Barclays Center

History

Barclays Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Brooklyn, New York. Construction began in March 2010, and it officially opened on September 21, 2012. Serving as home to the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) since 2012 and New York Liberty (WNBA) since 2020, it also hosted the New York Islanders (NHL) from 2015–2020. The arena played a key role in Brooklyn’s Atlantic Yards redevelopment and replaced several old venues in the borough.

Description

The arena seats 17,732 for basketball, 15,795 for ice hockey, and up to 19,000 for concerts. The unique exterior features 12,000 weathered-steel panels reminiscent of Brooklyn brownstones. With no dedicated parking, it is directly integrated into Atlantic Terminal, allowing easy transit access.

Architectural Features

Designed by SHoP Architects with Ellerbe Becket/AECOM, the arena’s signature element is a curved, street-level glass entrance plaza topped by a 117 × 47 ft digital oculus screen. A 76,000 lb steel interior ‘halo’ and asymmetrical seating bowls create an intimate fan experience, supported by modern building systems.

What is Barclays?

Barclays is a global banking group based in London. In 2007, it signed a 20-year naming rights deal—reported at $400 million, later finalized at ~$200 million—covering the arena’s name through 2033.

Records

Billboard named Barclays Center the highest-grossing venue in the U.S. during Nov 2012–May 2013. It has hosted over 200 events per year since opening, including Nets games, UFC, major concerts (e.g., MTV VMAs), wrestling, college basketball, and e-sports.