Opening night of the Prudential Center Thursday was the culmination of a long and circuitous journey for the 19,500-seat arena.

City officials hope the arena will attract commercial and retail development in the area and build on an upward trend that began in 1997 with the opening of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

In preparation for the arena?s opening, millions of dollars have been spent on street resurfacing, new sidewalks, traffic signals and streetlights. Several decaying buildings near the arena were also demolished.

New Jersey?s own Bon Jovi got things started at the arena with 10 sellout or near-sellout shows.

AP wire reports contributed to this article.

Click here for some Prudential Center Fun Facts.

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

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