Opening night at the Barclays Center was headlined by Jay-Z. The site is one of New York City’s biggest venues. In addition to hosting music superstars, the stadium is home for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the NHL’s New York Islanders, who share stadium space during the winter season. Located in a thriving part of Brooklyn, the arena provides a big-concert or big-game feeling without leaving the city. Plan a visit to the Barclays Center to have dinner at a tiny restaurant and enjoy the evening with the almost 20,000 other people who descend on the center.
As you approach the stadium, notice the elaborate lighting schemes of the exterior acting as a glowing beacon along the streets of Park Slope, beckoning concert and game-goers toward the curved exterior. Admire the architecture, whose first iterations were designed by Frank Gehry. A latticework aims to echo the borough’s iconic brownstones.
Join the crowds mingling on the plaza in front, chatting excitedly for the event about to happen. On game nights, follow the action without ever going in, thanks to a specially designed oculus that allows people outside to see the scoreboard.
Follow fellow fans inside as they stream across the floors and up the escalators leading to the stadium-style seating. Don’t miss José Parlá’s Diary of Brooklyn, a 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) mural that celebrates the borough’s values and some of its icons.
The Barclays Center is located in Central Brooklyn, adjacent to Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal, a stop for the Long Island Railroad, MetroNorth and several subway lines. Travel here by subway in about 25 minutes from Midtown Manhattan or 35 minutes by taxi. Prospect Park and its attractions are a 15-minute walk away. Parking is extremely limited in the nearby neighborhoods. The arena has parking that must be prebooked, so public transportation and taxis are best for getting here.
Access to the Barclays Center requires purchase of a an event ticket, available online or from the box office, which is open from Monday to Saturday. Be prepared for a security screening to check for items not allowed.
