Meadowlands Arena
| Company type | State-owned facility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports and entertainment venue |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Fate | Closed as sports venue in 2015; repurposed as rehearsal and TV production space |
| Headquarters | East Rutherford , United States |
Area served | New Jersey, USA |
| Products | Sports events, concerts, television production |
| Owner | New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) |
Meadowlands Arena—previously known as Brendan Byrne Arena, Continental Airlines Arena, and Izod Center—is a defunct indoor venue for sports and concerts situated within the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA. After its closure, the state-owned facility has been repurposed primarily as a rehearsal location for major concert tours and leased by NBCUniversal for television production purposes. Positioned along New Jersey Route 120, it lies opposite MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Racetrack, adjacent to the entertainment and retail hub known as American Dream Meadowlands.
The arena opened its doors in 1981 to accommodate the relocated New Jersey Nets basketball franchise. In 1982, it became the home of the NHL's relocated Colorado Rockies, who were rebranded as the New Jersey Devils. Beginning in 1985, it also hosted the men's basketball team of Seton Hall Pirates. The inauguration of Newark's Prudential Center in 2007 prompted both the Devils and Seton Hall to move there, while the Nets remained until their eventual transfer to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, following a brief period at Prudential Center. Additionally, during the 2010–11 season, the arena served as a venue for select games involving Fordham University.
Following the departure of its main sports tenants, Meadowlands Arena continued to stage concerts and local events but faced financial difficulties, including an anticipated $8.5 million loss in 2015. On January 15, 2015, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) resolved to shut down the facility and transferred event management rights to Prudential Center through a $2 million agreement.
Since closing, the arena has functioned as a rehearsal site for large-scale music tours and as a television soundstage. From 2018 onward, NBC has leased the space for prime-time series such as The Enemy Within, Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector, The Equalizer featuring Queen Latifah, along with Tales of the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: Dead City.
History
Construction on a new arena near Giants Stadium and the Meadowlands Racetrack commenced in 1977, designed to serve as the primary residence for the Nets following their relocation from New York's Nassau Coliseum. While this facility was being built, the Nets temporarily played at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The arena’s design was crafted by Grad Partnership alongside Dilullo, Clauss, Ostroki & Partners and came with an $85 million price tag. Initially named Brendan Byrne Arena after New Jersey’s governor at that time, it officially opened on July 2, 1981, marked by a Bruce Springsteen concert. The Nets took up residence on October 30, 1981, losing their inaugural home game against the New York Knicks. The venue later hosted notable events such as the 1982 NBA All-Star Game and the NBA draft in 1996.
An important objective behind constructing this arena was to attract an NHL franchise. Governor Byrne was part of an ownership consortium pursuing this ambition. In 1978, businessman Arthur Imperatore acquired the Colorado Rockies NHL team with plans to relocate it to New Jersey; however, multiple ownership changes delayed this move. Eventually renamed as the New Jersey Devils under owner John McMullen, they played their first game at this arena in October 1982. The Devils netted their first goal here, and in 1984, the arena hosted the NHL All-Star Game. Starting in 1985, Seton Hall University's men's basketball squad also began playing home games at this venue.
On January 4, 1996, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) entered into a $29 million naming rights contract with Continental Airlines lasting twelve years. During this period as Continental Airlines Arena, it hosted the 1996 NCAA Final Four—the last time this tournament was held in a basketball-specific facility.
In September 2006, the Nets extended their lease through 2013 but included an option allowing departure by 2009 if Barclays Center in Brooklyn opened. At that time, Nets owner Bruce Ratner was reportedly exploring selling the team.
The Devils played their last game at this venue on May 5, 2007, before moving to Newark's Prudential Center for the following NHL season. Subsequently, Continental Airlines ended its naming rights deal; NJSEA then secured a five-year agreement with Izod, initially paying $1.4 million annually which decreased to $750,000 after the Nets left. To align with Izod’s branding, exterior columns of the arena were repainted red.
In 2009, Newark mayor Cory Booker and Devils owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek pushed for closing Izod Center due to competition from Prudential Center and concerns over public funding. An arrangement was made for the Nets to play at Prudential Center over two seasons starting in 2010–11 under a partnership dividing sporting events and concerts between venues through a joint venture named Jersey Presents LLC. The Nets completed their transition on February 18, 2010. Their final game at Izod Center occurred on April 12, 2010—a defeat against the Charlotte Bobcats—with Terrence Williams scoring its last point.
