In the bustling heart of Brooklyn, New York, the Barclays Center stands as a premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment. This state-of-the-art arena serves as the proud home of the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Liberty, and previously hosted the New York Islanders during their transition to UBS Arena.
Beyond its reputation as a sports venue, the Barclays Center has become one of New York's most sought-after concert destinations. Since its grand opening in 2012, the arena has welcomed countless chart-topping performers to its stage, including Jay-Z, who was instrumental in bringing the venue to life as a part-owner of the Brooklyn Nets.
Barclays Center Capacity:
One of the Barclays Center's greatest strengths is its flexible capacity design, which adjusts seamlessly based on the type of event being hosted. This adaptability ensures an optimal experience for both attendees and performers, making it an ideal venue for everything from playoff games to intimate acoustic performances.
Here's how the seating capacity breaks down by event type:
- Basketball: 17,732 seats for Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty games
- Concerts: Up to 19,000 depending on stage configuration
The venue's innovative design allows for various stage setups and seating arrangements, ensuring every event feels perfectly tailored to the occasion.
Barclays Center Tickets for Nets Games & Concerts
Securing tickets to events at the Barclays Center is straightforward, with multiple purchasing options available to suit your preferences. Fans can buy tickets directly through the official Ticketmaster website, the Brooklyn Nets website for basketball games, or by visiting the box office in person at the arena.
For those hunting for better deals or sold-out shows, secondary ticket marketplaces like SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats offer competitive pricing and a wider selection. These platforms allow you to compare prices from various sellers, helping you find the best value for your budget. Pro tip: prices often drop as the event date approaches, though waiting comes with the risk of missing out on popular events.
Barclays Center Address
620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
What is the fastest way to get to the Barclays Center?
The subway is hands down the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Barclays Center. The arena's direct connection to Atlantic Terminal provides seamless access to both the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the NYC subway system, making it one of the most accessible venues in the city.
Nine different subway lines serve the Barclays Center: the B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains all stop at Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center station. A standard subway fare is $2.90 (as of 2024). For the most up-to-date schedules and service alerts, check the MTA website before your trip.
Is there bus service to the Barclays Center?
Yes, extensive MTA bus service is available for those who prefer traveling by bus. The B25, B26, B37, B38, B41, B45, B52, B63, B65, B67, and B103 routes all have stops within walking distance of the Barclays Center. This comprehensive bus network makes the venue accessible from neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn and beyond.
Barclays Center History
The Barclays Center emerged as the centerpiece of Pacific Park, an ambitious development project designed to revitalize downtown Brooklyn. After years of planning and community discussions, construction began in 2010 on what would become a transformative addition to Brooklyn's landscape.
Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm SHoP Architects, the arena features a distinctive undulating exterior composed of weathered steel panels that pay homage to Brooklyn's industrial heritage. This striking design has become an iconic part of the Brooklyn skyline, visible from blocks away and instantly recognizable to New Yorkers.
The $1 billion construction project culminated in a spectacular grand opening on September 28, 2012, with Jay-Z christening the venue with the first of eight sold-out concerts. The arena's naming rights were secured by Barclays Bank in 2007 through a 20-year, $400 million deal, one of the most lucrative naming rights agreements in sports history at the time.
Since opening its doors, the Barclays Center has established itself as a must-play venue for top-tier musical acts. Beyonc©, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Drake, and countless other superstars have performed to packed houses. The arena's superior acoustics and modern amenities have made it a favorite among both performers and audiences.
Beyond concerts and Brooklyn Nets games, the venue has hosted major sporting events including the NBA All-Star Weekend, NCAA March Madness tournament games, championship boxing matches, and WWE's marquee events like SummerSlam and Survivor Series. The arena has also served as a venue for political rallies, including events for President Barack Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders, demonstrating its versatility as a gathering space.
More than a decade after its opening, the Barclays Center has proven to be a catalyst for economic growth in Brooklyn, spurring development throughout the surrounding neighborhoods while providing world-class entertainment options for millions of visitors annually. It stands as a testament to Brooklyn's evolution and continues to be a source of pride for the borough.