Closing Izod Center Throws Wrench In Universities' Graduation Plans
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Instead of moving graduation to the Prudential Center in Newark like many other schools, Fairleigh Dickinson University is trading up to the massive MetLife Stadium.
A spokesperson told the Bergen Record it gives them plenty of space for thousands of family members and its 3,000 graduates-- they just have to worry about the weather.
Bergen County Community College is opting for the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported.
But other schools are switching to Newark. Montclair State University had to change its graduation date to the fit the schedule and William Paterson University and Ramapo College also booked The Rock now that the money-losing Izod Center has been shelled for at least two years, Smith reported.
President of Paramus Catholic High School, which will use the Prudential Center, told The Record it is further away and parking is not as easy.
Notices have gone out to more than 1,700 Izod Center workers that they'll lose their jobs by the end of March because the arena is closing.