Closure
After losing key tenants, the Izod Center largely shifted to hosting touring events such as concerts, ice exhibitions, and occasional local ceremonies. The New Jersey government considered multiple approaches, including selling, leasing, or shuttering the facility. Triple Five Group sought to purchase the arena for incorporation into the adjacent American Dream Meadowlands project, but talks were unsuccessful. The venue recorded financial deficits in 2013 and struggled to compete with Barclays Center for major concert bookings, with anticipated losses reaching $8.5 million in 2015. Even while accommodating events like Super Bowl XLVIII, the Izod Center experienced a $45,800 deficit related to that event.
On January 15, 2015, prompted by Governor Chris Christie, the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA) voted to cease operations at Izod Center. A two-year contract valued at $2 million was established with Devils Arena Entertainment LLC, resulting in most forthcoming events relocating to Prudential Center. Although the initial plan was to close by the end of January, the final event held was a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus performance on March 22, 2015. After January 31, Prudential Center's management took over staffing and logistical responsibilities while retaining revenue from these events.
By mid-July 2016, Devils Arena Entertainment had not fulfilled the first $500,000 payment installment of their $2 million agreement with NJSEA. On August 11, 2016, NJSEA permitted musicians to utilize Izod Center as a rehearsal venue. Hugh Weber, president of Prudential Center, mentioned Coldplay’s prior use of a similar arrangement before their MetLife Stadium tour stop and highlighted that high demand at Prudential Center limited rehearsal availability. Income generated from rehearsals is divided between NJSEA and Prudential Center.
Seating capacity
| style="Template:NBA color cell"|Years | style="Template:NBA color cell"|Capacity |
|---|---|
| 1981–1987 | 20,149 |
| 1987–1988 | 20,040 |
| 1988–2003 | 20,050 |
| 2003–2004 | 19,970 |
| 2004–2005 | 20,175 |
| 2005–2006 | 20,100 |
| 2006–2007 | 20,035 |
| 2007–2009 | 19,990 |
| 2009–2015 | 18,974 |
| Years | Capacity |
|---|---|
| 1981–1985 | 19,025 |
| 1985–2007 | 19,040 |
Athletics
Primarily functioning as a sports arena, it served as home court for the NBA's New Jersey Nets from 1981 until 2010 and the NHL's New Jersey Devils between 1982 and 2007. The NCAA's Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball team also called it home from 1982 through 2007. The venue continued to host various regular-season men’s college basketball contests until December 18, 2014—the date of the last game featuring Duke Blue Devils versus UConn Huskies. The facility maintained two distinct basketball floors: a traditional hardwood surface for NBA games and a parquet floor for collegiate contests.
College basketball made its debut during the arena’s participation in the opening rounds of the NCAA tournament in 1984. Seton Hall transitioned its Big East Conference men’s basketball games there starting with the 1985–86 season. In addition to hosting the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 1996—the last time this event was held in a conventional arena—it also accommodated East Regional semifinals and finals on eleven occasions from 1986 through 2007. This ranks second only to Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium in terms of regional final hosting frequency. Furthermore, it hosted Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournaments from 1982 to 1989 and an Atlantic Ten Conference tournament in 1986.
On January 22, 1987, a heavy snowstorm resulted in just 334 spectators attending a Devils game against the Calgary Flames—a modern NHL record low attendance.
Other sports tenants included indoor soccer’s New Jersey Rockets (Major Indoor Soccer League), roller hockey’s New Jersey Rockin' Rollers (Roller Hockey International), indoor football’s New Jersey XTreme (National Indoor Football League), and arena football’s New Jersey Red Dogs/Gladiators (Arena Football League). Two National Lacrosse League franchises—the New Jersey Saints (1987–1988) and New Jersey Storm (2002–2003)—also competed at this location. Additionally, the New York Cosmos played indoor matches here including the final NASL indoor game held in 1984.
The arena was also notable for hosting prominent combat sports events such as Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Silva in February of 2011, the TicketCity Legends Classic finals in November of that same year, and UFC on Fox 3 during May of 2012.
