NEWARK, N.J.: new DEVILS arena (Prudential Center)

[NYguy]

NY Times

Devils’ Hockey Arena, or ‘Rock,’ if Prudential Agrees to Pay


By KEN BELSON
December 22, 2006

The millions of dollars spent on stadium naming rights often seem like windfalls except when the companies paying for them go bankrupt, leaving the teams to clean up the embarrassing mess.

The New Jersey Devils, who are leaving the Meadowlands in October for a new hockey arena in Newark, are taking few chances. The team says it is very close to completing a deal with Prudential Financial, the $41 billion insurance and asset-management company that is known as “the Rock” and whose graffiti-covered inspiration sits just off the New Jersey Turnpike in Secaucus.

The company, which has its headquarters a few blocks from the 17,500-seat arena that is rapidly rising in downtown Newark, is expected to pay as much as $6 million a year for the right to have the building named the Prudential Center, said Jeff Vanderbeek, chairman and managing partner of the Devils.

“It’s great to be associated with a company as strong as Prudential,” Mr. Vanderbeek said yesterday. “They’ve been in financial services for a long time, and they’ve been a rock in Newark and New Jersey for years.”

A spokesman for Prudential, Robert DeFillippo, said his company had been discussing a naming arrangement with the Devils for several weeks, but he would not confirm any financial details for what he said would be the company’s first such agreement.

However, a person with knowledge of the negotiation said the agreement, which would span 20 years, could be announced the first week of January.

All the best arenas have nicknames, Mr. Vanderbeek said, noting that some people feel it would be natural to call the one in Newark — officially or otherwise — “the Rock,” a word not only closely associated with Prudential’s brand but also slang for hockey pucks and basketballs.

While catchy, however, the nickname could obscure the corporate brand, said Brian Schecter, who tracks naming rights for Kagan Research. For instance, Mr. Schecter said, General Motors Place, the hockey arena in Vancouver, is often called the Garage.

Call it what you will, he said Prudential seemed to be getting its money’s worth based on other naming arrangements for arenas. In the smaller market of Southern California, Honda pays $3.3 million a year for the naming rights to the Anaheim Ducks’ arena, a sports marketer said.

The price tag in Newark is steeper than the $1.4 million Continental Airlines agreed to pay in 2001 to have its name on the arena at the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Before then, the company had been paying $2.5 million for a more exclusive deal.

And the Devils’ deal is just a quarter of the $20 million a year that Citigroup will be spending to have its name on the new baseball stadium the New York Mets are building in Queens.

Of course, the difference in price is not entirely surprising since baseball teams play twice as many regular season home games as hockey teams, attract far larger crowds and are watched far more on television.

Then there is the location. Although Newark is just 15 miles west of Manhattan, it is a world away.

“There is no other Manhattan in this country or this world,” said Dean Bonham, the chairman of the Bonham Group, which negotiates naming rights deals. “Let’s not kid ourselves that Newark’s proximity to New York has a rub-off effect.”

[oreoman85]

and who will come to Newark to watch a hockey game? Dont the Devils pay the fans to come now?

[NYguy]

and who will come to Newark to watch a hockey game?

Devils fans.

[oreoman85]

all 9,000?

[NYguy]

all 9,000?


And then some. Like the NETS, the DEVILS now have a chance to reach a whole new audience, create new fans. And any real DEVILS fan will follow the team regardless of where they play in Jersey.

[bayrider]

I've heard from a lot of Devils fans that going out to the Meadowloands, especially at a 7-7:30 faceoff is a bitch because of the transportation, traffic etc... Also, the arena has one of the worst sightlines according to the same fans. You feel like your watching the game from a mile away.

[Casa101]

1/8/2007, 4:58 p.m. ET
By JANET FRANKSTON LORIN
The Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — For a chunk of change, a piece of the rock will be the next home of the New Jersey Devils. Prudential Financial Inc. and the NHL team on Monday announced the company will pay $105.3 million over 20 years to call the Devils' new arena the Prudential Center.

The $375 million downtown venue, under construction nearly across the street from the world headquarters of the life insurance and investment giant, is expected to open for the 2007-2008 season.

"As far as I'm concerned, you can't get a better name," team owner Jeff Vanderbeek said.

Prudential CEO Arthur F. Ryan said the company wanted to be associated with a world-class arena and a team that has won three Stanley Cups since 1995. He said deepening Prudential's ties to its home city was more important than increasing recognition of an already well-known company.

"Very frankly, Prudential doesn't need that," Ryan said. "So we had to look a little bit deeper. Part of it, of course, started with Newark. We've been here 130 years."

Ryan also said he doesn't mind if the arena is referred to as "The Rock," after the company's symbol of the Rock of Gibraltar.

"We're going to put 'Prudential Center' up there. I suspect someone before long will be calling it 'The Rock,' and that's fine with us," he said after a news conference Monday. "That's been our icon for over 100 years and we're not uncomfortable with that."

The city of Newark is contributing $210 million to the arena, which was initially expected to cost $310 million. The Devils are paying for cost overruns, Vanderbeek said.

The arena is to seat 17,625 people for hockey games, 18,500 for basketball games and 19,500 for concerts. Amenities are to include a 350-seat restaurant, 2,200 club seats and 78 luxury suites.

