Barclays Center

Brooklyn - United StatesUnited States

Barclays Center in Brooklyn, opened in 2012, is a premier indoor arena hosting the NBA’s Nets and WNBA’s Liberty. With up to 19,000 seats and a striking weathered-steel exterior, it serves as a hub for sports, concerts, and major entertainment events—easily reached via Atlantic Terminal transit connections.

About this place

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.

Address

620 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, New York, United States

GPS

Lat : 40.6824605
Lng : -73.9755821

Who's play in Barclays Center

Where to Sit

The arena features a flexible seating bowl designed for various event types:

  • Basketball: 17,732 seats in continuous bowl around the court
  • Hockey: 15,795 seats, with a slightly asymmetric configuration
  • Concerts: Up to 19,000 with floor and arena seating
  • Premium Areas: Luxury suites, Grant Thornton Loge Boxes, club seats

Most seating rows include 18 seats, while select 200-level rows have up to 26. Sightlines are optimized for closeness to the action.