History of Prudential Center in Timeline

Prudential Center, located in Newark, New Jersey, is a multipurpose indoor arena that opened in 2007. It serves as the home venue for the New Jersey Devils (NHL), the New York Sirens (PWHL), and Seton Hall University's men's basketball team. Notably, by 2023, it ranked among the top five concert venues globally in terms of revenue. The arena is owned by the Newark Housing Authority and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.

1981: Meadowlands Arena Opening

In 1981, Meadowlands Arena, the former home of the New Jersey Devils, opened, marking the last major league sports venue built in the New York metropolitan area before Prudential Center.

1982: Devils Move to Meadowlands Arena

In 1982, the New Jersey Devils began playing at Meadowlands Arena, their home until 2007.

1985: Seton Hall Pirates at Meadowlands

In 1985, the Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball team began playing at the Meadowlands Arena, remaining there until 2007.

1995: Relocation Rumors Amidst Stanley Cup Win

In 1995, amidst winning the Stanley Cup, the New Jersey Devils faced rumors of relocation to Nashville.

2002: Low Fan Attendance

Despite playing championship-caliber hockey in the 2002-03 season, the Devils averaged only 14,858 fans per game at Continental Airlines Arena.

2002: Funding for New Arena Approved

In 2002, Newark's city council approved funding for a new 18,000-seat arena, during Puck Holdings' ownership of the team.

October 2004: Final Deal Approved for New Arena

In October 2004, the final deal for the new arena was approved by the council after legal battles, with Jeffrey Vanderbeek advocating for the project.

October 3, 2005: Groundbreaking for Newark Arena

On October 3, 2005, groundbreaking began for "Newark Arena" on a 7-acre site in downtown Newark, employing 2,725 union workers.

January 24, 2006: Devils Guarantee $100 Million Contribution

On January 24, 2006, the Devils guaranteed in writing a $100 million contribution to the arena project, averting its cancellation.

2006: Booker Considers Backing Out of Arena Deal

In late summer 2006, newly elected Mayor Cory Booker considered backing out of the arena deal but later conceded to its inevitability, leading to a revised agreement with the Devils.

January 2007: Naming Rights Purchased by Prudential Financial

In January 2007, Prudential Financial purchased the naming rights to the stadium for $105.3 million over 20 years, and the arena was immediately nicknamed "The Rock".

October 2007: Construction Completed

In October 2007, construction of Prudential Center was completed, costing an estimated $380 million. The Devils had to play their first nine games of the 2007–08 NHL season on the road.

October 25, 2007: Official opening with Bon Jovi Concerts

On October 25, 2007, Prudential Center officially opened with a series of 10 concerts by New Jersey native rock group Bon Jovi, featuring opening acts including Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Daughtry, The All-American Rejects, and My Chemical Romance.

October 27, 2007: First Devils Home Game

On October 27, 2007, the Devils played their first home game at Prudential Center against the Ottawa Senators. Chris Neil scored the arena's first goal, while Brian Gionta scored the Devils' first goal. The Senators defeated the Devils 4–1, with Martin Gerber earning the first win.

November 11, 2007: First Collegiate Basketball Game

On November 11, 2007, the first collegiate basketball game took place in the arena. Seton Hall defeated Monmouth, 89–81, in overtime.

November 17, 2007: UFC 78: Validation

On November 17, 2007, Prudential Center hosted UFC's hundredth event, UFC 78: Validation.

2007: Prudential Center Opens

In 2007, Prudential Center opened as a multipurpose indoor arena in Newark, New Jersey, serving as home to the New Jersey Devils (NHL) and Seton Hall University's men's basketball program.

2007: Devils Move to Prudential Center

In 2007, the New Jersey Devils relocated to the Prudential Center.

October 3, 2009: Championship Plaza Opened

On October 3, 2009, Championship Plaza, celebrating the Devils' history, was opened opposite the arena, featuring a hockey player statue and the Prudential "Rock" logo.

2009: Titans Move to Orlando

In 2009, the New York Titans of the National Lacrosse League relocated to Orlando from Prudential Center.

2009: Nets Consider Move to Prudential Center

In the fall of 2009, the New Jersey Nets played two preseason games at Prudential Center and considered a possible move there, eventually finalizing a deal to relocate.