The Devils now play at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford. The NHL team shares the building with the New Jersey Nets, whose new owner is moving forward with plans to build an arena for the NBA team in Brooklyn, N.Y.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j116/Ultra101/full.jpg

[NYguy]

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j116/Ultra101/full.jpg

In the background (top left) you see the PATH train as it leaves Penn Station for its terminus near Newark Airport. On the opposite side is a glimpse of the multitude of new housing units built on that side. Behind the arena you get a glimpse of Federal Square...

[Casa101]

I can't wait. It's going to be great. Newark is NJ's biggest transportation hub, perfect place to build a new world class arena!

[NYguy]

I can't wait. It's going to be great. Newark is NJ's biggest transportation hub, perfect place to build a new world class arena!

Newark has more public transit than a lot of places. It's nice that both the Devils and the Nets (Brooklyn) will be getting urban arenas.

[hoosier]

WOW!! That stadium has progressed VERY far in the last month. The exterior work hadn't even started in Novemeber!

[Lecom]

Aww, why is everyone leaving Bergen County? Devils are headed to Newark, Nets are going to Brooklyn, Jers are about to move to the NYC too if they can help it (even though I don't care about them, of all these three). At least we'll still have the Giants and the horse betting racetrack. The latter's always a good time.

[hoosier]

Aww, why is everyone leaving Bergen County? Devils are headed to Newark, Nets are going to Brooklyn, Jers are about to move to the NYC too if they can help it (even though I don't care about them, of all these three). At least we'll still have the Giants and the horse betting racetrack. The latter's always a good time.

I don't think it is anything personal against Bergen County;) , just that the Meadowlands sports complex is old and dated.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the plan was for the Jets and Giants to build a new football stadium in the Meadowlands near the existing Giants stadium.

[NYguy]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought the plan was for the Jets and Giants to build a new football stadium in the Meadowlands near the existing Giants stadium.

Correct, the GIANT and JETS will share a new stadium.

BTW, the Red Bull (soccer) are leaving the meadowlands for a new stadium in Harrison, just accross the river from DT Newark.

[Casa101]

Here's a video on the progress of the construction:

http://www.sportsnetamerica.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=665ce8623e36bd4e3c7c&page=1&viewtype=&category=mr

[NYguy]

Here's a video on the progress of the construction:

http://www.sportsnetamerica.tv/view_video.php?viewkey=665ce8623e36bd4e3c7c&page=1&viewtype=&category=mr

Thanks.

[Scruffy]

4/11/07

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03837.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03841.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03843.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03842.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03840.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03848.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03846.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03856.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03859.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03872.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03865.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03866.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03867.jpg

THE NEIGHBORHOOD
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03862.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03863.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03870.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03873.jpg

This church gets towered over by the stadium
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03874.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03875.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03876.jpg

On the north side of the stadium, the neighborhood is a little down on its luck
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03879.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03878.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03877.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03893.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03892.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03890.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03891.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03881.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03882.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03889.jpg

[hoosier]

Great shots Scruffy!!

[NYguy]

4/11/07

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03837.jpg


I'm only getting this one for some reason, but its fitting for the "Brick City".

[Scruffy]

can you still not see the pics?

[NYguy]

can you still not see the pics?

I can see them now. The problem was on this end. By the way, I rode by the construction sight for the soccer stadium in Harrison earlier today, its a huge site.

[NYguy]

4/11/07

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03841.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03865.jpg


This is city hall, the dome was a contribution from the same guy who once proposed building the world's tallest building in Newark...
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03863.jpg

And a look up Broad Street, a name that fits this boulevard...
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c81/Scruffy88/DSC03870.jpg



Nice photos. Some people have said that the arena would be too far from Penn Station, but that's actually not true.

By the way, the arena will be surrounded by office development, including a new home for the board of ed.

[Scruffy]

I got back to the train station in less than 3 blocks. Or at least to the elevated system of pedestrian bridges that goes through several office towers. Where exactly is the Harrison stadium site? I was looking for it

[Casa101]

Thanks for the pics! You would have to cross the river to find the Harrison site.

[NYguy]

I got back to the train station in less than 3 blocks. Or at least to the elevated system of pedestrian bridges that goes through several office towers. Where exactly is the Harrison stadium site? I was looking for it

The stadium site is just accross the river from Newark. Just hop accross 1 stop on the PATH, or take the bridge accross the river off of Raymond Boulevard. The developments of Harrison and Newark are very closely related. That area of Harrison itself could be mistaken for Newark, and the housing construction boom that's just beginning is already incredible. Proximity to both Newark stations (Broad and Penn) as well as the PATH station that will be rebuilt and I-280 give it convenient access to the city (NY).

I'll put the information in a seperate thread.

[zerokarma]

Looking good so far, the neighborhood around it doesn't look that great though.

What will happen with Continental Airlines Arena after the Devils move?

[Scruffy]

Its being demolished for this big amusement park, shopping, entertainment complex called xanadu. Anybody have a thread for that one?

[-GR2NY-]

**fixing**

[Scruffy]

thats the current arena. Continental Airlines Arena. You can tell by the neighboring NJ Turnpike and all the toll booths. The new arena is in a much more urban area in downtwn newark. no highways next to it

[Snoshredder21]

the arena is gonna be great for newark. even though it is the devils. ........LETS GO RANGERS

[NYguy]

* edit/wrong thread *

It will be great!

