The stadium experience will be changing, Jets ticket holders. Separate announcements from Jets owner Woody Johnson and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority detailed just how.

Today Johnson released a letter to fans talking about some of the changes the new stadium will bring (see below), including some of the improved concessions and restrooms in the new stadim slated to open in 2010. The Jets are planning to announce a Personal Seat License Plan later this month, and this coupled with the addition of a new future Hall of Fame quarterback in Brett Favre could be a way to mitigate fan disgruntlement.

It seems security will be ramped up this year. Jets fans can now text stadium security on game day, in what Johnson alludes is a response to folks who felt they couldn’t take their children to a game. Last year the New York Times reported on Gate D, where mob mentality ruled at halftime. At the time the article was published, security was added but Johnson’s letter shows the team has given this issue a lot of thought.

The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority also announced that Giants and Jets ticketholders will not be allowed to tailgate until five hours until game time, where in the past cars could enter the lots seven hours prior. Banners will be hung along Gate D to prevent harrassment of female fans and anyone ejected from a game will have his or her ticket revoked. Alcohol will not be sold after halftime.

Here is Johnson’s letter in full:

I want to update you on some important developments at the Jets. Last season was very disappointing. But during the offseason we made some important acquisitions in free agency and the draft. My goal this year is the same as it is every year: to field a team capable of winning every game.

We are working just as hard to improve our performance off the field. When I walk through the parking lots pregame, the main complaint I hear is about the temporary loss of parking due to construction of the new stadium. I know it’s a major problem, which we are working hard to mitigate. Regrettably, parking will still be constrained this year, but we will utilize spaces more efficiently and promptly communicate any parking changes. Fortunately, the entire transportation network will be upgraded significantly when our new stadium opens. A new rail line will take you from Penn Station to the game in 15 minutes and many more traffic lanes will ease your entry into and exit out of the stadium.

In addition to parking, I know you are concerned about the overall stadium environment. I have the same concerns. As a father, I find it completely unacceptable if fans are uncomfortable bringing their children to a Jets game. That is why we are launching a new program called Jets FansFirst. This initiative is aimed at improving the overall fan experience through preventive and proactive measures. For example, a new system will enable you to notify stadium security directly via text message of any concerns in the stands and on the concourses. The details of Jets FansFirst will be outlined in a new brochure which you will soon receive in the mail. More information will be available on newyorkjets.com before the start of the season, along with updates about our new stadium.

Opening in 2010, the new home of the Jets will stand apart from any other venue in the world. Something will always be going on in the new plaza encircling the entire stadium – whether it’s free concerts, live pregame broadcasts, or football simulations for kids. Entering the stadium along the 50-yard line will be an experience unique in sports. You will step foot into a soaring hall that celebrates our Jets past and present. You will move to your seats along concourses twice as wide as today and lined with virtually every conceivable type of food at eight times the number of concession stands. And about the bathrooms – there will be three times as many as there are now in the Meadowlands. The intimate seating bowl will offer excellent sightlines, rimmed by four massive scoreboards. There won’t be a bad seat in the house. Years in the making, I believe you will find your new stadium was well worth the wait.

I know that over the years you have invested your heart and soul in this franchise. And while we will be holding an official Fan Appreciation Day at our December 14th game vs. the Buffalo Bills, please know that all of us at the Jets recognize, day-in and day-out, that your loyalty and dedication to this team are unmatched in the NFL. Thank you for your support. I hope to see all of you this season.

Go Jets!

Robert Wood Johnson IV
Chairman & CEO