Wow, 50 years young! It’s hard to believe, but 50 years ago, the Meadowlands Chamber opened its doors. While 50 years is not so old (especially compared to my age!) it’s certainly a major milestone to celebrate. And we will be celebrating all year! I invite you to visit www.Meadowlands.org regularly to see upcoming events and initiatives.
Having lived in this region most of my life, I remember playing “chip and putt golf” and spending hours in the batting cages and arcade at SportLand in East Rutherford. At that time in the 1960s and early 1970s, SportLand was situated roughly where the Giants train today, at the Quest Diagnostics Training Facility on Route 3 West. (Be sure to send me a note if you remember that!)
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, The Big M was booming, Giants Stadium was all abuzz and the Brendan Byrne Arena, named after the then-governor, was just coming into its own. It wouldn’t be long before the Meadowlands Sport Complex — all within minutes of the greatest city in the world — would quickly become one of the most recognized sports and entertainment centers in the world.
The Route 3 Drive-In Theater was filled every weekend, Blue Claw crabbing was a thing, and Captain Bill policed the Hackensack River and its estuaries to help preserve the wildlife. Roads, bridges, corporate centers, warehouse and logistic buildings and amazing residential development has created this very special place called the Meadowlands. The tight knit communities that touch the swampy area are all wonderful and I am proud to call it my home.
I have seen firsthand how far the Meadowlands region has come and perhaps that’s why I’m so passionate about this place. I, along with some very bright and caring people, can envision the future of the Meadowlands. To complement American Dream, MetLife Stadium, and the Meadowlands Racetrack, we’re aiming to build a multi-use youth and amateur sports and convention center.
It’s vision that leads to a robust regional economy, wonderfully diverse communities, vibrant downtowns, state of the art transportation systems and an abundance of educational and career opportunities.
We here at the MC are bullish on the future of the Meadowlands and we will continue to be strong advocates for businesses and communities, so the vision becomes a reality!
Someone please say Amen to that!
Respectfully,
Jim Kirkos
President & CEO
Meadowlands Chamber
