It was about 3pm on Friday when I received a phone call informing me that Cory Booker would be shooting hoops inside Penn Station nearly a hour later. I was on the opposite side of town, (in cowboys boots at that), with no pen, no notebook and an iphone that was dying…
Regardless, I high–tailed it over to Penn Station. When I arrived, the waiting area had transformed into a basketball court and was rapidly filling up with highschool boys. Two guys in NJ Nets shirts were shooting hoops. The Devil’s and Net’s mascots were running around looking ridiculous, but full of spirit.
I ran into a former student of mine… he said that he had recently transferred to Arts High, and all of the boys from his class came here today to win Net’s tickets. I needed more info-
It was a game… Mayor Booker takes a shot, he misses. You take a shot and make it. You win tickets to see the Nets play. The crowd was getting anxious awaiting the Mayor’s arrival. I decided to get a slice of pizza. As I was standing in line for my slice, I heard loud clapping and a man yelling “Lets get this started… Alright!… Lets shoot some hoops!… NBA in Newark”…He had arrived.
The next hour in a half consisted of the Mayor vs. probably a hundred different people of all ages. Some left with no tickets, but many will be present at the first pre-season game this Tuesday where the Nets play the Boston Celtics.
Sorry for the lack of images! As I said totally unprepared, but certainly glad I made it.
Didn’t win tickets? Check out the Pru
October 12th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Too bad about the pics, but very cool nonetheless.
On an unrelated note, I love the Upcoming Events box directly to the right of this comment.
October 12th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
so torn on this…I miss actually rooting for the nets but I just can’t have my heart torn out again…I hate the Ratman.
October 12th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
I was not at Newark Penn on Friday but I did obtain Nets tix at The Rock for the two preseason games.
I will be there to support the Pru Center and Newark, not the Nets.
I am hopeful that lots of Newark residents will be in attendance as well as other basketball fans across the area.
I wonder if Booker was able to get some students from all of the city’s high schools into the game, which would be a good idea.
I think tickets start at only $10, spread the word to attend tomorrow night’s game.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Donny,
I am with you, I got 2 tickets for the Knicks game to show support for the arena and the city. As long as the Nets say they are moving to Brooklyn, I refuse to root for them. Go Devils-Jersey’s Team!
October 12th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Everyones gotta be at this game. If it is well attended, then the Nets will be more likely to move here once and if Brooklyn is dead. And if the Nets move here, that’s a minimum of 41 more events at the arena which means more publicity for Newark and that more improvements would happen around the arena. Help Newark and buy tickets for this game. Tickets are only $10! You’ve gotta be there!
Move to Newark, Nets!
October 12th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Went to a Nets home game last Christmas – like watching sports in Elizabeth Gardens. No good. These games should show what basketball in a first class stadium should be like. And if the ownership had any sense of the game – not real estate which is of course the big problem – the Rock would be the way ahead.
That would be too logical of course.
October 13th, 2009 at 11:11 am
NBA in Newark
There are community passes available for the Oct 13th game vs. the Celtics and the Oct 21st game vs. the Knicks. 1 Pass can be redeemed for up to four (4) reserved tickets only. When you redeem the pass – each ticket can be purchased for 10.00 each. Redeem the pass early for best seat selection. Come out and support NBA in Newark!
I have passes left and can be reached at mmary_joo@yahoo.com.
October 13th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
NBA in Newark
Newark Community Pass – Tickets only $10.00 with pass
Oct. 13th vs. Celtics and Oct. 21st vs. Knicks
Redeem the pass in person at Prudential Center Box Office as early as you can for best seat selection. 1 pass is good for up to 4 tickets. Get out and support NBA in Newark!!!
I still have some passes – mmary_joo@yahoo.com
October 14th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
here are my photos from last nights preseason game Celtics vs Nets
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79998930@N00/sets/72157622583512498/
enjoy
October 14th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
How about that big crowd at The Rock last night?
Who else was at the game?