Brendan Byrne Arena
From sports to screens: the Meadowlands Arena's second act.
Meadowlands Arena (formerly Brendan Byrne Arena, Continental Airlines Arena and Izod Center) is a closed indoor sports and concert venue located in the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States.
Quick Facts
- Opened
- July 2, 1981
Lore & Background
The arena opened in 1981, originally built to accommodate the New Jersey Nets basketball team. In 1982, the relocated Colorado Rockies hockey team became the New Jersey Devils and joined the Nets at the venue. In 1985, the Seton Hall Pirates men's collegiate basketball team began playing its home games at the arena. In 2007, the Prudential Center opened as the new Devils home arena; Seton Hall likewise moved its basketball games there. The Nets remained at the Meadowlands for three more seasons before moving to Newark, then to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Following the departure of all three major tenants, the arena continued to host occasional non-sporting events. On January 15, 2015, the NJSEA voted to shut down Izod Center. Since closing, the arena has been used as a rehearsal venue for touring concert productions and as a sound stage for television productions, including NBC series such as The Equalizer.
Reader's Guide
The arena is located on New Jersey Route 120 across the highway from MetLife Stadium and the Meadowlands Racetrack, next to the American Dream shopping and entertainment complex. It is a closed venue, currently used for rehearsals and television filming.
Did You Know?
- The arena hosted the 1996 NBA draft.
- The arena hosted the 1996 Final Four.
- The arena hosted the 1984 NHL All-Star Game.
- The arena hosted the 1982 NBA All-Star Game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Brendan Byrne Arena located and when did it open?
Situated inside the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, this building opened its doors in 1981 to host games for the New Jersey Nets. It offered a modern upgrade from their previous location on Long Island.
Why was the arena named Brendan Byrne Arena?
The stadium carried the name of Governor Brendan Byrne to honor his contribution to bringing professional sports facilities to the state. This title remained until corporate sponsorship deals eventually led to a rebranding in later years.
How long did the Nets play at this venue under its original name?
This venue anchored the franchise starting in 1981 and remained their main court until the naming rights changed in the early nineties. It hosted key moments during a transitional period for the organization that included Julius Erving's final games.
What happened to Brendan Byrne Arena after its use by the Nets ended?
The building was demolished in 2007 after serving multiple generations of fans and hosting various sporting events over decades. Its removal marked the end of an era for the original Meadowlands basketball home.
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