[NYguy]

http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMzMmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcxMjcyOTAmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXky

Owner expects Devils to be hot ticket

Thursday, May 3, 2007
By JOHN BRENNAN


Empty seats will be scarce -- perhaps non-existent -- when the New Jersey Devils debut at the Prudential Center in Newark this fall, Devils principal owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek said Wednesday.

"Based on the response that I've been seeing, there's a decent chance that we sell out every game," said Vanderbeek, whose team is battling the Ottawa Senators in the Stanley Cup playoffs. "Even my optimistic self has been overwhelmed by the demand for the premium seats."

The Devils did not sell out a single regular-season hockey game at Continental Arena this season or any of their first four playoff games, before selling out Saturday's game.

The brisk sales have eased fear that hockey fans might be less inclined to travel to Newark than they were during 25 years of mostly tepid ticket sales at Continental Arena, where the Devils won the Stanley Cup championship in 1995, 2000 and 2003.

And for a franchise that has lost as much as $15 million a year, the increased revenue and more favorable lease terms mean a new era is at hand on the balance sheet as well.

"The Devils should make a profit next year for the first time in a long time," said Vanderbeek, whose team is responsible for $165 million in arena costs. The city of Newark is spending the other $210 million.

Part of the remarkable turnaround from zero sellouts to a possible perfect mark next season results from the different capacities of the two arenas. Continental Arena seats 19,040 for hockey, but Prudential will seat only 17,628.

The Devils exceeded 17,000 in attendance seven times in the 2006-07 regular season. The club's average attendance of 14,176 for 41 games was lower than all but four of the other 29 National Hockey League teams.

If the Devils do sell out all of their games next season, they'll move up about a dozen places in the league's attendance rankings.

The Devils also are listed as attracting only 74.5 percent of capacity during the regular season, third-worst in the league. The actual turnstile count -- the number of people in the building, not tickets sold -- kept by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority shows that the building was more than half-empty for at least 10 home games this season. The Devils didn't pass 15,000 on the turnstile count until midseason, for a January home game against the New York Rangers.

All 2,200 "club" seats at Prudential, priced at $150 a game, sold out within "a couple of weeks" after they went on sale in March, Vanderbeek said. The cheapest season tickets, ranging from $10 to $32 per game, also were snapped up quickly, Vanderbeek said.

Sales of luxury suites hasn't been quite as frantic, although Vanderbeek said that interest has been as strong as expected. He said all 12 of the 18-seat luxury suites -- priced at $265,000 to $285,000 a year -- have been rented, and that about two dozen of the 56 smaller suites, which seat 12 people, are available. Many of the latter suites likely will be rented out via half-shares to various businesses, Vanderbeek said.

Continental Arena has only 29 luxury suites, and the sports authority has struggled in recent years to sell them.

But Vanderbeek said the more luxurious suites at Prudential Center, and exclusive access to premium bar and restaurant areas, has spurred interest in the business community.

About a half-dozen Manhattan-based businesses have signed up for suites, he said, thanks to the availability of mass transit from New York to Newark Penn Station.

The "novelty" effect of a new arena often boosts ticket sales, at least initially, Vanderbeek has learned.

"The honeymoon usually only lasts for a year and a half," Vanderbeek said. "Some franchises start to lose sales after that, because the team isn't any good, but I don't think that's an issue as long as we have this current organization in place. But we'll still have to keep making people want to come here. And you do that by making the entire area a destination site. To be successful in the long run, we need the area to grow along with us."

___________________________________

Filling seats

The New Jersey Devils' pending move to Newark's Prudential Center next season has fueled interest in a hockey team that has struggled to attract fans to Continental Arena for 25 years. As a result, ticket sales for the new arena have been robust:

-All 2,200 club seats priced at $150 per game are sold out.
-All 16 large luxury suites are sold out.
-All 3,000 seats priced from $10 to $32 are sold out.
-Season-ticket sales are up 20 percent, to about 8,000.

Source: New Jersey Devils

[Scruffy]

And that there is the single greatest reason why this whole newark stadium idea was a great idea from the start. The mass trasit to Meadowlands is piss poor. Mass transit to Newark Penn Station, phenomenal. Hop a path train from Manhattan and you are there. Hop a NJ transit train from Manhattan or Philly and you are there. Great for them

[NYguy]

And that there is the single greatest reason why this whole newark stadium idea was a great idea from the start. The mass trasit to Meadowlands is piss poor. Mass transit to Newark Penn Station, phenomenal. Hop a path train from Manhattan and you are there. Hop a NJ transit train from Manhattan or Philly and you are there. Great for them

It's a win/win for the Devils. New arena, better transportation for the fans.

[NYguy]

http://www.nypost.com/seven/05092007/sports/devils/devils_pack_up_memories_devils_mark_everson.htm

DEVILS PACK UP MEMORIES
LEAVE MEADOWLANDS ON WAY TO NEWARK

By MARK EVERSON
May 9, 2007

Even Lou Lamoriello waxed nostalgic as the Devils departed the Meadowlands for the last time yesterday.

"Even out there on the ice, without thinking about it, you glanced around. How could you not [recall memories] when you've spent so much time in a facility?" the Devils GM said after the team photo session and gear packup.

