Stadiums & Arenas in New Jersey: Must-Visit Sports Venues

New Jersey, often overshadowed by its legendary neighbor New York, has a thriving sports scene with an array of spectacular stadiums and arenas.

The state is home to renowned sports teams like the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, NHL’s New Jersey Devils, and other professional squads.

From football and hockey to baseball and lacrosse, New Jersey’s sports venues cater to diverse interests and offer a variety of entertainment options for fans and families alike.

One of the most iconic venues in the Garden State is the MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford.

This world-class stadium hosts the epic rivalry between the Giants and Jets, as well as other major events like concerts and international soccer games.

Another must-visit spot is the Prudential Center, an indoor arena in Newark, which serves as the home base for the New Jersey Devils and often hosts concerts and family shows.

Additionally, the state features smaller venues like the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River and the William G. Mennen Sports Arena in Morristown, providing a more intimate atmosphere for various sports and entertainment events.

Whether visitors are in search of the electrifying atmosphere of a professional football game or the excitement of a thrilling hockey match, New Jersey’s sports venues deliver unforgettable experiences.

As the state continues to expand its sports infrastructure, fans have plenty of options to choose from.

So grab your favorite team’s colors, prepare yourself for a fun-filled day, and immerse yourself in the world of sports that New Jersey has to offer.

Famous Stadiums and Arenas

MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, is the home to both the New York Jets and the New York Giants, two NFL football franchises.

Opened in 2010, this stadium has a seating capacity of 82,500 and is one of the largest in the NFL. It has hosted numerous concerts, international soccer matches, and other events, including WrestleMania.

This venue is known for its fan-friendly amenities, and its modern architecture makes it stand out among New Jersey’s arenas and stadiums.

Prudential Center

The Prudential Center, situated in the heart of Newark, is a multi-purpose indoor arena.

As the home of the New Jersey Devils of the NHL, this venue offers an exciting atmosphere for hockey fans.

Besides sporting events, it also hosts concerts, family shows, and various other events.

Since its opening in 2007, the Prudential Center has been praised for its state-of-the-art amenities and vibrant downtown location.

Red Bull Arena

Red Bull Arena, located in Harrison, is a soccer-specific stadium dedicated to the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.

Opened in 2010, the stadium has a seating capacity of 25,000 spectators and features a unique roofing system that covers all the seating areas.

With its dynamic design, Red Bull Arena is known for providing an electric atmosphere for soccer matches and other events.

The fans at this venue are passionate and make the game experience unforgettable.

Historic Stadiums and Arenas

New Jersey has a rich history of sports and entertainment venues, with some iconic stadiums and arenas leaving unforgettable memories for sports enthusiasts.

In this section, we will focus on two historic venues: Brendan Byrne Arena and Rutgers Stadium.

Brendan Byrne Arena

Brendan Byrne Arena, originally known as the Brendan T. Byrne Arena and later renamed the Continental Airlines Arena, was home to the New Jersey Devils (NHL) and the New Jersey Nets (NBA) in East Rutherford.

Completed in 1981, the arena had a seating capacity of about 20,000.

It hosted a variety of events, including concerts, college basketball games, and professional wrestling matches.

The arena was not only a hub for sports events, but it also played a significant role in entertainment:

• Concerts: Popular artists like Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Madonna performed here during their international tours.
• Wrestling: The arena hosted the unforgettable 1994 WrestleMania X event in which WWE legends like Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels took part.

In 2007, the arena closed, and its teams moved to newer facilities in the region. Nonetheless, the Brendan Byrne Arena remains an important part of New Jersey’s sporting history.

Rutgers Stadium

Located in Piscataway, Rutgers Stadium, now known as SHI Stadium, is on the campus of Rutgers University.

It’s mainly used for college football games and is home to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Established in 1938, the stadium has a long history as a venue for the university’s various athletic programs.

Some key facts about Rutgers Stadium include:

• Seating Capacity: The original seating capacity was 23,000, but after several renovations, it now accommodates approximately 52,454 spectators.
• Historic Games: Rutgers’ first college football game at the stadium occurred on October 21, 1938, against Hampden-Sydney College. The Scarlet Knights won that game 32-0.

Rutgers Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of New Jersey college football fans and serves as a proud symbol of the state’s devotion to sports.

Events Hosted

Sports Events

New Jersey is home to various stadiums and arenas that host a range of sports events.

The Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, is a 25,000-seat stadium that serves as the home of the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer.

The arena has seen numerous thrilling matches since its opening in March 2010.

Another notable venue is the Sun National Bank Center (now called Cure Arena), which has hosted various sporting events like basketball and hockey.

Additionally, the TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater is home to the Somerset Patriots and has a capacity of 6,100. This local ballpark is primarily used for baseball games.

Concerts

New Jersey’s stadiums and arenas are also well-known for hosting concerts and music events.

The Sun National Bank Center has welcomed numerous artists, catering to different music tastes.

Similarly, the TD Bank Ballpark is not limited to baseball games but also hosts smaller concerts and gigs, providing an intimate atmosphere for fans to enjoy live music.

Entertainment

Entertainment in New Jersey stadiums and arenas goes beyond sports and concerts.

The sprawling 82,000-capacity MetLife Stadium has been the venue for major events like Wrestlemania and the Super Bowl. Moreover, the Regal Moorestown Mall Stadium 12 & RPX delivers unique movie experiences for film enthusiasts.

These stadiums and arenas have entertained thousands of visitors in New Jersey, making the state an excellent destination for those seeking exciting sports, concerts, and entertainment events.

Getting Around and Accessibility

Public Transportation

New Jersey offers several options for public transportation to and around its stadiums and arenas.

The NJ Transit system includes trains, buses, and light rail, providing convenient accessibility to various venues.

For example, the Meadowlands Sports Complex can be easily reached via rail or bus services. Additionally, some stadiums, such as the Hobey Baker Memorial Rink, are located near train stations, providing another convenient mode of transportation for visitors.

Parking

Parking options vary depending on the specific stadium or arena visited. For example, MetLife Stadium and Izod Center offer ample parking spaces for attendees, and in some cases, free parking is available, such as at Yogi Berra Stadium.

Be sure to check the parking regulations and availability for each specific venue before attending an event.

• MetLife Stadium: Multiple parking lots with a fee
• Izod Center: Ample parking spaces with a fee
• Yogi Berra Stadium: Free parking available

Amenities

Stadiums and arenas in New Jersey offer various amenities to improve visitors’ experience and meet their needs.

Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), venues are required to provide equal access and services for guests with disabilities.

This includes wheelchair accessibility, ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

In addition to the ADA-compliant facilities, many venues offer a range of amenities, such as concession stands, merchandise shops, and rest areas.

It is advisable to check the specific amenities available at each stadium or arena before visiting to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.