Isiah Christie 
New Jersey has grown tremendously as a hub for entertainment, and its must-see venues are proof of that. Newark’s Prudential Center, one of the largest arenas in New Jersey, is one of them. From sporting events to big-name concerts, the Prudential Center has brought liveliness to Newark’s downtown. Keep reading to learn about Prudential Center and what it has to offer.
About the Prudential Center
Prudential Center is located in Newark, NJ, and is the city’s largest entertainment venue. Owned by Newark Housing Authority and named after the city’s Prudential Financial institution, it was opened in 2007 as the new home of the National Hockey League (NHL)’s New Jersey Devils.
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The arena has since welcomed the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League)’s New York Sirens and the Seton Hall University men’s basketball team. Before the team’s relocation to Brooklyn in 2013, the arena also hosted the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s New Jersey Nets.
The arena became one of the world’s biggest hot spots for entertainment events, ranking among the top five in worldwide venue earnings in 2023. The MTV Video Music Awards have been held there multiple times, and major music acts, including Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Bad Bunny, have made it a regular stop on their tours. The Prudential Center is also notable for its role in the American K-pop industry, having hosted Korean music acts since 2011 and reflecting New Jersey’s growing affinity for East Asian culture.
In recent months, Prudential Center has hosted other major sports events, including a WWE Friday Night SmackDown show and UFC 316: Dvalishvili vs. O’Malley 2, both during the summer of 2025.
Getting There + Parking
Prudential Center is located in downtown Newark, NJ, and is accessible via the following highways:
- I-95
- I-78
- I-280
- US 1/9
- US 22
- NJ 21
- The Garden State Parkway
Driving around Prudential Center can be tough during events due to the immense traffic, so proactive travel is recommended to arrive on time. Prudential Center has four lot.. Information on parking spots and pre-payment can be found here. Unaffiliated parking garages can also be found within walking distance, with some options available here.
It is also easy to reach via public transit, as it is only two blocks away from Newark Penn Station. Commuters using the PATH train system, NJ Transit, or Amtrak trains can reach the arena within walking distance of the station.
Venue Regulations
Prudential Center has a strict bag policy: backpacks and personal bags over 12” by 14” are not allowed inside. Bags do not need to be clear. The arena requires a security check before entry, and non-admissible items must be brought to the visitor’s vehicle or one of the arena’s provided lockers. Lockers can be accessed at the arena’s M&M’s Tower and Lafayette Street entrances, with directions provided by arena staff. Lockers range from $8 to $10, are subject to security screening before storage, and must be picked up at the end of the event.
Cash is not accepted at concession stands. Contactless payment methods such as credit or debit cards, or tap-to-pay, are required. Four ATMs are located inside the building to convert cash to card, located at the Box Office Lobby and at sections 1, 14, and 125.
For those looking to support with signs, they are allowed under the following restrictions: they cannot be larger than 14” by 14”, must not be attached to a stick or pole, cannot have electronic attachments, and must be respectful and relevant to the event.
The arena prohibits several items, including weapons, electronic devices other than phones and non-professional cameras, audio + video equipment, outside food + beverages, travel accessories such as skateboards, and more. For a full list of prohibited items, visit here.
Luxury Suites
Prudential Center’s luxury suites are among the largest in the New York metropolitan area. Each suite accommodates 16 to 48 guests, offers customized dining, and features HDTVs, customizable decor, and a private bar area. Suite purchases may also include parking passes and VIP entrances, though this varies by reservation.
Fun Facts
- Prudential Center is nicknamed “The Rock” after Prudential Financial’s logo, which features the Rock of Gibraltar.
- The arena, designed by Populous, uses red and gray colors to reference Newark’s storied railroad heritage.
- Prudential Center’s 9,585-square-foot, 44+ ton scoreboard is the largest in the world.
- Inside the arena are murals of memorable players and moments in the history of the New Jersey Devils.
- The Prudential Center is one of four NHL arenas with its own practice rink.
- Redd’s Biergarten, located across the arena, is considered one of the biggest beer gardens in New Jersey.
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