"The highs and the lows, those are some of the things that go through [your mind]," Lamoriello went on, his voice cracking slightly, "some of the successes, some of the closed doors, some of the excitement others never see.

"That's what breaks up businesses. Brothers and sisters allow the outside world in," Lamoriello said.

Some would suggest that not allowing the outside world into his Devils is one reason they haven't been universally beloved, fans finding it difficult to embrace a team that keeps them at arms length, Stanley Cups or not. Fans want to feel like part of the team they spend so much money to follow, the team they invest in, know what goes on. It's easy to admire the Devils, harder to feel a part of them.

They'll be hard-pressed to duplicate the success they've had at Exit 16W.

"Realizing that it's the last time there, taking a picture, glancing around the building realizing this is a special place," Lamoriello said of his thoughts.

So they head to Newark, bankrolled by $210 million in public funds.

Lamoriello said he went to Newark on Monday to forestall such nostalgia and look over construction. He said he expects the Prudential Center to be ready for a nearly on-time opening.

"We might still be on the road the first week. We might take the safe way with the league," Lamoriello said.

Allowing that it was a "good question," Lamoriello didn't "have any response" to why Bon Jovi and not his team is opening the arena Oct. 26, apparently three weeks into the season.

"This is almost a new beginning," Lamoriello said of the move.

He said the owners have spent heavily on ensuring the ice surface in Newark will be the best of the new arenas, and are hiring a specialist for that purpose.

Besides moving from Continental Airlines Arena, Lamoriello has plenty of summertime work. He must find a coach, having fired Claude Julien with three games left in the regular season. Assistant John MacLean threw his hat in the ring yesterday.

Lamoriello also faces the unrestricted free agency of Scott Gomez, Brian Rafalski, Brad Lukowich, Jim Dowd, Erik Rasmussen, Mike Rupp and Scott Clemmensen. Lamoriello is expected to pick up an option on Sergei Brylin, but also must sign restricted free agents Paul Martin and Zach Parise.

Martin said he expects to go to arbitration after making $2 million last season. If he does, he'll be eligible for unrestricted free agency after next season.

"I'd hope we could add a year or two [to his expiring deal] instead of going to arbitration," Lamoriello said.

Gomez reiterated that he's going to test the unrestricted waters in July, but insisted, "My mind's not made up in any way."

Dowd was a good signing, and said he wants to return.

"I don't want to play anywhere else. I want to play for the Devils," Jersey Jimmy said.

Lukowich voiced similar sentiments.

"This is the most disappointed I've ever been in a season, because we had the guys to get it done and we didn't do it. I hope I get the opportunity to come back, and we fulfill the potential we have," Lukowich said.

[Scruffy]

It would be a show of solidarity to have the Devils opener be the grand opening of the arena rather than some concert. I see it as kind of an insult really

[tdawg]

very nice looking arena

[NYguy]

The arena adds a new dimension to the skyline, especially viewed from the South.

[NYguy]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/19/nyregion/19arena.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin

Owners Push New Arena, but Residents Fear Change

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/06/19/nyregion/19arena.600.jpg

The Prudential Center as seen from the Devils’ offices on Broad Street in downtown Newark.


http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/06/19/nyregion/19arena.450.jpg

An inside view of the $375 million Prudential Center in downtown Newark, the new home of the New Jersey Devils hockey team.


By ANDREW JACOBS
June 19, 2007

NEWARK, June 18 — After all the years of hyperbolic talk, the failed promises and the false starts, the behemoth looming over downtown is a steel and glass affirmation that good things can happen to this star-crossed city.

“I never thought I’d see something like this in my lifetime,” Ada Wells, 82, said as she ambled by the hulking frame of the Prudential Center, a $375 million arena that will be home to the New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s basketball team and, the arena’s owners say, boxing matches, ice-skating shows and concerts, starting with 10 nights of Bon Jovi when the arena opens in late October.

But like many residents, Ms. Wells, a retired housekeeper who has lived here most of her life, seemed stumped when asked if she would be buying tickets for an event at the arena. “Well, I’m not sure this thing is really for people like me,” she said hesitantly before continuing down Broad Street with a battered shopping cart.

The subtext of her comment was whether Newark’s largely poor and minority population will benefit from one of the most ambitious and expensive ventures in New Jersey in a generation. As King Cooley, 58, a Customs Service employee put it, “Everyone knows hockey is a white man’s sport.”

City officials and the arena’s owners speak rapturously about the building’s potential: the hundreds of food concession and maintenance jobs on the inside, the employment possibilities offered by the upscale restaurants, sports bars and hotels that are expected to take root nearby.

“I’m optimistic that the arena will create enduring opportunities for Newark residents and it will be a revenue generator for the city for years to come,” said Mayor Cory A. Booker. He was once a vociferous critic of the project’s financing, which required a $210 million investment from City Hall under the previous administration, but is now a booster.

To gain Mr. Booker’s backing last fall, the Devils’ principal owner, Jeffrey Vanderbeek, agreed to provide close to 5,000 free tickets each season for local children and $250,000 each year for youth sports and recreation. He also promised that Newark residents would get first dibs on permanent arena jobs.

As 700 construction workers raced toward an Oct. 25 deadline, Mr. Vanderbeek led visitors on a tour on Friday of the sales center of one of the nation’s most tricked-out sports arenas. There will be 750 flat-screen televisions, five ribbons of advertising zippers and a half dozen meeting rooms for community groups.

