Planning the Perfect Match-Day Itinerary from Times Square
When international football matches land in the New York region, the stadium may sit just across the river, but Times Square becomes the real meeting point. Scarves and jerseys fill Midtown sidewalks, languages mix at street corners, and sports bars open early for international kick-offs. The build-up starts long before anyone boards a train.
If you’re travelling for a major match at MetLife Stadium, officially referred to as New York New Jersey Stadium during the global tournament period, staying in Times Square gives you something stadium-area hotels can’t: flexibility, atmosphere, and the full New York experience before and after the final whistle.
At Margaritaville Resort Times Square, match day isn’t just about proximity. It’s about immersion.
Why Times Square Is the Ultimate Match-Day Base
On major match weekends, Times Square transforms into a global fan hub. Supporters gather in clusters outside hotels, rooftop bars fill by mid-afternoon, and the energy builds steadily throughout the day.
Staying in Manhattan keeps you central to everything. Penn Station, Port Authority, and multiple subway lines are all within walking distance, making stadium travel straightforward and predictable. At the same time, you’re surrounded by restaurants, nightlife, and viewing venues that extend the match experience far beyond the stadium itself. At Margaritaville Resort Times Square, you’re not commuting into the atmosphere; you’re already inside it.
A Resort Built for Match-Weekend Energy
Match weekends at Margaritaville feel naturally social. The open layout and layered venues make it easy for groups to meet, coordinate, and build excitement before heading out together.
Guest rooms offer bright, island-inspired comfort with skyline or city views, the perfect reset between fixtures. Premium Wi-Fi, flexible bedding configurations, and group-friendly layouts ensure the stay works just as well for organized supporter clubs as it does for friends travelling together.
Throughout the day, the energy shifts with the schedule: relaxed mornings, buzzing afternoons, and rooftop celebrations that carry long into the night.
From Morning Kick-Off to Final Whistle
Match day in Times Square starts early. Fans check in, drop their bags, and head out for breakfast while Midtown slowly fills with colour and anticipation.
At Margaritaville, the rhythm builds naturally. The Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar works just as well for an early meet-up as it does for a pre-travel lunch. For supporters on the move, the Margaritaville Coffee Shop offers quick stops before heading out to explore or gather with other fans nearby.
By mid-afternoon, rooftops are busy, sports bars are packed, and predictions are being debated on every corner. The sense of shared occasion builds steadily, and then it’s time to head toward the stadium.
Getting to the Stadium from Times Square
Travel from Times Square to the stadium is clear, efficient, and well-practiced for major events.
The most popular route:
- Walk or take a short subway ride to Penn Station
- NJ Transit to Secaucus Junction
- Transfer to the Meadowlands Rail Line
- Arrive directly at the stadium entrance
Bus services from Port Authority offer an additional option, and special match-day services are typically scheduled during high-demand periods.
Travel time generally ranges from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on service frequency. Just as importantly, the return journey brings you straight back into Midtown Manhattan, a rare advantage that allows the match to flow seamlessly into post-game celebrations.
Pre-Match Food, Drinks & Fan Atmosphere
The hours before departure are often the most memorable. It’s when chants begin, photos are taken, and the energy becomes collective.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Margaritaville Resort Times Square is that the pre-match ritual unfolds without needing to coordinate transport between venues.
- License to Chill Bar offers relaxed drinks with Times Square views and fire pits — ideal for easing into the day.
- LandShark Bar & Grill delivers coastal-inspired comfort food and crowd-pleasing drinks for groups who want to settle in before travelling.
- Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar accommodates larger tables and shared plates, making it perfect for supporter gatherings.
- 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar provides rooftop skyline views for that final pre-stadium toast.
Fan Island Escape & On-Property Fan Activations
For fans planning travel specifically around major tournament periods, the Fan Island Escape package turns your stay into part of the experience.
This supporter-focused offer includes:
- Daily $50 Food & Beverage credit
- A curated Fan Island Welcome Pack
- Easy stadium access guidance
During key match windows, the resort hosts fan-focused activations designed to recreate official fan zone energy on property. While programming may vary, guests can expect communal viewing moments, themed décor, entertainment, and social gathering spaces that bring the atmosphere from the stadium directly into Times Square.
Rather than treating the hotel as a place to sleep between matches, Fan Island Escape makes the resort part of the celebration itself.
Discover the Fan Island Escape
Inside the Stadium — What to Expect
Whether attending your first match in the U.S. or returning as an experienced supporter, preparation makes the day smoother. Expect structured security checks, designated supporter sections, and large-scale crowd flow systems typical of global events.
Food and beverage options are widely available throughout the venue, and departure procedures are coordinated to manage post-match crowds efficiently.
The key difference? When the final whistle blows, most fans head straight back to Manhattan, not to isolated parking lots, but into one of the most vibrant nightlife districts in the world.
Post-Match Celebrations Back in Times Square
When the match ends, Times Square becomes the second venue.
Supporters return to Midtown to replay highlights, debate tactics, and continue celebrations late into the night. Restaurants stay open, rooftops fill again, and the atmosphere carries on.
Back at Margaritaville Resort Times Square, the flow feels effortless. Late-night dining at Margaritaville Restaurant & Tiki Bar, celebratory drinks at 5 o’Clock Somewhere, or relaxed wind-downs at License to Chill keep the night moving at your own pace.
The resort becomes the reunion point, where groups reconnect, and the story of the match continues.
Group Travel, Room Blocks & Supporter Stays
Travelling with a group requires coordination, and a central base simplifies everything.
Margaritaville Resort Times Square offers:
- Room blocks for 10+ rooms
- Preferred group rates
- Centralized meet-up spaces
- Walkable access to Penn Station and Port Authority
Times Square’s layout removes many common group-travel headaches. No scattered hotels. No complicated logistics. Just one shared base in the middle of the action.
Planning Ahead for Major Tournament Periods
Global football tournaments drive unprecedented demand across Manhattan. Hotels sell out early, transport systems run at peak capacity, and rooftop venues reach reservation-only status quickly.
Staying in Times Square positions you at the heart of match-weekend energy while keeping your options open. Early booking ensures the best room availability, group configurations, and access to supporter-focused packages like Fan Island Escape.
When the world comes to New York for football, this is where the atmosphere lives.
Book Your Match-Day Base in Times Square
When football brings the world to New York, make Times Square your home base.
With straightforward stadium access, immersive fan activations, rooftop bars, all-day dining, and group-friendly stays, Margaritaville Resort Times Square delivers a match-weekend experience that feels bigger than the game itself.
Explore availability, plan your group stay, and discover the Fan Island Escape offer to secure your place at the centre of New York’s match-day energy.
