour, this show is likely to sell quickly, so it’s worth booking early.
How do I get to MetLife Stadium from New York?
On event days, take an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction and transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line, which runs directly to the stadium. It’s the easiest way in and out and avoids the post-show parking crush.
Where should I stay for the show?
Manhattan gives you the full city experience with a direct train link via Secaucus. Secaucus and the Meadowlands are closest to the venue, while Jersey City and Hoboken offer good value with quick access to both.
Don’t miss it
One night. One of rock’s greatest live acts. Grab your seats and start planning your New York trip.