It remains unclear how well the Prudential Center’s 14,500 general admission seats will sell on game nights. But Mr. Vanderbeek said that 96 percent of the 10,000 season ticket holders at the Devils’ former home in the Meadowlands had renewed, and that 3,000 new season tickets had been sold. All of the most expensive luxury suites — $285,000 for 18-seat boxes — have been bought, as have the arena’s 2,114 “club seats,” which run along both sides of the arena’s midsection with access to a pair of private lounges.

“We’ve got a waiting list of 420 names,” he said with feigned disappointment about the club seats. “I wish we had more to sell.”

Prospective buyers have clearly been swayed by the dog-and-pony show that takes place day and night on the 33rd floor of the nearby National Newark Building, where sales agents entertain corporate executives and show off full-scale models of the Fire Lounge and a luxury box with plush seating and granite countertops.

Mr. Vanderbeek began a tour on Friday at the elevator banks, where a window provides a bird’s-eye glimpse of Newark’s Pennsylvania Station three blocks from the arena, the tangle of highways just beyond and the smog-cloaked Manhattan skyline in the distance. The view gives Mr. Vanderbeek an opportunity to talk up “accessibility,” the idea that Newark is a 19-minute train ride from New York or Hoboken and a quick dash from Newark Liberty International Airport.

The final punch is delivered in a luxury box mock-up. After he reviews the touch-screen food menus and the suites’ proximity to the ice, a promotional film gives close-ups of body-checking hockey players, cocktail parties full of smartly dressed executives and a gushing testimonial by the mayor. “See you in Newark,” a player exclaims at the end. “You better save me a seat!”

Then the screen retracts to reveal a bank of windows that perfectly frame the new arena, a block-wide structure wedged into the center of Newark’s long-suffering downtown. Before their eyes have fully adjusted to the daylight, potential buyers are gently ushered into the “closing room,” where they can opt to buy one of the remaining 12-seat boxes for $225,000 a year for a minimum of three years.

A former Lehman Brothers investment banker, Mr. Vanderbeek has made a calculated gamble that hockey fans will find Newark more appealing than the Meadowlands, where the Devils have spent more than two decades playing to dismal crowds in the aging Continental Airlines Arena.

Mr. Vanderbeek’s investment was significantly burnished in February, when AEG, which owns and operates stadiums and arenas across the country, announced it would manage the Prudential Center and bring in 30 to 40 nonsporting events a year, including concerts and professional wrestling matches. Executives of the company, which is also building a 25,000-seat soccer stadium for the Red Bulls in nearby Harrison, say they hope to draw three million visitors a year to what they describe as an entertainment district.

By now both Mr. Vanderbeek and Nick Sakiewicz, president of AEG New York/New Jersey, have become well practiced at swatting away those who suggest that hockey’s largely suburban fan base will be skittish about traveling to a city that has a stubborn reputation for lawlessness. “This is a way for people to get a taste of Newark,” Mr. Sakiewicz said as he walked through the arena. “And to see that there aren’t burning cars in the streets, that there are thousands of professionals working here and that there is a reason to stay after dark.”

On the streets surrounding the arena, property owners who have sat on vacant buildings for years are beginning to stir.

Two hockey-themed taverns have opened in recent months, Hell’s Kitchen and the Arena Bar, and a third, the Devil’s Advocate, is under renovation in a nearby building used as a residence by Seton Hall students. Samer Hanini, a developer, is renovating a loft building whose residents will be near the arena’s brick and glass facade. A hotel is slated to be built on Mulberry Street across from the arena’s main entrance, but ground is not expected to be broken until well after the arena opens.

Stefan Pryor, the city’s deputy mayor for economic development, said he began receiving calls from potential investors soon after the arena’s skeleton began rising outside the window of his City Hall office. Earlier this month, the city created the Brick City Development Corporation, a quasi-public agency that will dole out $11 million in incentives to prospective businesses.

Mr. Pryor said he hoped developers would be further entranced by the $17 million streetscape project, financed with state, city and private money, that in the coming months will improve the area around Broad and Market Streets.

“Interest has been swirling around this arena,” he said. “No doubt about it.”

But those who study the economic impact of urban arenas say much of the profit, at least early on, typically ends up in the pockets of owners, not residents of surrounding neighborhoods.

Mark S. Rosentraub, dean of the College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University who has analyzed similar projects, said the most successful arenas are those planned as part of ambitious redevelopment proposals that use public money to leverage private investment in the surrounding area.

“The problem is if you don’t have a large commitment of private dollars, it can be risky,” he said. While city officials are working with developers to build thousands of market-rate apartments near the arena, those plans remain on the drawing board.

Then there are those who worry that too much success will doom the hair-braiding salons, hip-hop clothing stores and other downtown businesses that cater to residents.

Soon H. Yu, the owner of Three Stars Clothing, has done well selling Tupac Shakur T-shirts and dollar-sign pendants encrusted with cubic zirconia. Although she does not know much about the Devils, Ms. Yu has learned a thing or two from the shoppers who come to her store, which is across Broad Street from the arena.

“If it was basketball, that is a good thing, but hockey is no good,” she said flashing a sour expression. “I don’t want to lose black people because they make good business.”

