Soon to Be Jersey's Only Team

Official Review by Jim Mancari, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

In a few months, the New Jersey Devils will be New Jersey’s only major professional sports team. Of course, the New York Giants and Jets, as well as the New York Red Bulls, all technically play in New Jersey, but they still carry the name "New York." The New Jersey Nets will be moving to Brooklyn for the 2012–2013 season, leaving New Jerseyans to rally solely behind their hometown Devils.

Formerly the Colorado Rockies, the Devils moved to Jersey in 1982, calling the Meadowlands home. The team moved into the $375 million Prudential Center in Newark prior to the 2007–2008 season. The Devils are known for putting out a competitive team every season. New Jersey finished with a winning record each year from the 1992–93 season to the 2009–10 season, which is a record in any professional sport. The team made the playoffs every year from 1996–97 to 2009–10 and has won three Stanley Cups in its existence (1995, 2000, 2003).

The Prudential Center is a state-of-the-art entertainment destination that seats 17,625 fans for hockey games. Nicknamed "The Rock" based on Prudential Financial’s symbol, the stadium represents the many cultures of the Newark community. The arena has two main concourses as well as 76 luxury suites. In addition to serving as the temporary home for the Nets, the Seton Hall University basketball teams play at "The Rock."

Entering its 30th season in New Jersey, the theme of the Devils being "Jersey’s Team" has been celebrated this year. Come next year, it will be Devils or bust for many Jerseyans.

Food & Beverage    5

"The Rock" has a tremendous selection of food and beverages that would appeal to any fans that enter the building. What's better is that the selection goes beyond the typical stadium concessions. Local Newark cuisine is a highlight of the Taste of Newark stand on the upper concourse and the Beers of Newark stand on the main concourse. Beers start at $7.50, which is a relatively reasonable price.

The Prudential Center offers many ethnic and cultural food choices. Not too many arenas in the country can say they have a sushi bar. Definitely check out The One Sushi Bar located on the main concourse. Also, the Taste of Europe beer garden, the 7 City Grill and Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen round out the eclectic mix of concession choices. Both levels have similar stands.

Interested in dessert? Head to the Mrs. Field’s cookie stand located on the main concourse. The Fire and Ice Lounge is a full bar with concessions on either side. However, access is only granted to those with first-level seating.

Atmosphere    5

When attending a Nets game, the Prudential Center almost seems like it’s a generic stadium. However, when the Devils are home, it’s obvious whose building it is. The stadium is chock full of Devils’ posters and memorabilia, inside and outside of the arena.

The Prudential Center features two cylinders, one on either side of the building, which serve as the main points of entrance. The South Tower and the PNC Tower give "The Rock" a modern look from the outside. Newark is famous for its bricklaying and railroad history. The stadium does a nice job of capturing that heritage with its red and grey exterior.

Inside the arena, fans can follow along with the action on Rock Vision, the stadium's overhead scoreboard. The seats are situated close to the action, so there are times when you can hear what the players are saying as well as see the big hits against the boards. The red and black seats add to the Devils’ atmosphere. The black seats on either side of the ice are meticulously embroidered with the Devils’ logo. As a nice touch, the jerseys of all local high school hockey teams line the main and upper concourses. What a thrill for a young hockey player to see his team’s jersey hanging in the home of the Devils.

Neighborhood    3

Newark is an area that is still improving, and the Prudential Center has certainly helped with the revitalization and renaissance of the downtown area. Plus, New York City is only 12 miles away, but you may run into some rowdy New York Rangers fans (the Devils' main rival).

The Brick City Bar and Grill is located right on Edison Place outside the stadium. It's an upscale sports dining venue that's packed with red and white jerseys before and after games. The Edison Ale House and Lofty 47 Bistro are also on Edison Place within walking distance of the arena. The Arena Lounge is on Mulberry Street and features the longest happy hour in town (3-9 p.m.). Martinis are $5, and beers are $2. Hell's Kitchen on Lafayette Street is also a popular pre- and post-game hotspot. It's open until 2 a.m. on weeknights and 3 a.m. on weekends for fans that want to linger after a game.

Fans    5

The Devils have dubbed their fans as the "Devil’s Army." Every game, this army goes to battle against the opposing team, and it starts well before the opening puck is dropped. As a way to show their lack of support for the opposing players, the fans yell "Sucks!" once a visiting player is announced. The fans also partake in a traditional "Rangers Suck!" chant several times throughout the game. Many of the Devils fans can relate to Seinfeld’s David Puddy, the avid Devils fan. He painted his face to "support the team," and many Devils fans do the same. The fanbase is also very knowledgeable. Hockey can be a tough sport to follow at times, but Devils fan always seem to know what’s going on.

When at the game, be sure to keep a close eye on the "Diablos" of Section 122 in the upper level. These fans lead the crowd in chants and always have some interesting costumes. Good luck getting these fans to sit down at any point during the game. Devils fans are also treated to something that not all hockey fans are lucky enough to see: the goaltending of the great Martin Brodeur. After a big save, fans show their appreciation by chanting "Marty!" Brodeur leads the team onto to ice before the start of every game. Before every game, a season ticket holder leads the fans in the opening "Let’s Go Devils!" chant.

Access    4

All roads lead to not only Rome, but also to "The Rock." The arena is surrounded by highways such as Interstate 280, I-78, the New Jersey Turnpike, US Routes 1/9, NJ Route 21, US 22 and the Garden State Parkway.

Still, the best way to get to the Prudential Center is to use public transportation. The arena is located just two blocks from Newark Penn Station. The New Jersey Transit, PATH, Amtrak and Newark Light Rail all can lead to "The Rock." Driving in rush hour in the tri-state area can be brutal on a weekday before game time, so making use of public transportation can be a hassle-free way to arrive at the game.

If you do choose to drive, be prepared to pay $20-$30 to park at one of the local Newark lots.

Return on Investment    4

Think of visiting the Prudential Center to see a Devils’ game as more than just watching hockey. You can experience many things Newark has to offer, including its atmosphere and gourmet food, right inside the building. The tickets in the arena go for as little as $20 but as high as $250 for single games. For a devout fan, a Devils’ ticket plan could be the way to go. If just planning a trip to this arena, check out some independent ticket websites for good deals.

Taking a family of four to a game may be a pricy endeavor, but hopefully you find the experience well worth it based on the amenities at "The Rock."

Extras    5

The Prudential Center is immaculately clean and the concourses are extremely spacious. Even during games with a sellout crowd, the concourses are easily navigable. Each concourse offers unobstructed views of downtown Newark, which can be a picturesque site when lit up at night. The seating area of the arena is very open and the rows are spacious. Interactive fan amenities are located around every corner.

For those fans feeling lucky, each concourse is equipped with a New Jersey Lottery kiosk. What could be better than a Devils win and winning the lotto on the same night?

Right outside the arena, there’s a fan area called the Championship Plaza, which offers great photo opportunities and is a great meeting spot before the game. Devil’s Den gift shops are located on every level.

The Devils celebrate their history by proudly hanging their three Stanley Cup banners and three retired numbers (Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer and Ken Daneyko). Brodeur will surely join those three upon his retirement.

Whenever the Devils score, an electronic Devils logo sign lights up in the upper level. Also, be sure to take a photo with N.J. Devil, the lovable mustachioed mascot of the Devils.

If you’re around at the right time, you might just make it on television if you’re near the Goal Bar, where the pregame, intermission and postgame shows are filmed.

Final Thoughts

Luckily for Jerseyans, they may be losing the Nets, but the Devils are there to stay. If you live in New Jersey or the Tri-State area, visiting the Prudential Center is a must for any sports fan.