Championships
Meadowlands Arena served as the venue for the Stanley Cup Finals in 1995, 2000, 2001, and 2003. The New Jersey Devils secured two of their three Stanley Cup championships on this ice, capturing Game 4 of the 1995 Finals against the Detroit Red Wings and sealing Game 7 of the 2003 Finals versus the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Their 2000 Stanley Cup triumph was achieved on Dallas soil. In the 2001 Finals, the Devils were defeated in a seven-game series by the Colorado Avalanche. The arena also witnessed the Los Angeles Lakers claim the NBA Championship in 2002 by sweeping the Nets, and again hosted the Nets’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs in 2003. Izod Center ranks among five arenas that have concurrently held both Stanley Cup and NBA Finals games, alongside Boston Garden, Madison Square Garden, The Spectrum, and Chicago Stadium. Moreover, it was the site for Game 3 of the NASL Indoor Finals during the 1983-84 season—the last indoor match before the North American Soccer League folded in 1985. Throughout the 1980s through the early 2000s, this venue played a pivotal role in hosting championship and neutral-site contests.
Additionally, in 1996, the arena was chosen to host the NCAA Men's Final Four tournament featuring University of Kentucky (the eventual champions), Syracuse University, University of Massachusetts, and Mississippi State University.
Concerts
Renowned for its sound quality and more affordable rental costs compared to venues like Madison Square Garden, the arena was a popular destination for live music performances.
Bruce Springsteen delivered several extended residencies here: a six-night opening run in July 1981; a fully sold-out ten-night stint in 1984; an eleven-night engagement in 1992; and a record-breaking fifteen-night sold-out series in 1999—honored with a banner displayed alongside athletic accolades. He returned for tours in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2012. Numerous tracks from his Live/1975-85 album were captured during these concerts; select performances at this venue were officially released as live recordings between 2015 and 2020. Fellow New Jersey natives Bon Jovi consistently sold out every performance at the arena.
Other prominent artists who performed include The Rolling Stones (three shows in November 1981), Queen (August 1982), Iron Maiden (in both 1982 and 2008), Grateful Dead (16 shows from 1983 through 1989), Rush (1986), Pink Floyd (1987), Michael Jackson (three sold-out dates during his Bad World Tour in 1988), and George Dalaras (a sold-out Greek concert supporting Cyprus in 1994). The Dave Matthews Band’s September 1999 concert was recorded for PBS and released as Listener Supported.
Kiss appeared during their Farewell Tour in June 2000; Cher performed on her Farewell Tour in both 2002 and 2005. Blues legend B.B. King joined Phish for their February 2003 show. Simon & Garfunkel held two concerts in December 2003 with The Everly Brothers as opening act. The Vote for Change Tour concluded here in October 2004 with performances by Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band alongside guests such as John Fogerty.
Slipknot took the stage in March 2005; Red Hot Chili Peppers played back-to-back shows in October 2006 with footage from these concerts used for their "Snow (Hey Oh)" music video. The Spice Girls returned for a February 2008 performance. Prince & The New Power Generation launched their Welcome 2 Tour with two shows in December 2010 plus two additional intimate fan events.
In October 2012, the "Love for Levon" tribute concert honored Levon Helm of The Band. Featuring numerous collaborators, proceeds supported Helm’s Woodstock barn restoration and concert series; this event was later released on CD/DVD in March 2013.
Additional Events
During the 2010–11 season, Fordham University's men's basketball squad utilized the Izod Center as an alternative home venue for four games, attracting an average crowd of 1,799 attendees—approximately half the seating capacity compared to their regular site, Rose Hill Gymnasium.
American Idol conducted auditions at the Izod Center on September 22, 2011, having previously held tryouts there in 2006 for its sixth season.
The arena served as a filming location for scenes in the movie Just Wright. Moreover, multiple episodes of The Walking Dead: Dead City were shot on site, with the facility standing in for Madison Square Garden.
Additional Facilities
Previously, a Continental Airlines ticket office operated within the center.
The Winner's Club, a premium bar and dining establishment inside the arena that hosted various events, has since been repurposed for use by the New Jersey State Police.
Sports Hall of Fame of New Jersey
Founded in 1988 to recognize distinguished athletes, teams, and contributors from New Jersey, the Sports Hall of Fame of New Jersey lacked a dedicated physical space but exhibited inductee plaques throughout the arena.
Succession
In 2021, proposals were made to replace Meadowlands Arena with a new convention center located near the American Dream shopping complex.
Public Opinion
Public surveys often placed the arena near the bottom rankings, frequently describing it as "cold and dull" and "cavernous." A 2005 USA Today poll identified it as the least favored NBA venue, highlighting issues such as the considerable distance of affordable seating from the playing surface and congestion in the concourse areas following games.