Shaded Seats at Sports Illustrated Stadium

What You Need to Know About Shade at Sports Illustrated Stadium

Located in Harrison, New Jersey, Sports Illustrated Stadium is the state-of-the-art open-air venue home to the New York Red Bulls of MLS and Gotham FC of the NWSL. Formerly known as Red Bull Arena before a naming rights partnership, the stadium features a distinct European-style design with a sweeping roof canopy that covers all seats but leaves the pitch open to the sky.

It is widely praised for its intimate sightlines and electric atmosphere, particularly from the passionate South Ward supporters group. Selecting seats on the west side near the club lounge allows you to enjoy the high-energy matchday experience while remaining completely out of the direct glare.

The West Sideline Is Best For Shade

The north-to-south orientation of the stadium means the sun tracks behind the home (west) side toward the evening. Because of this, you want to prioritize the west sideline and covered seating to stay comfortable.

• Sections 103 – 113: Choosing these top lower-bowl sections on the west side allows you to use the physical overhang of the luxury suites to escape the heat early in a noon kickoff.

• Sections 201 – 214: These upper level rows provides a great elevated vantage point that moves deeply into structural shadows as the afternoon moves along.

• Sections 101, 102, & 133 (Supporter’s Section): Opting for the south goal places you in the heart of the home fan atmosphere, which catches natural relief from the sun earlier than the opposite corner seats. Stick to the upper rows for more guaranteed shade.

Avoiding the east sideline is highly recommended for warm daytime matches, as these rows face inescapable solar exposure for nearly the entire match.

Late Afternoon And Evening

As a daytime match transitions into the second half, the shadow cast by the main western grandstand advances across the pitch, fully blanketing the home bench. The temperature on the west side drops noticeably as the seats are completely shielded from the remaining daylight.

Meanwhile, the upper rows of the east sideline continue to take on the direct brunt of the late afternoon rays, keeping that side fully illuminated until the sun finally drops low enough behind the stadium exterior to submerge the entire seating bowl into an early evening twilight.