The Prudential Center launched its grand opening in full force Thursday with a packed crowd to see Bon Jovi rock out.

Fans started filing in for the show at 6:30 p.m. The New Jersey band is scheduled to play a total of 10 shows at The Rock.

Concertgoers said the new arena is a positive change for the city and it will work to remake the image of the downtown area. Newark natives who turned out for the show said the new addition is making the city come alive again.

The Prudential Center is the first new arena for the New York/New Jersey area in more than 25 years. The Rock is the new official home of the New Jersey Devils and Seton Hall?s men basketball team.

The Rock seats more than 17,000 for hockey and more than 19,000 for concerts. It?s equipped with 76 luxury suites, a bar, a terrace area and a 350-seat restaurant. Its two lounge clubs can hold 1,000 people each. The arena is expected to contribute almost $20 million to Newark in its first year and 577 Newark residents have been hired to work there.

Related Information:Newark Entertainment District Map NJ Transit 10/25-10/26 Schedule for Newark Broad Street Station NJ Transit 10/25-10/26 Schedule for Newark Penn Station Map of Prudential Center Parking Media Message from NJ Transit

Prudential Center:: Newark, NJ Arena New Jersey Devils New Jersey Ironmen Seton Hall Pirates Bon Jovi Official Web site

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