The Prudential Center—also known as “The Rock”—is one of New Jersey’s largest and most popular arenas. Located at 25 Lafayette Street in downtown Newark, it holds up to 18,000 people. It’s the home of the New Jersey Devils (NHL), Seton Hall Pirates men’s basketball, and the New York Sirens of the PWHL. The arena also hosts concerts, comedy acts, family shows, and other major events year-round.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit—from how to get there and where to park to food options inside the arena, premium seating choices, nearby hotels, and important entry rules.
2025 Upcoming Events at Newark Prudential Center
It only makes sense to start with the events, and the Prudential arena has a full calendar for 2025.
Here are some of the confirmed events:
April 2025
- Apr 16 – Devils vs. Red Wings – 7:30 PM
- Apr 26 – Mega Mezcla (Presented by Mega 97.9 & La Musica) – 8:00 PM
May 2025
- May 2 – NY Sirens vs. Montréal Victoire – 7:00 PM
- May 24 – Barak – Dios Fuerte Tour – 8:00 PM
- May 30 – ONE OK ROCK – 8:00 PM
June 2025
- Jun 1 – Live Breathe Fight Tour – 8:00 PM
- Jun 7 – UFC 316 – 6:00 PM
- Jun 14 – Final X – 12:30 PM
- Jun 20 – HOT 97 Summer Jam – 8:00 PM
- Jun 21 – Top Rank Boxing: Mielnicki Jr vs. Gardzielik – 5:15 PM
- Jun 22 – Tina Fey and Amy Poehler: Restless Leg Tour – 6:00 PM
- Jun 27 – Jon, John & Pete – 7:30 PM
- Jun 29 – Brand New – 8:00 PM
July 2025
- Jul 17 – Wu-Tang Clan with Run The Jewels – 8:00 PM
- Jul 26 – Jorge Medina & Josi Cuen – Juntos – 8:00 PM
- Jul 27–28 – Tyler, The Creator: Chromakopia Tour
August 2025
- Aug 3 – Linkin Park – 7:30 PM
- Aug 5 – Ado – 8:00 PM
- Aug 8–10 – Monster Jam: Action Packed Motorsports
- Aug 14 – Katy Perry: The Lifetimes Tour – 7:00 PM
- Aug 16 – A.R. Rahman – 7:30 PM
- Aug 24 – Disney Descendants/Zombies – 7:00 PM
September 2025
- Sep 10 – Breaking Benjamin & Three Days Grace – 7:00 PM
- Sep 25 – The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage – 8:00 PM
Tickets and full listings are available at prucenter.com/events.
Best Places to Eat Inside Prudential Center
Once you’re inside the arena, there’s no need to leave for food since the Prudential Center has many food stands in almost every section. You can find burgers, chicken, hot dogs, pizza, tacos, snacks, and more.
Below is a list of where to go and what they serve.
Smash by Pat LaFrieda – Sections 12 and 115
This stand does what it says on the tin: serves burgers. The Rock’s Smash Burger has two beef patties, American cheese, pickles, and house sauce on a challah bun. The Classic Burger comes with one patty. The Ranch House Burger includes ranch, bacon jam, pickles, white cheddar, and fried onions. They also have a Meatball Parm Smash Burger with marinara and provolone cheese.
Goal Tenders – Sections 16 and 130
Goal Tenders focuses on chicken. The Honey Hen Sandwich comes with a fried chicken breast, honey butter, pickles, and white cheddar on a brioche bun. The Spicy Honey Hen Sandwich has chopped brisket, BBQ sauce, Fresno chiles, and cucumbers on a challah bun. They also serve regular and spicy chicken tenders made with a jalapeño buttermilk brine.
Melba’s – Section 107
Melba’s serves soul food. The Fried Chicken Sandwich has chipotle mayo and cucumbers on a challah bun. The Chicken & Waffle Bowl includes fried chicken thighs with hot honey in a waffle bowl. The Tres Mac & Cheese is baked with three cheeses. They also serve sweet potato fries with maple syrup and Melba’s sweet tea.
Main Street Diner – Sections 1 and 101
This diner has lots of great choices to pick from. They serve the Rock’s Smash Burger, a Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Tenders with Fries, and Mozzarella Sticks with marinara. Sides include Disco Fries with gravy and cheese, Funnel Cake Fries, and All-Beef Hot Dogs. The Kids Meal comes with a hot dog, fruit cup, chips, and juice box.
Brick City Dogs – Sections 4 and 110
This stand offers several hot dog options. The Devil Dog includes bacon, jalapeños, pickled carrots, slaw, spicy sauce, and cilantro. The Chili Cheese Dog has cheese sauce and chili. The Jersey Shore Dog includes fried Taylor Ham, cheese sauce, and fries. You can also get a plain All-Beef Hot Dog or a Kids Meal with sides.
