Opened in 2012, the Barclays Center is one of New York City's big-draw arenas and a challenger to Madison Square Garden's throne. It's hosted international names such as Barbra Streisand, Jay-Z, Big Daddy Kane, and others. The complex, which seats up to 19,000 depending on the event, also boasts shops, restaurants, and bars.
One of Downtown Brooklyn's most recognizable sights, the Barclays Center features on most of the Brooklyn routes of New York City hop-on hop-off tours—their buses stop right outside. You can also see the arena on Brooklyn tours focused on the borough's highlights and urban culture. To experience a sports event or concert, book Barclays Center tickets via the Ticketmaster platform on its website or at its box office.
Events at the Barclays Center will appeal to music and sports enthusiasts.
The center is fully accessible to visitors with mobility, hearing, or sight issues.
Strollers are not permitted inside the main arena.
Bags and backpacks are screened on entry, so avoid bringing them to speed up the security process.
On-site amenities include restaurants, restrooms, phone-charging stations, ATMs, and free Wi-Fi.
To grab a bite or a meal nearby, head into buzzing Prospect Heights, home to a wide range of bars and restaurants.
Situated at 620 Atlantic Avenue—where the avenue intersects with Brooklyn's Flatbush Avenue—the Barclays Center is easy to access via subway: From Manhattan, the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R lines serve the Atlantic Terminal station located right beside the entrance. Long Island Railroad (LIRR) trains also run to the Atlantic Terminal just below the venue, and several bus lines stop nearby. Paid parking lots are available in the area—use the ParkWhiz platform on the center's website to identify locations.
There are multiple Barclays Center events each year, so visitors time their arrival accordingly. Several Brooklyn Nets' basketball games are played each month from October to April, as are New York Islanders' hockey matches. Those driving to the center should allow extra time to negotiate the usually heavy, pre-event traffic.
Alongside names such as Barbra Streisand and Jay-Z, many of the world's leading stars have graced the stage at this multi-purpose venue, including Beyonce, Madonna, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, and Andrea Bocelli. (Barclays Center tickets sell out quickly). The venue also hosts WWE wrestling and seasonal family-oriented performances such as ice shows.