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/19arena.jpg




http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/0002-1.jpg



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/0001.jpg


PHOTOS COURTESEY OF NEWJERSEYDEVILS.COM AND WCBS880.COM


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-07-10_2045.jpg



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-07-12_1330.jpg



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/edisonplaceinside.jpg

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/PCsign.jpg

[TheMeltyMan]

This is excellent news. Newark could use a big draw like the Prudential center and I heard that the city is finally lifting from stagnation. This can only help both the city and the Devils. Jersey isn't that big so the fans will come. I just hope it doesn't steal a bit of the Flyers' market (south jersey).

[Seat24inNJ]

4900 Square foot LED Television screen being installed on East Side of the Prudential Center facing Newark Penn Station. Courtesy NewJerseyDevils.com

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/LEDScreen1.jpg

[PhillyRising]

This is excellent news. Newark could use a big draw like the Prudential center and I heard that the city is finally lifting from stagnation. This can only help both the city and the Devils. Jersey isn't that big so the fans will come. I just hope it doesn't steal a bit of the Flyers' market (south jersey).

Highly unlikely.

[Seat24inNJ]

Construction on the South End nearly completed as the Prudential Word Mark is installed. The inside seating installing commences on August 3, 2007...

Courtesey: Newjerseydevils.com

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-08-13_1445.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/Seats081007.jpg

[Seat24inNJ]

Arena nears completion on August 15, 2007 ......NewJerseyDevils.com

:cool:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/081507.jpg

[Jersey Mentality]

This is excellent news. Newark could use a big draw like the Prudential center and I heard that the city is finally lifting from stagnation. This can only help both the city and the Devils. Jersey isn't that big so the fans will come. I just hope it doesn't steal a bit of the Flyers' market (south jersey).

It just might as well as the Islanders and the Rangers

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-08-16_2015.jpg

[Seat24inNJ]

Completion of the project only a few weeks away


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/img6621ji9.jpg

[NYguy]

4900 Square foot LED Television screen being installed on East Side of the Prudential Center facing Newark Penn Station. Courtesy NewJerseyDevils.com

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/LEDScreen1.jpg

That's what I'm waiting to see. The arena already has an amazing presence from street level.

[Seat24inNJ]

I hear ya NYguy. This new picture seen here, makes this city look so small in comparison to its surroundings. Drive down the street and it looks like someone landed a mothership in the middle of downtown Newark. :D

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/IMG_2470.jpg

[Seat24inNJ]

Updated of the LED screen:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/IMG_2460.jpg

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/5788446df2fe9eaadf.jpg

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/Boards091107.jpg

Boards being installed. Most of the upper deck seating has been put in.
NewJerseydevils.com

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-09-01_1915.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-09-01_1945.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-09-11_1945.jpg

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-09-16pt2_1.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-09-17_1945.jpg


NewJerseyDevils.com

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/CIMG0164.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/CIMG0167.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/3at8a2.jpg

[dallasbrink]

wow, nice arena

[NYguy]

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/10/newark_arena_readies_plans_for.html

Newark arena readies plans to park patrons

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2007/10/medium_aren.JPG

Newark Mayor Cory Booker, with Jeff Vanderbeek, left, chairman of the New Jersey Devils, announces added transit service and access to the Prudential Arena

by Joe Malinconico
October 10, 2007

Fifteen days before the opening of the Prudential Center, the parking plans for the arena remain a work in progress, with a checkerboard of 56 lots spread across a 1.5-mile swath of downtown Newark.

The lots, according to a Star-Ledger review of the team's plan, would provide 9,000 spaces for events at the 18,500-seat arena. The options range from spaces across the street to others so far away shuttle buses will take fans back and forth 90 minutes before and after events.

Most of the parking spots fall somewhere in between -- requiring fans accustomed to the wide-open lots in the Meadowlands to navigate three, four, five or six unfamiliar city blocks to the arena.

Parking and security have been a major concern from the moment the arena was proposed for Newark. Officials acknowledge their parking plan will require extra security and precautions to help people make the transition. The first test comes Oct. 25, when Bon Jovi opens with the first of 10 sold-out shows.

"We're a downtown arena like any other downtown arena, and people have absolutely nothing to fear coming to downtown Newark," said city Business Administrator Bo Kemp.

Devils owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek, in an interview this week, said pre-paid parking pass locations would be mailed to the Devils' 2,500 season ticket holders within the next few days. Officials also said they would announce which lots would be available for single-game ticket holders.

"I think the fans will be surprised how much parking there is," Vanderbeek said.

Actually, arena and city officials are hoping that several thousand fans won't drive into Newark at all. They want people to leave their cars at home on event nights and take NJ Transit trains to Newark Penn Station, which is about a seven minute walk to the arena. At a press conference yesterday, they outlined their strategies for making mass transit more appealing to arena patrons.

"We want to make this the most accessible arena in the nation," Mayor Cory Booker said.

The city has hired extra traffic control officers to try to prevent gridlock on event nights. Officials also will issue "SlowGo" traffic advisories -- Newark's version of Manhattan's Gridlock Alert days -- to encourage people to take mass transit into the city on days when there are events at the Prudential Center.

In addition to the extra traffic officers, Newark is forming a 30-member police unit to provide security around the arena, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Symphony Hall for events at those locations.

Experts say it will be important to give suburban patrons a sense of security when they come to the arena.

