Bon Jovi — not the Boss — to open new stadium?

Jon Bon Jovi gives a big kiss of greeting to Sister Mary Scullion of Project HOME, in September 2009. That night, the charity, celebrating its 20th anniversary, gave Bon Jovi its first Golden Heart award.

By Peter Mucha, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: October 21, 2009

Bruce Springsteen may be a closer, but Bon Jovi is lined up to be the opening act next spring at the new stadium for the New York Giants and the Jets, according to a newspaper report.

It's fitting for Jersey boys - Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi - to be part of history at the Meadowlands.

On Oct. 9, Springsteen performed the final concert at Giants Stadium, which is slated for demolition after the current National Football League season.

Last night, the Boss finished a four-date series at South Philadelphia's Spectrum, which also has a date with the wrecking ball.

The new North Jersey facility, under construction at a cost of $1.6 billion, is expected to completed ahead of schedule in the spring.

The Bon Jovi concert will be officially announced tomorrow, sources told the Bergen Record.

Bon Jovi is getting a lot of publicity these days.

On Monday, lead singer Jon Bon Jovi was in Camden to dedicate a new playground.

On Saturday, the first documentary by the band, When We Were Beautiful, will debut at 9 p.m. on Showtime.

On Nov. 10, the group releases its latest album, The Circle.

Jon Bon Jovi also owned the Philadelphia Soul, which won the Arena Football League's last championship in 2008, before suspending operations last year.

A 2010 season is doubtful, as a new 16-team arena league was announced last month without a Philadelphia entry.

The new football venue is being called Meadowlands Stadium until a possible naming rights deal is struck.

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.