Prudential Center
The Nets appear to be headed to Newark for at least the next two years, as they await the construction of their future arena, the Barclays Center, in Brooklyn.
According to NJ.com, the proposal that would bring the Nets to the Brick City is sitting on Governor Chris Christie’s desk waiting to be signed off on.
It appears very likely that he will do so, however it is rumored that the governor wants the Nets to come to an agreement over their previously lease at the IZOD Center before signing the dotted line.
It is no secret that the Nets are a struggling franchise. At 4-43 they stand to finish with one of the worst win/loss records ever in the NBA.
However, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for Nets fans.
Starting next year Russian billionaire, Mikhail Prokhorov will take over as team owner. When he does the team will have deeper pockets and a better shot at landing coveted free agents.
This means that the team may be in the running for players like LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.
Couple one of those free agents with current Nets Brook Lopez and Devin Harris, and the Nets may return to their once contending ways.
It should be interesting to see how Newark fans respond to their new team, as when I last checked many of our Glocally readers were opposed to such a move, especially if it meant shifting concerts and other performances to the IZOD Center.
What do you guys think of the newest addition to the Newark sports family? Let us know in the comments section!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Not for it if we have to give up concerts to the IZOD. What happens when the Nets leave for Brooklyn? Now we lose the Nets and the concerts. There has to be more to this. We should then get all sporting events like the WWE Raw that always goes to IZOD, but still does not even out. Concerts bring in a ton of money. Hopefully there is more to this agreement!
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:48 pm
From what I have heard the plan, which is by no means official would make the Prudential Center the lone sports arena in New Jersey and it would hold all basketball, hockey, indoor soccer events etc.
On the other hand the IZOD Center would get all entertainment events like the circus and concerts.
In regards to WWE events I have not heard anything, but I would have to guess that they would be held in Newark.
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Not so fast – the governor says that it is not on his desk: “Nothing comes to my desk unless I want it to come to my desk…”
http://tinyurl.com/y8g43ub
February 3rd, 2010 at 8:46 pm
True but the major reason behind the hold up is the Nets getting out of their lease at the IZOD Center. NJ.com reported that as of two days ago both sides were working to settle the issue of the lease.
After that Governor Christie will then make a decision.
Link: http://www.nj.com/nets/index.ssf/2010/02/deal_to_have_nj_nets_play_two.html
Anything could happen sure, but I’m betting that a deal is done within the next couple of months.
February 3rd, 2010 at 9:12 pm
The whole thing is a mess. I just hope it isn’t a net loss for Newark with the pru chasing the pipe dream of getting the nets to get the shaft.
February 3rd, 2010 at 10:07 pm
I think short-term the Nets will be beneficial to the city because regardless of their performance people will want to see the Nets because they are new in town.
However, once they leave for Brooklyn in two years or so the Prudential Center could be left without a number of major events.
It should be interesting to see what the terms of the deal will be if and when it happens.
February 4th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Guys, this new “deal” isn’t the same as the previous one. What this means is either a)The facilities will enter into a sharing agreement (which is good for the Rock since it doesn’t have much to share) or b)nothing more than a Nets/Devils agreement with revenue sharing, dates, etc.
Don’t believe Christie would waive anything though.
February 4th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
there is plenty of time for The Devils, Nets and concerts. No concerts need to be shifted to the meadowlands if the Nets play in Newark.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
I don’t think this deal should happen unless the Nets decide to stay in Newark permanently. Newark should not be a “bridesmaid” location for any sports team, let alone one that thumbs it nose at NJ. I feel this deal would only hurt Newark. They would lose concerts, and after the Nets leave, then what? There’s no guarantee that Newark would get another NBA francise. The Nets are still a lame duck franchise, and will still be playing lousy basketball in front of 5000 fans, whether it’s the Izod or the Rock. And that will kill any chance of Newark getting another team because the league will say “NJ can’t support a basketball team” They won’t take into account that the team we have doesn’t want us for fans.
February 6th, 2010 at 1:39 pm
The Nets should immediately move to New York and stop wasting their time and ours. They’ve already alienated the NJ fans, and most aren’t going to follow the team to Brooklyn. So move already!