New Jersey's Premier Venues for Music
and Sports Enthusiasts
New Jersey Concerts and Sports Venues: Concert Halls, Stadiums, and Arenas
New Jersey’s concert and sports venues are renowned for the top-tier entertainment they attract, offering something for every music lover and sports enthusiast across the state.
For music fans, New Jersey boasts an impressive lineup of venues that host everything from global superstars to emerging local talent.
These spaces showcase the best of the music industry, offering unforgettable performances in settings both grand and intimate. Iconic spots like the Stone Pony in Asbury Park carry a storied legacy in rock music, while larger arenas host chart-topping artists from around the world.
Sports fans won’t be disappointed either. Home to major teams like the New Jersey Devils (NHL), New York Giants, and New York Jets (NFL), the state features premier venues like MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford and the Prudential Center in Newark.
Wherever you are in New Jersey, world-class concerts and sports events are just a short trip away, making the state a vibrant hub for entertainment.
Northern Jersey Premier Concert and Sports Venues
MetLife Stadium
102 Route 120
East Rutherford, NJ
The home of New York Jets and New York Giants also serves as the must stop location for all marquee events. Whether it's internationally broadcast concerts, storied college football programs, international soccer, MetLife Stadium is the ideal venue for fans and talent alike. With seating for 82, 000, MetLife Stadium has become the new standard of what a venue should look and feel like.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center
1 Center St
Newark, NJ
An internationally acclaimed concert hall hosting top artists national and international artists and symphonies. The complex consists of the 2,750-seat Prudential Hall and the 514-seat Victoria Theater filled with some of the world's most cherished orchestral, dance, theater, and instrumental works, as well as the best performers from New Jersey's outstanding array of artists and performing companies.
Prudential Center
744 Broad Street
Newark, NJ
The Prudential Center is the newest major New Jersey concert Center and host to NHL New Jersey Devils hockey, Seton Hall basketball, MISL indoor soccer, concerts, family shows, special events as well as other professional, collegiate and amateur sporting events. It has a Capacity of 17,625 for hockey, 18,500 for basketball, 19,500+ for concerts Located in downtown Newark, just a couple of blocks from Newark Penn Station. The arena is accessible via New Jersey Transit, PATH and Amtrak. Bounded by Edison Place to the north, Lafayette Street to the south, Mulberry Street to the east and Broad Street and City Hall to the west
Red Bull Arena
600 Cape May Street
Harrison, NJ
Red Bull Arena has quickly established itself as one of the finest soccer facilities in North America. In addition to New York Red Bulls matches, the Arena has hosted a number of international, NCAA, and high school soccer games. The Arena houses 25,000 seats, including 30 Luxury Sky boxes and 1,000 Club Seats.
Central New Jersey Premier Concert and Sports Venues
Cure Insurance Arena
81 Hamilton Ave
Trenton, NJ
The Arena seats approximately 8,100 for hockey and other ice events, 9,000 for basketball, and up to 10,000 for concerts, family shows, and other events. The facility has 1,150 private club seats as well as 34 private luxury suites and is the largest arena in Southern New Jersey. It hosts many events including hockey, basketball, concerts, ice shows, athletic events, family shows, trade shows, and conventions.
IPlay America Event Center
106 Schanck Road
Freehold, NJ
Offering a multitude of music genres to engage every audience,IPlay boasts a state-of-the art sound and light system, a variety of floor setups and flexible seating to accommodate all. The venueظآظآظآs pristine production quality allows for superstar stadium acts to play a more intimate show for their fans without compromising the level of sound or performance.
Mercer County Festival Grounds
Two entrances: Old Trenton Road and Hughes Drive
West Windsor, NJ
A summer concert venue with 200,000 square feet of venue space and a 2,200 square foot, state-of-the-art performing arts stage. Attracts major concert performers.
PNC Arts Center
Exit 116 Garden State Parkway
Holmdel, NJ
A modern amphitheater with a capacity of 17,500. There are 7,000 seats and the grass area can hold about 10,500 people. Concerts run from May through September featuring 35ظآظآظآ45 different events of many types of musical styles. It is ranked among the top five most successful amphitheaters in the country, and one of two major outdoor arenas in New Jersey.