The Boardwalk – Section 126
The Boardwalk serves boardwalk-style food. You can get a Cheesesteak with peppers, onions, and cheese sauce or a Sausage and Peppers Hero. Sides include Beer-Battered Onion Rings, Chicken Tenders, and Funnel Cake Fries with powdered sugar and strawberry dip.
Goya Cantina – Section 101
Goya Cantina serves tacos and Latin food. They have Pork Al Pastor Tacos, Tinga de Pollo Tacos, and Yucca Tacos for vegetarians. Other items include Cheesesteak Empanadas and Loaded Nachos with cheese, salsa, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
The Jersey Tomato – Sections 4, 16, and 130
The Jersey Tomato serves Classic Cheese Pizza and Pepperoni Pizza, which are made with hand-stretched dough and house-made sauce. They also offer a Kids Meal with a hot dog, fruit cup, chips, and juice box.
Popcorn for the People – Section 4
This stand sells flavored popcorn and supports workers with disabilities. Flavors include Caramel, Dark Chocolate Espresso, Kettle, French Toast, Butter, and Chicago Baked Cheddar.
Kosher Stand – Sections 10, 17, and 124
This stand serves Glatt Kosher Hot Dogs, Pulled BBQ Brisket, Kosher Sausages, Pastrami, Pretzels, Kinish, and Kosher Candy and Popcorn.
Mulberry Market – Sections 4, 18, 103, 118, and 131
Mulberry Market is a quick option. Pick a snack and drink, check out fast, and head back to your seat without delay.
Where is Prudential Center: Directions and Parking
The Prudential Center is at 25 Lafayette Street in Newark, New Jersey, right in the middle of downtown. Getting there is easy whether you’re taking public transportation or driving.
If you’re taking the train, the closest station is Newark Penn Station, which is less than a five-minute walk from the arena. This station connects to NJ Transit, PATH trains, Amtrak, and the Newark Light Rail. Because of this, many people coming from New York City, Hoboken, or other parts of New Jersey prefer the train. Thankfully, though, it’s fast and drops you off close to the entrance.
If you’re driving, the arena is near several major roads. You can take I-280, I-78, the NJ Turnpike (I-95), Route 21, US-1/9, or US-22. These highways make it easy to reach the Prudential Center from places like Jersey City, Elizabeth, or the Garden State Parkway.
Parking is available in many nearby garages and lots. There are over 3,500 parking spaces within two blocks of the arena. To save time, it’s best to buy your parking ahead of time online through the Prudential Center website. That way, you avoid searching for a spot when it’s busy.
If you’re using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, you’ll find pick-up and drop-off zones right outside the building. Signs around the arena show where to go after the event so you don’t get stuck in the crowd.
Security and Bag Policy at Prudential Center
Before heading to the Prudential Center, it’s important to know what you can and can’t bring, how entry works, and what behavior is expected inside. These rules are in place to keep everyone safe.
Bag Policy
Only bags smaller than 12 inches by 14 inches are allowed inside the arena. Backpacks of any size are not permitted. The only exceptions are childcare or medical bags, and those must go through an X-ray screening. All bags are checked by security when you enter. If your bag doesn’t meet the rules, you’ll need to take it back to your car or store it in a paid locker provided by the arena. Lockers are available outside the M&M’s Tower and Lafayette Street entrances.
Cashless Policy
The Prudential Center is a cashless venue, meaning you can’t use cash at concession stands, retail shops, or the box office. You can pay with credit or debit cards or use Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you only have cash, you can convert it to a card at Reverse ATM kiosks inside the arena. These kiosks are near Sections 1, 14, and 125 and in the Box Office Lobby. There are no transaction fees, but the card terms follow ReadyCARD’s rules.
Prohibited Items
To protect all guests, certain items are not allowed. If security finds something banned, you won’t be allowed to bring it in, and in some cases, the item may be taken and turned over to police. If you’re already inside and caught with a banned item, it may be confiscated, and you may be removed from the arena.
Items not allowed include:
- Weapons of any kind, including firearms, knives, or stun guns
- Professional cameras, tripods, GoPros, and audio/video recorders
- Outside food, drinks, bottles, or cans
- Aerosol cans, pepper spray, and any chemical sprays
- Large bags, coolers, or hard-sided cases
- Alcohol, illegal drugs, or drug-related items
- Laser pointers, noisemakers, air horns, vuvuzelas
- Skateboards, rollerblades, hoverboards
- Signs or flags attached to poles or with lights, batteries, or offensive content
- Projectiles like frisbees, beach balls, or balloons
- Drones or any type of unmanned aircraft
- Any other item security deems unsafe or inappropriate
This list may change depending on the event and updated security guidelines.
