Step Inside: Prudential Center – Home of the New Jersey Devils

Home of the New Jersey Devils

New Jersey’s Prudential Center isn’t called The Rock for nothing. A jewel of downtown Newark — with its dark-red exterior serving as an homage to the city’s brick-making tradition — this arena has stood strong even during the New Jersey Devils’ most boisterous battles. The indoor arena can pack in over 16,500 hockey fanatics, but it’s also brought in sports and music fans of all stripes from the New York metropolitan area and beyond with a schedule that never slows down. The Prudential Center has hosted an array of local and international talents, from ice hockey icons and basketball legends to some of the biggest rock ‘n’ roll stars on the planet — including a certain New Jersey hero known as the Boss.

Prudential Center History

In the 1980s, Newark was on its way to constructing the tallest hotel and building in the world, which would include a large shopping center called the Renaissance Mall. As the 21st century rolled in with little progress on this ambitious enterprise, new plans were made to tear it all down and build an arena. Construction began in 2005, with the Devils putting in a large chunk of money to complete the project. Prudential Financial purchased the naming rights, and locals started referring to the arena as “The Rock,” in reference to the insurance company’s logo, which features the Rock of Gibraltar.

When the Prudential Center officially opened on October 25, 2007, it wasn’t with a rowdy hockey game, but a raucous rock concert including performances by Jersey natives Bon Jovi and My Chemical Romance, along with Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Daughtry and The All-American Rejects. Just two days after, the Devils took to the ice for the first time at their new home with a game against the Ottawa Senators. They may have lost that first match, but the team eventually made the Garden State proud when they clinched the Eastern Conference and advanced to the Stanley Cup in 2012.

Aside from hockey, the Prudential Center has also seen plenty of basketball action. In its first year, the arena opened its doors to NCAA men’s basketball with its home team the Seton Hall Pirates. In 2011 and 2012, it hosted the NBA draft. During this period, the New Jersey Nets called The Rock home from 2010-’12, before relocating to Brooklyn, and the WNBA’s New York Liberty played their home games here from 2011-’13.

Even during the busy NHL and NCAA basketball seasons, the Prudential Center squeezes in a variety of other events. Over the years, it’s been used for a multitude of purposes, including WWE shows, UFC tournaments, family-friendly showcases, reality-show auditions and political rallies.

It’s also been an important center for music. In 2017, the Prudential Center unveiled the Grammy Museum Experience, which features interactive exhibits celebrating Jersey’s finest musical talents and troubadours. Two years later, the arena welcomed many of the biggest stars on the planet when it hosted the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.

The most exciting concerts to swing through the New York metropolitan area will often schedule a stop at The Rock. The Rolling Stones celebrated their final 50th anniversary tour show at the Prudential Center in 2012 and turned it into an all-star bash with special guests including Lady Gaga, The Black Keys and Bruce Springsteen. While rock music has been well-represented at The Rock — with performances by vets such as Bon Jovi, Tool, Fleetwood Mac and Elton John — pop, hip-hop, Latin and gospel stars have found it an ideal concert space as well. Between appearances by artists like Celine Dion, Billie Eilish and Post Malone, the arena has even served as the venue for America’s biggest annual gospel music competition, the McDonald’s Gospelfest, since 2008.

Parking and Admission at Prudential Center

Driving to The Rock? Nearby parking options include the Prudential Center Garage, SP+ Parking, Edison ParkFast, and Green Street Garage. Visitors can reserve parking in advance through the ParkMobile app, which offers various lots starting at approximately $20, depending on the event and proximity to the venue. Complimentary parking is also available for BMW owners at the Green Street Garage during select events.

A bag policy is in place at Prudential Center. Bags up to 12 in x 14 in are permitted. Larger bags, including backpacks, are not allowed, unless they are medical or childcare bags. All bags are subject to security screening, and bags that do not meet the size requirements must be returned to the guest’s vehicle or stored in a Prudential Center-supplied locker. Lockers are located outside M&M’s Tower and Lafayette Street entrances.

Prudential Center Capacity & Seating Options

Prudential Center has a capacity of 16,755. The arena offers a variety of seating options, including premium seating, glass seats and suites:

  • The Lofts: Premium seating options including loge boxes, loft tables, and loft seats
  • The Pier Club: Premium seating options including plush seating, club seating, and ledge seating
  • Suites: Private luxury suites for events, concerts, and shows. Suites can be customized with menu and bar options, and some offer alumni visits. Shared suites are also available for purchase on a single-ticket basis
  • Glass seats: Seats that are right up against the glass that also provide lounge and buffet access
  • M Lounge by BMW: Prudential Center’s most exclusive experience, offering unprecedented access and a vibrant atmosphere

 

prudential center seating chart

Before securing your tickets, check out the Prudential Center seating chart to pick your perfect seat.

Food & Beverage Options at Prudential Center

The Prudential Center is just a skip and a hop from one of the most revered culinary capitals in the world — New York City, of course — and that proximity shows in the arena’s diverse food options. Grab a fiery batch of nachos at Goya, a satisfying pepperoni pie at The Jersey Tomato, or some hearty chicken and waffles at Melba’s.

The Garden State’s own unique delights are also aplenty at concession stands like Main Street Diner, where you can grab Taylor Ham on a roll and disco fries, and The Boardwalk, which ships in time-tested treats from the Jersey Shore, including sausage and peppers and funnel cake fries.

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