January 8, 2010: Lighting Problem During Devils vs. Lightning Game

On January 8, 2010, half of the arena's sports lights went out during a game between the Devils and the Tampa Bay Lightning due to a power surge, and the computerized lighting system failed to reboot. The game was suspended and resumed two nights later. Tampa Bay won, 4–2.

March 27, 2010: UFC 111: St-Pierre vs. Hardy

On March 27, 2010, UFC 111: St-Pierre vs. Hardy was held at the Prudential Center.

March 19, 2011: UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones

On March 19, 2011, Prudential Center hosted UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones.

2011: Liberty Play at Prudential Center

In 2011, the New York Liberty of the WNBA played home games at Prudential Center.

April 23, 2012: Nets Final Game at Prudential Center

On April 23, 2012, the New Jersey Nets played their final game at Prudential Center before relocating to the Barclays Center and becoming the Brooklyn Nets for the 2012–13 NBA season.

May 25, 2012: Devils Clinch Playoff Series

On May 25, 2012, the New Jersey Devils secured their first playoff series-clinching win at Prudential Center, defeating the New York Rangers 3–2 in overtime to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.

2012: Liberty Play at Prudential Center

In 2012, the New York Liberty of the WNBA played home games at Prudential Center.

April 27, 2013: UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen

On April 27, 2013, Prudential Center held UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen.

December 2013: Arena Revenue Ranking

In December 2013, Prudential Center ranked third nationally and ninth internationally in terms of self-reported annual revenue.

2013: Liberty Play at Prudential Center

In 2013, the New York Liberty of the WNBA played home games at Prudential Center.

February 1, 2014: UFC 169: Barão vs. Faber 2

On February 1, 2014, Prudential Center held UFC 169: Barão vs. Faber 2.

April 18, 2015: UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold

On April 18, 2015, Prudential Center hosted UFC on Fox: Machida vs. Rockhold.

January 30, 2016: UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader

On January 30, 2016, Prudential Center held UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Bader.

October 22, 2016: Martin Brodeur Statue Dedication

On October 22, 2016, a statue of former Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur was dedicated outside the Lafayette Street entrance of the Prudential Center.

2016: Riveters Home at Barnabas Health Hockey House

From 2016 to 2019, the Metropolitan Riveters of the National Women's Hockey League used RWJ Barnabas Health Hockey House as their home rink.

October 2017: Mulberry Commons Construction Begins

In October 2017, construction began on Mulberry Commons, a city square near Prudential Center, after a decade of stagnation.

October 20, 2017: Grammy Museum Experience Opening

On October 20, 2017, the Grammy Museum Experience opened at Prudential Center.

2017: Billboard Names Prudential Center "East Coast home of K-pop"

In 2017, Billboard named Prudential Center "the East Coast home of K-pop" due to hosting numerous K-pop concerts, including acts like BTS, Suga, NCT, Blackpink, Stray Kids, and IU, as well as KCON conventions.

2017: Trans-Lux Scoreboard Installation

In 2017, a 9,585-square-foot scoreboard by Trans-Lux was installed in the Prudential Center, replacing a smaller unit.

May 30, 2019: Mulberry Commons Park Opens

After 15 years of delay, Mulberry Commons park opened on May 30, 2019, near Prudential Center.

August 3, 2019: UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Lawler

On August 3, 2019, Prudential Center held UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Lawler.

2019: Riveters End Home Games at Barnabas Health Hockey House

From 2016 to 2019, the Metropolitan Riveters of the National Women's Hockey League used RWJ Barnabas Health Hockey House as their home rink.

2019: Mulberry Commons Built

In 2019, Mulberry Commons, a public green space featuring a children's play area, seating areas, and a splash pad, was built near Prudential Center.

October 7, 2021: Preseason Game Cancelled Due to Power Outage

On October 7, 2021, a preseason game between the Devils and the New York Islanders was canceled after a power outage prevented the lights in the northeast corner of the arena from being turned on.

May 6, 2023: UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo

On May 6, 2023, Prudential Center hosted UFC 288: Sterling vs. Cejudo.

June 25, 2023: Grammy Museum Experience Closure

On June 25, 2023, the Grammy Museum Experience at the Prudential Center closed.

2023: Ranked Among Top Concert Venues

By 2023, Prudential Center was recognized as one of the top five concert venues worldwide based on earnings.

2023: Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge Broke Ground

In 2023, the Mulberry Commons Pedestrian Bridge, billed as the High Line of Newark, broke ground. The bridge is slated to connect the venue and the station over McCarter Highway.