Barclays Center

Lore & Background

The arena had its soft opening on September 21, 2012, with the first public event—a sold-out Jay-Z concert—taking place on September 28, 2012. It was conceived by Bruce Ratner via his company, Forest City Realty Trust. He acquired the New Jersey Nets basketball team in 2004 for $300 million for the purpose of moving them to the Pacific Park development. The arena experienced significant hurdles during its development, including community resistance, lawsuits, and financing issues due to the Great Recession. Groundbreaking occurred on March 11, 2010.

In Their Own Story

On May 14, the atmosphere at Barclays Center shifted dramatically for the Miami Heat. After suffering a regular-season sweep by the Brooklyn Nets, the team traveled back to this Brooklyn venue for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The game hung in the balance until LeBron James made a critical defensive play. He stripped Joe Johnson with a game-saving steal that sealed the victory and sent Miami forward. This moment at Barclays Center marked a turning point, preventing a series upset and allowing the Heat to continue their quest for another title.

Reader's Guide

The arena is located in Brooklyn, New York, at Atlantic Avenue. It is accessible via the Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center subway station and the LIRR's Atlantic Terminal. It is owned by the State of New York's Empire State Development authority through the Brooklyn Arena Local Development Corporation, and leased and managed by entities controlled by Brooklyn Nets owner Joseph Tsai.

Did You Know?

• The arena's naming rights are held by Barclays.
• The New York Islanders of the NHL played at Barclays Center from 2015 until the completion of UBS Arena.
• Barclays Center passed Madison Square Garden as the highest-grossing venue in the US for concerts and family shows between November 1, 2012, and May 31, 2013.
• Joe Tsai completed full ownership of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center on September 18, 2019.