John Harbaugh’s Giants’ debut vs. Cowboys has MetLife Stadium ticket prices at historic levels

The New York Giants will open the 2026 NFL season when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium. The matchup, which will be John Harbaugh’s first game as the Giants’ head coach, has already generated substantial ticket demand, with the current get-in price listed at $242 on TickPick and the average purchase price reaching $369. That average is the highest ever recorded at MetLife Stadium in TickPick’s history, which dates back to 2011.

With a capacity of 82,500, the stadium is the largest venue in the NFL. It also hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final in July.

Harbaugh joined New York after 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, where he reached the postseason in 15 of those 18 years and also won a Super Bowl. His track record bears little resemblance to the credentials of the Giants’ four coaches in the post-Tom Coughlin era. Ben McAdoo, Pat Shurmur, Joe Judge and Brian Daboll combined for zero playoff appearances as head coaches before Harbaugh’s arrival.

New York has compiled a .336 winning percentage since Coughlin’s departure in January 2016, better than only the New York Jets’ .297 mark over the same period. The Giants also won only seven games combined across the previous two seasons. Harbaugh has nevertheless set a clear target, saying when he accepted the position that the expectation was to reach the playoffs this year.

His program has already brought a heavier workload. New York held 23 practices through Labor Day compared with 19 last season, despite beginning camp almost a week earlier. The Giants also spent considerably more time practicing in full pads.

Sunday’s opponent adds another challenge. Dallas has defeated New York in 16 of the teams’ past 18 meetings, with the Giants’ only two wins coming in Week 18. The Cowboys lead the all-time series 78-48-2.

New York will rely on second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart, who recorded 24 touchdowns and seven turnovers as a rookie, along with a roster featuring wide receiver Malik Nabers, a sturdy offensive line and a potentially dangerous pass rush. With Harbaugh’s debut carrying high expectations, the record-setting ticket prices underline the level of attention surrounding the Giants’ season opener.