The Prudential Center is the corner piece in the revitalization of Newark, New Jersey. Opening its doors in October of 2007, the multi-functional arena is the home of the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils. In addition to the Devils, the Prudential Center hosts Seton Hall and NJIT basketball as well as other concerts and events throughout the year. It is a state-of-the-art venue and a fabulous place to see a game or show.
Parking and public transportation at the Prudential Center
Public transportation is the best way to travel to the Prudential Center. It is convenient and saves on the traffic headache that usually occurs when driving in Northern New Jersey. Newark Penn Station is a quick, easy two-block walk from the train station. Six train lines, over a dozen bus routes as well as the Newark Light Rail system all flow into Newark Penn Station, making the Prudential Center easily accessible from almost any point in New Jersey, New York City, and Philadelphia. Train riders can also take the train to Newark's Broad Street Station and hop on the Light Rail to Newark Penn Station. The PATH train system also connects Newark with Harrison, Jersey City, Hoboken, and NYC. PATH riders can take the trains to Newark Penn Station. Extra PATH trains are usually available on evenings when there is an event at the Prudential Center.
If you do decide to drive to the Prudential Center, it is easily accessible via major highways in New Jersey including the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. Once you arrive at the arena, there are 3,500-parking spaces available within a two-block walk. All lots surrounding the Prudential Center are pay-to-park with most offering a flat rate for events. Only the VIP Parking Deck is owned and maintained by the Prudential Center. Pre-paid parking is available at that deck only and can be purchased on the Prudential Center's website. However, spaces are not assigned even if you prepay. They are obtained on a first come, first serve basis.
Getting Tickets at the Prudential Center
Tickets for any event at the Prudential Center can be purchased in person at the Prudential Center Box Office on Edison Place, at the Prudential Center's website, Ticketmaster, or from TicketsNow. Ticketmaster sells tickets for Prudential Center events via their website and by phone at 1-800-745-3000. TicketsNow is officially licensed by the Prudential Center and verified by Ticketmaster. It is a place where fans sell their tickets to other fans if they are unable to attend a particular game or event. You can find the link to TicketsNow on the Prudential Center's website.
The Prudential Center Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Generally, the box office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays unless there is an event. If there is a game or a concert on the weekend, the box office opens at 11 a.m. on that day.
Types of concerts at the Prudential Center
In addition to New Jersey Devils' hockey and Garden State college basketball, the Prudential Center hosts a wide range of concerts and events throughout the year. Musical performers range from headliners like rock's Bon Jovi to country music's Shania Twain and everything in between. The WWE holds main events at the arena. Ice shows and circus performances also highlight the event calendar each year.
Other places to visit near the Prudential Center
The immediate area surrounding the Prudential Center is home to several restaurants like Hobby's Delicatessen and the Monk Room. A short light rail ride away is the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, which hosts numerous cultural events and concerts. The Newark Museum is the largest in the Garden State and holds substantial collections in various genres of the fine arts from America as well as around the world. Branch Brook Park is beautiful any time of year, but even more so when the cherry blossoms are in bloom in the spring.
Where to stay near the Prudential Center
If you are arriving for an event and plan to stay over, two hotels are within a convenient walking distance of the Prudential Center. The Hotel Indigo and the Courtyard Newark Downtown are both located on Broad Street. Both hotels are close to the arena as well as Newark Penn Station.
Insider tip for visitors to the Prudential Center
The train really is the best way to travel to the Prudential Center to see a New Jersey Devils' hockey game or a concert. While many people drive, a vast majority use public transportation and you will be surrounded by a lot of company on the brief walk to the arena. Trains after a game or event are crowded, but you generally do not have to wait long to catch one and you avoid the traffic headache when the event is over and all the cars are hitting the road to go home at the same time. The walk to the arena from the train station is short and safe. Newark Penn Station always has plenty of police officers on hand to assist travelers. It is difficult to get lost, but if you do you will not have trouble finding a police officer to point you in the right direction. Also Newark Police are often on hand afterwards to help people cross the busy streets around the Prudential Center.
Author's bio: Dawn Miller is a freelance writer and mystery author. She lives in New Jersey.
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