Prudential Center Guide

The centerpiece of Newark's on-going revitalization and fledgling cultural scene is the Prudential Center, fondly known by sports and music enthusiasts as The Rock. Home to the NHL's New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall Pirates and MISL New Jersey Ironmen, The Rock pulsates with undeniable Jersey 'tude, tempered with the kind of luxurious comfort, trendy dining experiences and mind-blowing acoustics only a well-oiled machine can provide. The Rock hosts more than 200 events annually, ranging from heart-racing sporting events to concerts featuring top performers like Alicia Keyes, Taylor Swift, Andrea Bocelli and Fleetwood Mac. Word is continuing to spread about this state-of-the-art arena, where no seat is a bad seat and the employees are as cool as the fans.

More Stadium Guides: MetLife Stadium | Barclays Center | Madison Square Garden

How To Score Tickets

Something's always on tap at The Rock, from Rihanna's "Diamonds World Tour" to the Street League Skateboarding World Championship. Check the schedule often for updates and nab those tickets fast; while great sight lines are pretty much guaranteed from just about any seat, if you want to be up-close-and-personal to the action, you've got to scoop those tickets up before they're yesterday's news. A great insider's tip when you're trying to decipher Pru Center's seating charts: Seat #1 is always situated next to the higher section number and rows typically stretch for around 20 seats. If you're making your way to Newark for a hockey game, you'll find the Devil's Army raucously filling the lower bowl above row 15 where the best game sight lines are, but concert goers always look to score seats in the luxe atmo of the Bud Light Goal Bar. Whether your tastes run to Justin Bieber or McDonald's Gospel Fest, concert-goers know The Rock is known for its smack-on sound and lack of echo, so wherever you wind up sitting, you won't be disappointed. The Prudential Center box office is located at the corner of Edison Place and Mulberry Street, closest to the PNC Bank Tower from Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on weekends only when events take place that day starting at 11 a.m., or call (973) 757-6600. If purchasing tickets online, go to the event page for the event you're interested in and click on buy tickets at www.prucenter.com. Tickets can also be purchased through Ticketmaster, StubHub and other authorized sources.

How to Get There

If you're not planning on enjoying the great libations served at The Rock's cool restaurants and concession stands, or have a designated driver, you can get to the Prudential Center by car:

• NJ Turnpike southbound from Exit 15W onto I-280 westbound; turn right on Exit 15A to Route 21 southbound onto Rector St. Make a left onto Broad St and continue to Lafayette St., then make a left to The Rock.
• NJ Turnpike northbound, take Exit 14 toward I-78, take the center ramp after the toll towards US-1-9/Rt. 21; keep right, continue on U.S. - 9 and exit on right to Rt.-21 McCarter Highway. Bear left onto Broad Street northbound and continue onto Lafayette Street.
• GWB or Lincoln Tunnel to NJ Turnpike South and follow directions above.

Several parking lots are located within the immediate area of the Prudential Center and rates vary; pre-paid parking is also available.

Public transportation to the Prudential Center is a breeze; NJ Transit stop Newark Penn Station is located just two blocks away and the Center can also be accessed easily from Path's Newark station.

Drink Up And Chow Down

There are tons of easily-accessible concession stands and restaurants ranging from elegant to edgy at The Rock. Check out the Acela Club, Fire Lounge, Ice Lounge or Bud Light Goal Bar within the arena or, start your night off with insanely delicious Southern barbecue at near-by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que on Market Street or Edison Ale House and enjoy a huge selection of imported and domestic beer, yummy bar food and a great fan- party, pre-and-post Devils game. Kosher food is located at the concession stand near section 12, for all major events from Sunday through Thursday.

Chill Out

Out-of-towners and those who simply don��t feel like getting back in their car for the trek home are in luck. A variety of affordable, comfy hotels are situated uber-close to the Prudential Center, including Hilton Newark Penn Station and Courtyard Newark Downtown.What To Know Before You Go

• If you misplace your watch, iPhone or drinking buddies, you can hunt for them at The Rock's Lost and Found Guest Services locations, where turned-in goodies are safely held for one week's time.
• There is no smoking allowed inside Prudential Center, except in designated areas.
• PNC Bank ATM's can be found throughout Prudential Center including one in the Box Office, 4 on the Main Concourse and 2 on the Upper Concourse.
• Cell phones are allowed, but patrons are requested to use them respectfully, especially during games and concerts.
• Small cameras utilized for non-professional use are usually allowed, but may be restricted for some events. Video, audio and professional cameras, as well as recording devices are a definite no-no.
• Food and beverages may not be brought into The Rock.
• In case of emergency, locate the nearest security guard, usher, ticket taker or, call 911. Guests of the Center can also go to guest services, located on the concourse at sections 9 and 114.
• A full list of frequently-asked questions, plus other good info, can be found here.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.