If you’ve ever been to an event at MetLife Stadium, you know they’re all full of their own unique flavor and vibe. Whether it’s a sporting event, concert, graduation or an international soccer match, the texture and color they deliver are as distinct as the artists, athletes and performers taking the field or stage.
The same can also be said about every borough of New York — they each have their own unique style, flavor and icons. And all together, they form the fabric of NYC and NYC sports and entertainment fandom.
That’s why MetLife Stadium and Ticketmaster, the Official Ticket Marketplace of the NFL, have teamed up to commission a group of six local graffiti and mural artists to paint a series of original murals that celebrate and capture the diverse communities, cultures and, most importantly, fans that support the New York Giants and New York Jets and make New York City and New Jersey so great.
Titled Scenes From Our Streets, Ticketmaster and MetLife Stadium hand-picked artists who are based in New York City and New Jersey (many born and raised), and whose art pays homage to the hometown of the Giants and the Jets. In addition to spotlighting local artists from the region, Ticketmaster and MetLife Stadium wanted to highlight women and BIPOC artists for the project. The murals were unveiled during pre-season football and are located in the entry areas of suite levels 3, 5 and 5 on both the east and west sides of the stadium.
Keep reading for more info on the six murals featured at MetLife Stadium and the artists who created them—and the next time you’re at MetLife for an event, be sure to check out these unique works of art.
About the Murals
Manhattan Medley by Kristy McCarthy
The Manhattan Medley mural celebrates the island’s iconic architecture and cultural diversity with bold colors and imagery. The condensed and layered composition illustrates Manhattan’s multi-dimensionality by juxtaposing underground tunnels with the tops of skyscrapers, and taking viewers on a journey from the Southern shores of Battery Park to the northern tip of Inwood. The mural’s left side pays homage to the Downtown communities of Little Italy, Chinatown and Greenwich Village (home of the largest Pride parade in North America). The middle of the mural celebrates the architectural icons of Midtown—the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the San Remo—while the right side captures the vibrance of Uptown with a summertime scene of kids popping wheelies on bikes and a street vendor selling Italian ices in front of the local bodega. At the center of it all is a scene from New York’s beloved Central Park, featuring a park bench of diverse locals unwinding with classic Manhattan pastimes: drumming, drinking coffee and people-watching.
If you look closely, you can see a cameo by the dearly departed Flaco the Owl, who escaped from the Central Park Zoo in 2023 and captivated New Yorkers with his Manhattan adventures. The composition of this mural was inspired by Thomas Hart Benton’s painting Instruments of Power, which is part of the America Today series that’s currently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Brooklyn Born by Danielle Mastrion
The Brooklyn Born mural represents all of Danielle Mastrion’s favorite parts about Brooklyn and being from Brooklyn. The centerpiece is the famous Wonder Wheel and the Cyclone Rollercoaster of Coney Island—her home neighborhood. In addition to that iconic Coney Island landmark are the more ubiquitous landmarks found all over Brooklyn, including the water towers. According to Mastrion, it doesn’t matter what neighborhood you’re in — you’ll find these iconic water towers dotting the Brooklyn skyline. In addition, Mastrion also wanted to include Brooklyn’s famous brownstones and brownstone steps, as well as the jewelry that she, and many others, grew up wearing. Lastly, the mural features the colorful graphic bodegas and bodega signs that are the lifeblood of the borough.
Jersey Fresh by Leon Rainbow
The Jersey Fresh mural features artwork that vividly encapsulates New Jersey, featuring Lady Liberty on the right to symbolize freedom and strength. A dynamic football soars through a roaring crowd of fans, highlighting the state’s passion for sports. A microphone represents music and the arts, along with the crowds that dance to the rhythm. A highway sign denotes the state’s location and the connections within. The overall composition is colorful and energetic, reflecting the vibrant spirit and diverse culture of New Jersey.
Hustle and Bustle by Zeehan Wazed
Zeehan Wazed’s Hustle and Bustle mural is dedicated to capturing the diverse and vibrant energy of the borough of Queens. On the surface the city may seem chaotic but from a broader perspective you can see how everything comes together to move seamlessly like clockwork.
Jersey Girls by Lexi Bella
Featuring representations of both the artist and her daughter, depicted at the same youthful age, the Jersey Girls mural symbolizes the continuity and evolution of women’s experiences across generations, rooted in both New Jersey and New York City. The figure of the artist’s daughter prominently features the NYC skyline, underscoring her upbringing in this vibrant environment that’s shaped both her identity and the artist’s. They symbolize the past and future of women connected to both New Jersey and New York City. On the left, the historic Barnegat Lighthouse stands as a tribute to the Jersey Shore, a beloved family destination where the artist and her daughter make memories every year. To the bottom right, the Delaware Water Gap is depicted, one of Bella’s favorite natural landmarks in NJ, representing a majestic gateway to the mountains. These elements are intertwined with native New Jersey flora, framing the figures who smile towards New York City. This composition illustrates the seamless blend of New Jersey’s tranquility with New York’s vibrant energy, capturing the essence of the artist’s and familial journey.
Bronx Keeps Creating It! by Andre Trenier
Andre Trenier’s inspiration for his Bronx Keeps Creating It mural is the Bronx at night. Trenier wanted to show the Bronx from an unconventional angle, highlighting landmarks like the High Bridge and the Bronx Zoo’s Rainey Gates. He placed a DJ central to the composition to pay homage to the many influential hip-hop DJs from the Bronx.
About the Artists
Hailing from Coney Island, Brooklyn, Danielle Mastrion’s work focuses heavily on social justice, specifically Women’s rights and youth education. In 2019, Danielle was the cover artwork artist for the 30th Anniversary of Spike Lee’s “Do The Right Thing.” She was recently invited to Washington, DC by the First Lady, where she was honored for her work. Her NYC-themed canvas is the only aerosol piece ever hung in the White House.
Harlem-based Kristy McCarthy, who paints under the moniker D.Gale, utilizes art as a tool to build community, raise awareness about social and environmental justice issues, and heal collective trauma. She was a lead muralist for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s 2022 New York City Mural Arts Project, working to destigmatize mental health conditions through community engaged art making. She is also a trauma-informed teaching artist and has worked with local educational organizations teaching art to youth, seniors, and adults with disabilities.
Zeehan Wazed grew up in Jamaica, Queens after his family immigrated from Benghazi, Libya. His abstract murals are inspired by the power that human connection has to break down barriers and facilitate peace. His work can be found around New York City, but his personal mission is to beautify his hometown of Queens. He was recently commissioned to paint a permanent mural for the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Bronx-Based Andre Trenier is currently an Artist in Residence at the Andrew Freedman Home in the Bronx, where he participates in community service programming for local residents. His work can be found throughout the Bronx and Washington Heights areas, including a 150-foot mural commissioned by the Bronx Museum.
Leon Rainbow’s mural art can be found all around his hometown of Trenton, NJ. His art is informed by a community-minded approach that reaches far beyond his murals. By collaborating with fellow artists, organizing events like the Jersey Fresh Jam, and sharing his expertise through teaching and workshops, Leon fosters a sense of community pride and empowerment while nurturing the next generation of artists.
Brooklyn-based Lexi Bella’s mural art can be found in cities around the world, from New York City to Hungary to Italy. She was featured in the Amazon Prime documentary Street Heroines profiling leading female street artists, and her work focuses on anti-racism and community-building.