The Prudential Center in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is one of the premier entertainment venues in the United States. It is a multi-purpose, indoor sports arena, which opened in 2007. This facility was built over a two-year period, with a construction cost of $375 million. When it opened, the Prudential Center was the first major sports venue to be built in the New York Metropolitan area since 1981.

The Prucenter, as it is sometimes called, will accommodate large crowds. The number varies, depending on the type of event. For ice hockey it accommodates 17,625; basketball and lacrosse, 18,500; soccer, 16,250; and concerts, 19,500. It is the home of the New Jersey Devils (NHL). Other tenants include: New Jersey Nets (NBA), New York Liberty (WNBA), Seton Hall Pirates (NCAA), and NJIT Highlanders basketball (NCAA).

Noteworthy design features help make this facility a unique destination. Those who approach the building from the front see the arena’s 4800 square-foot, externally mounted, LED display. It is one of the largest in the world. The east-side entrances along Mulberry Street have two enormous “entrance cylinders” named the PNC Tower and the Verizon Tower. These towers, the arena’s most prominent features, provide access for fans by escalator and staircase up to the grand concourse.

More than 200 events take place each year in this venue. Several sports teams and numerous concerts keep its calendar full. Fans go to the Prudential Center to see:

  • New Jersey Devils: This team, which is in the NHL’s Eastern Conference, Atlantic division, has made the playoffs in 20 of the last 22 seasons.
  • New Jersey Nets: This NBA Eastern Conference team will play at the Prudential Center through the 2012 season.
  • New York Liberty: The WNBA team will play at this venue from 2011 until the 2013 season ends. The team is a charter member of the WNBA.
  • Seaton Hall Pirates: This NCAA, Division I team participates in the Big East Conference.