"The performing arts center has helped dispel some of the suburban perception of crime in downtown Newark," said Mike Wagers, former executive director of the Police Research Institute at Rutgers-Newark. "Patrons at the performances have been rather safe."

The arena is not located in one of the city's worst crime areas. But that doesn't mean it's crime-free, either.

About five cars per week were stolen is the area encompassing the arena's various parking zones over the last 30 months, according to a Star-Ledger analysis of city crime statistics. About half those thefts occurred in what officials have identified as the "purple" parking zone that runs along Broad Street west of the arena.

Newark Police Director Garry McCarthy said his department has been studying crime trends in the vicinity of the arena.

"Whatever the numbers were over the last couple years is almost irrelevant because the conditions are going to change moving forward," with the creation of the special security unit, McCarthy said.

Scebelo, the longtime season ticket holder, said he wasn't concerned about walking a few blocks to get to the Newark arena. But he said he planned to complain to the Devils if they don't assign him to one of the lots that would be convenient for him to get back to Route 78.

"This is my one luxury in life and I'm going to want it taken care of," he said.

Vanderbeek said the Devils would try to accommodate fans who might want their pre-paid parking locations changed, but he also said he could not guarantee that everyone would get their pick of the lots. The owner said season ticket holders are being assigned to lots based on their home zip codes and a traffic analysis of which location would make the most sense for their travel routes.

The Devils are charging two rates for pre-paid parking -- $20 for the premium spots and $12 for other locations. Several lots near the arena have signs advertising $15 fees for parking on event nights, though Devils officials say the lot owners will charge whatever the market can bear.

Stephen Scebelo, a Devils season ticket holder since the team moved to New Jersey 25 years ago, is anxious about the location of his pre-paid parking pass for the new arena in Newark.

"I've told them, I'm going to be coming in off (Route) 78, I want to be on the south side of the arena," said Scebelo, of Flemington. "All they can tell me is, 'We don't know yet.'"

--Staff writer Robert Gebeloff contributed to this report.

http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2007/10/xbox.jpg

Detailed parking map:
http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2007/10/PARKIN10.pdf

[dallasbrink]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/CIMG0164.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/CIMG0167.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/3at8a2.jpg

wo
that is SO COOL! makes u think, how did they came up with that idea?

[Seat24inNJ]

One things for sure,.. it didnt come from Dallas stupid. They drew up these plans 4 years ago, before the dallas stadium was even a twinkle in Mr. Jones money filtered mind. Probably took the idea from us considering he steals ideas from every other place. Nice try though. :notacrook:

[dallasbrink]

One things for sure,.. it didnt come from Dallas stupid. They drew up these plans 4 years ago, before the dallas stadium was even a twinkle in Mr. Jones money filtered mind. Probably took the idea from us considering he steals ideas from every other place. Nice try though. :notacrook:

Are u talking about the giant screens suspending in the Cowboys new stadium that look nothing like this or the external video boards on the exterior of the stadium with look nothing like this one?

For once i was giving your stadium props. This is cool. I meant seriously, how do u think of that slat screen idea? Its really cool and i think we will see it more in the future. Props to the Devils for creating something cool and unique.

So, if you would be so kind, in the Dallas Cowboys new Stadium thread, please tell me what design features Jerry Jones stole from other stadiums.

[NYRY85]

"We want to make this the most accessible arena in the nation," Mayor Cory Booker said.





cough cough MSG cough cough

sorry buddy

[Seat24inNJ]

cough cough MSG cough cough

sorry buddy


When it opens, it will be the most accessible in ALL ASPECTS of transportation. As compared to trains, it will be the same as MSG. NJ Transit and PATH run to both places. Buses pretty much the same. NJ turnpike and Garden State Parkway are both close by, something MSG doesnt have is highway access. Unless you wanna call the west side a "highway". Another big aspect is that Newark airport is 3 miles to the south.

Dont get your panties in a bunch that Newark will be more accesible via public transportation. Your team is always going to be top dog in fan support, so relax and enjoy your outdated MSG. You have to be happy with all those championships at the garden youve seen the Rangers win ;)


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/101109.jpg

[dallasbrink]

arnt they replacing MSG?

[NYRY85]

When it opens, it will be the most accessible in ALL ASPECTS of transportation. As compared to trains, it will be the same as MSG. NJ Transit and PATH run to both places. Buses pretty much the same. NJ turnpike and Garden State Parkway are both close by, something MSG doesnt have is highway access. Unless you wanna call the west side a "highway". Another big aspect is that Newark airport is 3 miles to the south.

Dont get your panties in a bunch that Newark will be more accesible via public transportation. Your team is always going to be top dog in fan support, so relax and enjoy your outdated MSG. You have to be happy with all those championships at the garden youve seen the Rangers win ;)


I wouldn't count Newark Airport, unless you're a player. :D

Besides, you've seen the Devils win the cup as many times on your own ice as we've seen the Rangers. (and we did it 9 years before yous!)

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-10-14_0311.jpg

[NYguy]

When it opens, it will be the most accessible in ALL ASPECTS of transportation. As compared to trains, it will be the same as MSG. NJ Transit and PATH run to both places. Buses pretty much the same. NJ turnpike and Garden State Parkway are both close by, something MSG doesnt have is highway access. Unless you wanna call the west side a "highway". Another big aspect is that Newark airport is 3 miles to the south.

