Prudential Center

Capacity:

16,755

Country:

United States of America

Address:

25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ 07102, United States

City:

Newark, NJ

Owners:

Newark Housing Authority

Team:

New Jersey Devils, New Jersey Rockets, Metropolitan Riveters

Inauguration:

25 October 2007

Construction cost:

US$375 million

Broke ground:

October 3, 2005

Architect:

HOK Sport (now Populous)

Morris Adjmi Architects (Exterior)

El Taller Colaborativo

Our Reminder on Things to Do for the Best Experience

Buy Tickets in Advance: Secure your tickets well in advance to get the best seats and avoid last-minute hassles. Check for additional Parking Passes. Check security requirements possibly no bags, or clear bags only?
Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the stadium before the game starts. This will allow you to find parking, navigate the stadium, and soak in the pre-game atmosphere.
Check the Schedule: Know the game schedule, as well as any pre-game events, tailgating parties, or fan experiences that might be happening on that day.
Parking: Research parking options in advance, and consider using rideshare services or public transportation to avoid parking headaches.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you might be walking around a lot.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Bring ID and Tickets: Make sure to have your ID and tickets ready for security checks and entry into the stadium.
Explore the Stadium: Take some time to explore the stadium, including its various levels and amenities.
Try Local Food: Check out the food and beverage options within the stadium. Many stadiums offer local cuisine and unique food items.
Capture Memories: Take photos to capture the memories. The stadium's design and the energetic crowd make for great photo opportunities.
Respect Fan Etiquette: Respect the fans around you, regardless of which team they're supporting. Engaging in good sportsmanship enhances the overall experience.
Follow Security Guidelines: Be aware of the stadium's security guidelines and cooperate with security personnel for a smooth entry process.
Plan for Post-Game Traffic: Consider that traffic leaving the stadium can be heavy after the game ends. Have a plan for transportation after the event.
Visit the Team Store: Check out the team store for merchandise and souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
Download Apps: If the stadium has an official app, download it for real-time updates, interactive experiences, and information about the event.
Respect Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations to ensure a trouble-free experience.
Weather Preparedness: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly if the game is outdoors or has an outdoor component.
Check for COVID-19 Guidelines: Stay updated on any COVID-19 related protocols or guidelines.
Enjoy the Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in the excitement of being at a live game, cheer with fellow fans, and create lasting memories.

Prudential Center is a multipurpose indoor arena in the central business district of Newark, New Jersey. Opened in 2007, it is the home of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the men's basketball program of Seton Hall University, known as the Seton Hall Pirates. The arena officially seats 16,514 patrons for hockey games and up to 18,711 for basketball. Fans and sports writers have affectionately nicknamed the arena "The Rock" in reference to the Rock of Gibraltar, the corporate logo of Prudential Financial, a financial institution that owns the naming rights to the arena and is headquartered within walking distance of it. In December 2013, the arena ranked third nationally and ninth internationally for self-reported annual revenue. In January 2023, the arena was ranked fifth globally by Pollstar for concert revenue.

The arena was built amidst financial concerns and years of speculation that the Devils would relocate, despite the fact that the team was a perennial playoff contender and had been at or near the top of the NHL's standings for over a decade. The arena is located two blocks from Newark Penn Station in downtown Newark, just west of Newark's Ironbound district, which makes it easily accessible via New Jersey Transit, PATH, Newark Light Rail, and Amtrak. At the time of its opening, Prudential Center was the first major league sports venue to be built in the New York metropolitan area since Meadowlands Arena, the Devils' former home, opened in 1981. The arena was designed by Populous and Morris Adjmi Architects. It is owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and operated by their Devils Arena Entertainment subsidiary.

For years, the New Jersey Devils had been rumored to be at least considering relocation. Even when the team won the Stanley Cup in 1995, it was amidst rumors that the franchise would move to Nashville. Despite playing championship-caliber hockey in the 2002–03 season culminating in a Stanley Cup that year, the Devils only averaged 14,858 fans per game at their home arena, Continental Airlines Arena at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford.

A project to build a new 18,000-seat arena in Newark first received funding from Newark's city council in 2002, when the team was owned by Puck Holdings, a subsidiary of YankeeNets. In 2004, former Lehman Brothers executive Jeffrey Vanderbeek bought the team from Puck Holdings and became a strong proponent of the proposed arena. Vanderbeek said, "The Devils need a new arena that can provide a game-day experience that is certainly equal to the best team in the National Hockey League and certainly equal to the product that is put on the ice." He also stated that he believed the arena "would take downtown Newark to a whole new level." After legal battles over both eminent domain and the city's financial participation in the arena project, the final deal was approved by council and went through in October 2004.