The MTV Video Music Awards are taking over Newark Monday night, but with it comes plenty of downtown traffic.

About 15,000 people will pack inside the Prudential Center for the star-studded affair, and another 5,000 will be outside trying to get a glimpse of the celebrities at the show.

The top thing to know for anyone in the area is road closures. Mulberry Street, which runs along the side of the arena, will be closed by 8:30 a.m. Monday. Market Street will close by 10 a.m., and Broad Street will be reduced to one lane in the area.

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For those reasons, it is suggested commuters use mass transit or walk in the area of the arena.

Police are prepared and ready. Director of Public Safety Anthony Ambrose says Newark has hosted the pope, Dalai Lama and presidents, and this will be no different.

"At least 50 to 70 plainclothes officers from the Newark police, county prosecutor's office and the FBI" will be present, according to Ambrose. "We go over every possible scenario, from a blackout, to a fire, to something major that could occur."

Downtown businesses have been told to ask employees to work from home Monday if possible. City Hall will close at 1 p.m.

NJ Transit has also issued commuter alerts, warning of large crowds at Penn Station New York, Secaucus Junction and Newark Penn Station.

The show begins at 8 p.m. Monday and is expected to end around 10:45 p.m.