Guest Code of Conduct
The Prudential Center expects all guests to follow basic rules of behavior. You should be able to enjoy the event without dealing with disruptive behavior or unsafe actions.
Guests are not allowed to:
- Interfere with performers or the event
- Use offensive language or gestures
- Fight, throw objects, or behave in a way that bothers others
- Get drunk or act out while drinking
- Break arena rules or ignore instructions from staff
- Engage in unauthorized selling or promotions inside the arena
If someone causes trouble, they can be removed from the arena without a refund. Repeat or serious violations may also result in canceling memberships or seat licenses.
If you see something wrong during the event, you can report it to staff or text 507-PC-GUEST.
Nearest Hotels to Stay
If you’re going to an event at the Prudential Center and need a place to stay, several hotels are nearby. Some are right in downtown Newark, while others are a short drive away. Here are the main options:
Courtyard by Marriott Newark Downtown
Address: 858 Broad Street, Newark, NJ
This hotel is in the center of Newark, just a few minutes walk from the Prudential Center. If you want to stay close to the arena and restaurants in the area, it’s one of your best options.
DoubleTree by Hilton Newark Penn Station
Address: 1048 Raymond Boulevard, Newark, NJ
This hotel is next to Newark Penn Station, a short walk or quick drive from the arena. DoubleTree is ideal if you’re arriving by train and want easy access to the venue.
Best Western Plus Newark Theater District
Address: 50 Park Place, Newark, NJ
This hotel is also near the arena. It’s located in the Newark Arts District and close to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. You can walk to the Prudential Center from here in a few minutes.
Hampton Inn & Suites Newark Harrison Riverwalk
Address: 100 Passaic Avenue, Harrison, NJ
This hotel is across the Passaic River in Harrison. It’s a short drive to the Prudential Center, usually under 10 minutes. It’s a quiet location but still close to the action.
Best Western Plus Fairfield Executive Inn
Address: 216 Route 46 East, Fairfield, NJ
This hotel is farther from the arena, about 30 minutes by car. It’s better for visitors who are driving and want to stay outside the city.
Hampton Inn Fairfield
Address: 118 US-46, Fairfield, NJ
Also, in Fairfield, this hotel is close to highways and works well for guests who prefer staying in a quieter area and don’t mind driving to the arena.
Premium Seating Options and VIP Access
For a more private and comfortable experience at the Prudential Center, several premium seating options come with better views, food and drinks included, and special lounges.
Each space has its own setup, so here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect.
The Pier Club
The Pier Club is one of the newest and most flexible premium areas. It offers 2 to 8 seats, all-inclusive food and drinks, and access to a private bar and lounge. Membership includes access to every event at the Prudential Center all year, including concerts, Devils games, and shows. You also get VIP parking and a private entrance.
Luxury Suites
Luxury Suites are fully private spaces that fit 16 to 22 people. You can decorate the suite with your own branding, which is helpful for businesses. These suites come with customized dining, and you can host clients, coworkers, or family. The views are clear and direct, and the space is fully enclosed.
Studio Suites by BMW
These suites are on the lower level, close to the action. Each one has 6 to 8 private seats, upscale food and drinks, and a private suite space. It’s built for people who want both privacy and a great view. These are currently sold out, but you can join the waitlist.
M Lounge by BMW
The M Lounge is the most exclusive lounge in the building. It includes 2 to 8 seats, a private bar, and food made by the arena’s top chef. It also gives you tunnel access to the New Jersey Devils’ on-ice entrance, which is only available with this package. Everything here is high-end, from the design to the service.
The Lofts (Speakeasy-Inspired Premium Area)
The Lofts is a premium section with an old New Jersey look. It includes:
- Loge Boxes – Private box with 8 seats, full dining, and access to a private bar.
- Loft Tables – Table for 4 guests with the same all-inclusive service and lounge access.
- Club Seating – 2 to 8 premium seats with food and drink included, plus lounge entry.
Prudential Lounge (Devils Games Only)
This option is only for New Jersey Devils games. It includes glass seats, free food and drinks, and access to a private entrance and lounge close to the rink.
Plan Your Visit to Prudential Center Newark, NJ
Now that you know what to expect, planning your visit to Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, is a walk in the park. You’ve seen where the arena is, how to get there, where to park, what food is inside, and which hotels are close by. You also know the entry rules and what premium seating options are available.
But still, before you go, check the official website for the latest event schedule, ticket prices, and updates. This way, you’ll save time and be ready when you arrive.