Starland Ballroom
570 Jernee Mill Road
Sayreville, NJ
New Jersey's premier world-class concert nightclub hosting live music ranging from rock and pop to jazz, as well as weekly dance parties, comedy nights and other live productions. The club offers a concentration of national acts, with local acts as openers. The club with its state-of-the-art sound and lighting, attracts large acts. It has graduated flooring, improved sight lines, a raised stage, and very high ceilings The ballroom is also be available to rent for private social or corporate gatherings.
Stone Pony
913 Ocean Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ
The Stone Pony is a legendary music venue. It opened its doors in 1974 and has since become an iconic spot in the music world, known for launching the careers of many New Jersey music legends, including Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes12. The venue has a rich history and has hosted countless performances by both local and international artists. It has a capacity of 850 people indoors and can accommodate up to 4,500 on its seasonal outdoor stage2. The Stone Pony is not just a music venue; it's a cultural landmark that has played a significant role in the Asbury Park music scene for decades.
Southern New Jersey Premier Concert and Sports Venues
Albert Music Hall
131 Wells Mill Road (Rt. 532)
Waretown, NJ
The Albert Music Hall is one of the best places on the East Coast to hear a live country, bluegrass, & pinelands music concert. This venue holds concerts every Saturday night.
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
1 Harbor Blvd
Camden, NJ
With a view of the Philadelphia skyline, this dual purpose venue serves as an outdoor amphitheater in the summer with a capacity of 25,000, including lawn seating. In winter, it is converted into an enclosed, flexible capacity theatre. It brings to you the world's best performers. During the fall and winter months the pavilion transforms into an enclosed, climate-controlled, 1,600ظآظآظآ7,000 seat theater featuring concerts, Broadway productions and family-friendly entertainment.
Boardwalk Hall
One Miss America Way
Atlantic City, NJ
The 10,500 seat entertainment arena hosts top performers and entertainment. Recently restored, the Historic Atlantic City Convention Hall, now commonly referred to as the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall, is listed on the United State Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark.
Borgata Hotel Event Center
1 Borgata Way
Atlantic City, NJ
The Event Center has 30,000 square feet of space, 30-foot ceilings, immense stars and huge acts. Rock shows, big names, and special events. The Music Box is smaller with seating for 1,000.
Caesars
2100 Pacific Ave
Atlantic City, NJ
Schedules Marquee shows, concerts and comedy acts every week.
Hard Rock Live @Etess Arena
1000 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
The arena seats over 5,000 for music and sporting events.
Harrah's Resort
777 Harrah's Blvd
Atlantic City, NJ
Schedules weekly shows, concerts and entertainment events.
Ocean City Music Pier
840 E. Sixth Street
Ocean City, NJ
The Music Pier is an entertainment venue suitable for a great variety of shows from stand up comedy to musicals, and from soloists to the Ocean City Pops orchestra. The Ocean City Pops has a summer concert series from July through October that
showcases the beautiful music of the orchestra as well as special guest appearances from critically acclaimed entertainers.
Ovation Hall at Ocean Resort Casino
500 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
Ovation Hall features great sightlines, and the only skyboxes in Atlantic City.
Tropicana Showroom
2831 Boardwalk
Atlantic City, NJ
The Tropicana Showroom is a Broadway-style theatre with 2,000 seats. It features some of the best traveling entertainment around, including world-class headliners, revues, sporting events, and Broadway productions. With a great sound system, automated lighting, and exceptionally comfortable plush seats.
Key Takeaways
- New Jersey offers top venues for concerts and sports statewide: MetLife Stadium, Prudential Center, NJPAC, Red Bull Arena, PNC Bank Arts Center, Starland Ballroom, Stone Pony, Cure Insurance Arena, Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Boardwalk Hall, and Atlantic City casino theaters.
- Expect major artists, pro teams, flexible capacities, and easy transit access.
FAQ: Getting the Most from New Jersey’s Top Music and Sports Venues
Which New Jersey venues top the list for big events?