I disagree on that one. Although you can consider Rt 21 a highway, at that point in the city, it really isn't. From that respect, MSG is just as close to the highway (West St is more of a highway than Rt 21). The Newark arena is closer to an airport of course. But I don't think fans are flying in for the game. Still, its a VAST improvement over where the old meadowlands arena as far as transportation goes.

Similarly, the Nets arena in Brooklyn will have great access:

http://www.atlanticyards.com/graphics/misc/transportation_map2.jpg

[Seat24inNJ]

I agree, but Brooklyn isnt built.........yet. But when its built, yes they will have the most access.

[PhillyRising]

When it opens, it will be the most accessible in ALL ASPECTS of transportation. As compared to trains, it will be the same as MSG. NJ Transit and PATH run to both places. Buses pretty much the same. NJ turnpike and Garden State Parkway are both close by, something MSG doesnt have is highway access. Unless you wanna call the west side a "highway". Another big aspect is that Newark airport is 3 miles to the south.

Dont get your panties in a bunch that Newark will be more accesible via public transportation. Your team is always going to be top dog in fan support, so relax and enjoy your outdated MSG. You have to be happy with all those championships at the garden youve seen the Rangers win ;)



The Wachovia Center in Philly has the subway stop on the Broad Street Subway which is accessible via transfers from other transit lines and has two interstates surrounding it providing easy access to the city and suburbs in three states. I don't think any arena is going to be the undisputed king of accessibility because all Northeastern cities have them located near mass transit. I'm glad the Devils moved to Newark to help that city and to make it easy for the hordes of Flyers fans to get there without having to drive up from Philly! :yes: :D

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/101507inside6.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/101507inside5.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/101507inside4.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/101507inside3.jpg



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/101507inside2.jpg



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/101507inside.jpg


NewJerseydevils.com

[dallasbrink]

Maybe its just because im a graphic designer, but that Inaugural season logo doesn't look to clean. all the surfaces on it look off. The curves look jagged, corners are round and arnt sharp. just not to clean. U figure a logo like that would be nice and the printing would have been better for that nice of a arena.

[PhillyRising]

The seating area design is rather efficient much like the Wachovia Center. Many of these new arenas have the upper level so far away from the playing surface to get all the suites in the middle. The Devils will have the HD scoreboard like the Flyers do! Now....can the Devils fill the place every night when they don't play the Rangers or Flyers?

[dallasbrink]

The seating area design is rather efficient much like the Wachovia Center. Many of these new arenas have the upper level so far away from the playing surface to get all the suites in the middle. The Devils will have the HD scoreboard like the Flyers do! Now....can the Devils fill the place every night when they don't play the Rangers or Flyers?

Dont All arenas have HD screens?

[Seat24inNJ]

The seating area design is rather efficient much like the Wachovia Center. Many of these new arenas have the upper level so far away from the playing surface to get all the suites in the middle. The Devils will have the HD scoreboard like the Flyers do! Now....can the Devils fill the place every night when they don't play the Rangers or Flyers?


Yes but the devils scoreboard is much better lets be honest here. That thing looks like a transformer is sitting above the ice.

[dallasbrink]

Yes but the devils scoreboard is much better lets be honest here. That thing looks like a transformer is sitting above the ice.

Ill say its one of the best suspended HD Clusters in the world at the moment.

[dallasbrink]

so im sure a game or 2 have been plaid here right? anyone gonna tell us how it was?

[Seat24inNJ]

so im sure a game or 2 have been plaid here right? anyone gonna tell us how it was?

Well you are wrong. A simple search would of shown you no games have been played there. October 25th is the Bon Jovi Concert, and October 27th is the first hockey game.

A few new pictures:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/1018072.jpg


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00824.jpg


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00815.jpg


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00806.jpg



The Fire Bar
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00800.jpg


http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00798.jpg


Concession stand with a few of the NJ State High school Jerseys above it
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00788.jpg



Main Concourse
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00775.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/101807.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00772.jpg



http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00771.jpg



Small local concert to test the Arena Systems
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00767.jpg



http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t209/hockey1286/DSC00762.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NJ_Devils_Megapixel_2007-10-21_1122.jpg

[dallasbrink]

thanks for the answer
try not to be an ass about it next time

[Seat24inNJ]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/TIM_8647.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NASunset.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/NA-LafSd.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/TIM_8660.jpg

[Seat24inNJ]

Opening Night is tonight.. Bon Jovi performs 10/25/07



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/OpeningNite.jpg

[PhillyRising]

Yes but the devils scoreboard is much better lets be honest here. That thing looks like a transformer is sitting above the ice.

Uh...the both look about the same to me. If it makes you feel better thinking that the Devils is better...be my guest.

The place looks pretty nice.

[Seat24inNJ]

4 years of planning and building came to reality tonight:


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/ArenaEntrance.jpg


http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/arenafromsky.jpg



http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u211/east5n/OpeningNightAtDusk.jpg

[njbeliever777]

I was just at a Devils game there. The place is incredible and the best arena ive ever been in. 100 times better than the "izod Center". The Nets are missing out on this for now. too bad they couldnt come too. but anyways this place is great and id advise every NJ citizen to go to a game here for any event held. This place will show you what NJ can do for the future