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NJSEA History
"The NJSEA's mission is for the State, its citizens, and the guests to reap the entertainment and economic benefits from Authority facilities and events for generations to come."
In 1971, the State Legislature enacted Governor William Cahill's idea to establish the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority to build and operate the Meadowlands Sports Complex, including Giants Stadium and the Meadowlands Racetrack. The IZOD CENTER, then known as the Meadowlands Arena, was added to the plan soon after.
Over the years, successive governors and legislatures expanded the NJSEA mission to include Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, the new Atlantic City Convention Center, the Historic Atlantic City Convention Center, and a new convention center for the Wildwoods. The NJSEA constructed the Thomas H. Kean State Aquarium at Camden and renovated the Rutgers University football, track and field, and soccer/lacrosse facilities.
The NJSEA has entertained hundreds of millions from all over the world. It has hosted concerts, sporting events, trade shows, conventions. Even Pope John Paul II has celebrated Mass at the Stadium before a record crowd of 82,948 people. Today, the Meadowlands Sports Complex is an international brand name that attracts the best talent in music, sports, and business. It continues to outperform its peers in the industry by setting attendance records and winning industry awards.
But throughout the NJSEA's history, its mission remains the same: to continue the tradition of providing the world's best racing, convention, sports and entertainment. The world-class, multi-billion dollar industry that the NJSEA created for the State brings the three "e's" to New Jersey -- economic development, entertainment, and ego -- from East Rutherford to Oceanport, from Camden to Piscataway, from Atlantic City to Wildwood. The NJSEA is proud of its continuing investment in its facilities and their positive impact on job creation and tourism. A continuing source of pride to the people of New Jersey, the NJSEA and its facilities are led by a Board of Commissioners and an outstanding management team, including some of the most respected executives in their field, who are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
Former Giants Stadium Franchises:
Cosmos, North American Soccer League (MISL), 1977-1984
New Jersey Generals, United States Football League (USFL), 1983-1985
NY/NJ Knights, World League of American Football, 1991-1992
NY/NJ Hitmen, XFL, February 2001
Former IZOD CENTER Franchises:
New Jersey Devils, National Hockey League (NHL), 1982-2007
New Jersey Red Dogs/New Jersey Gladiators, Arena Football League (AFL), 1997-2002
Cosmos, Major Indoor Soccer League, 1981-1984
New Jersey Rockin' Rollers, Roller Hockey International (RHI), 1994-1997
New Jersey Saints, Major Indoor Lacrosse League (MILL), 1987-1988
New Jersey Rockets, Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), 1982
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