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, Prudential Center in Newark, PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, Red Bull Arena in Harrison, and Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. These host major concerts, pro sports, and special events year-round.
How do I choose between MetLife Stadium and Prudential Center?
Pick MetLife for giant stadium shows and NFL games. Choose Prudential Center for NHL games, college hoops, and arena concerts with stronger acoustics and easier climate control.
What’s the best way to get to each venue without driving?
Prudential Center sits a short walk from Newark Penn Station. MetLife runs the Meadowlands Rail Line on most major event days. Red Bull Arena is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the PATH at Harrison. For PNC Bank Arts Center and Boardwalk Hall, driving is often easiest, though bus options exist for some shows.
How early should I arrive for a sold-out event?
Plan to get there 60 to 90 minutes ahead. You will clear security faster, get food with shorter lines, and settle in before the opener or warm-ups.
Are these venues cashless?
Most large venues in New Jersey now run cashless for tickets, parking, food, and merch. Bring a card or mobile wallet. Many sites have cash-to-card kiosks near entrances.
What should I know about bag policies?
Expect clear bag or small clutch rules, plus size limits. Policies vary by venue and event, so check your ticket info the day before you go.
Where are the best seats for sound and sightlines?
At arenas like Prudential, lower bowl side seats between the blue lines or near center stage give a great mix of view and sound. At MetLife, lower sideline or club level seats offer better angles for football and more balanced audio for concerts. For PNC Bank Arts Center, orchestra center or front terrace seats beat the lawn for sound.
Is premium seating worth it?
If you want shorter lines, private restrooms, and lounge access, yes. Suites and club seats offer comfort, in-seat service at select events, and a better overall experience, especially for long shows or bad weather days.
How’s parking, and should I prepay?
Prepay if you can. It speeds up entry and locks in a lot. At MetLife and PNC Bank Arts Center, lots are large but fill fast near gates. For Prudential Center, garages and surface lots near Market Street and Mulberry Street are the usual picks.
Can I rely on rideshare?
Yes, but expect delays after the show. Venues set specific pickup zones. Walk a few blocks away if allowed, or wait 15 to 30 minutes for prices and congestion to ease.
What’s different about outdoor venues like MetLife and PNC Bank Arts Center?
Weather matters. Dress in layers, bring a poncho, and plan for wind or heat. Check the event page for allowed items, since umbrellas and chairs often have rules.
How accessible are these venues?
All offer ADA seating, companion seats, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Request accommodations early, use official ticket portals for ADA sections, and review drop-off locations on the venue site.
What can I expect for food and drinks?
You will see classic stadium fare plus local favorites, craft beer, and cocktail stands. Lines peak 30 minutes before showtime and at intermission or halftime. Mobile ordering is available at some venues.
Are there strict rules on signs, cameras, and merch?
Posters and selfie sticks often face limits, and most shows ban pro cameras with detachable lenses. Buy merch inside or at official stands to avoid fakes outside. Keep receipts for size exchanges.
What’s the typical security screening?
Plan for metal detectors and bag checks. Empty pockets, hold your phone and wallet, and keep bags small to speed it up.
Any tips for families or first-timers?
Bring ear protection, especially for kids in lower sections. Download tickets to your wallet, screenshot barcodes as backup, and set a meetup spot. Hydrate before you go, then refill water where allowed.
When do tickets drop, and how do I get good seats?
Primary sales open with presales, then general sale. Join team or artist lists, use verified fan programs when offered, and be ready at on-sale time with your payment info saved. For late buyers, check official resale for seat maps and clear pricing.
What’s different about Boardwalk Hall and Red Bull Arena?
Boardwalk Hall is historic, with strong acoustics for arena concerts and special events. Red Bull Arena is soccer-first, steep-sided, and intimate, great for MLS matches and select concerts with strong sightlines.
Any last prep steps before you go?
Charge your phone, bring a portable charger, and confirm your transit or parking plan. Check the venue page on the event day for bag rules, gate changes, and set times. Wear comfortable shoes, you will walk more than you think.
