Barclays Center — Attraction in New York

Boy, has TD Garden spoiled me. This was honestly one of the worst basketball game experiences I've had, and I'm counting a few noncompetitive high school varsity games I witnessed from the comfort of a stuffy gymnasium. My top-tier chum who literally went to the school of hospitality and I came here on Friday for the Nets/Clippers game. We'd gotten free tickets in a really good location - row 10 behind the visitors' bench. It seemed like an especially ideal spot because (spoiler alert) the Nets are not good at all right now, so the best players to witness were very likely going to be on that aforementioned bench.

This got off to a rough start immediately. We had access to a VIP-ish entrance in the back of the arena on Dean Street, which definitely had fewer people than the main entry point, but still had a wait of about 10 to 15 minutes since we were a little late (I think we showed up around 7:25pm, so within just a few minutes of tip). I was coming directly from work and had a larger messenger bag with me. When we got to the security checkpoint, I was told by the guard that I had to go to a completely different line that had an X-ray scanner because of the size of my bag. Really frustrating (and the customer service was abysmal - instead of apologizing for the disconnect, etc., this guy just sullenly pointed in the general direction of another line and tersely said, "Different line.") and there is absolutely NO signage anywhere in this area to guide patrons to the correct/appropriate lines for this issue. An incredibly easy fix and there's no excuse for it. That extended our overall wait time by another five or 10 minutes - thankfully the crowd was thinning out or this would have been even more annoying. In contrast, the TD Garden security situation is a breeze and has never taken me more than two minutes to get through.

A huge factor in the equation here - and it really can't be emphasized enough - is that the Brooklyn Nets are pretty atrocious right now. Without looking at the standings, I can't imagine there are more than two or three teams with a worse record, and it's reflected in the lack of name recognition (I consider myself a pretty engaged fan of professional sports and I could only name two players in the starting lineup), as well as the lackluster environment overall. I've been to my share of games in all four major US professional sports - including some ROUGH situations with my beloved NY Mets between their 2000 World Series appearance and the emergence of Jose Reyes and David Wright - and this was about as mausoleum-esque as it gets. Keep in mind that this was a Friday night AND they were playing a legit playoff team in the LA Clippers. Just a rough vibe, and it's hard to know how much of that is about Barclays or the team specifically, or a combo. But it had a big impact. When there's an electricity in the crowd, you can really feel that and it dramatically improves the outing.

Another issue from my perspective is that it's just too dark and gloomy here. If memory serves, part of the pitch when they moved this franchise to Brooklyn was that they were really going to embrace the "urban" aspect of their surroundings, which was reflected in the color scheme of both the uniforms and the arena. But I think when you're literally surrounded by blacks and grays and little in the way of literal lighting, it's a tough vibe. How excited can a fanbase get if it feels like they're sitting in a movie theater?

One highlight for me personally was that we coincidentally ended up attending Drew Timme's NBA debut (a player I'm very familiar with as a Gonzaga fan), who's been toiling in the G League since going undrafted a few years ago. After an awkward start, he ended up with a double-double in his debut, a rarity. Very pleasing.

The biggest selling point of this arena is that it's within a stone's throw of Park Slope and all of the great food/drink offerings that edgy neighborhood provides. That doesn't speak well of Barclays,...

On September 17, I attended the BUJU BONTON concert at the Barclays center .

It was almost an incredible experience until trying to enter the building where at least 100 to 300 people were standing in a mob waiting for security to do their job.

I understand the need for proper search, however when you block off part of the entrance and limit it to only Three entrance points for search that is straight chaos to the point where the beginning of the show was missed because the wait time to have yourself checked by security was 10 to 15 minutes.

There has got to be a better way to manage security for this venue. If TSA can do it, so can you. Now once the concert was ended, I noticed that there were oddly placed exits. I had floor seats and there was no exit in that area without climbing up several staircases to get out of the building.

It was absolute chaos hundreds of people mobbing every staircase to exit at once. It was an accident waiting to happen.

And I had a fall because your attendants were not paying attention and following the instructions that you gave them which was to notify guests to watch their step as they climbed up because the connecting step at the beginning of the staircase had an overlap so therefore you could trip upwards.

Which I did because no one was paying attention and the overlap on your staircase is not in line with what a uniformed staircase is supposed to be.

It is a combination of different staircase setups put together and from what I saw a zip tie is what was securing the step as you climbed up initially.

Due to the fact that your attendants were not doing their job, but mingling amongst themselves. I had no idea about this overhang step on the staircase I was climbing and I proceeded to trip.

Had a hard fall on all fours and I am currently still nursing black and blue welts on my knees and legs. All of this could be avoided if your personnel was doing what they were supposed to do and your equipment was put together safely which it clearly was not.

I am lucky that all I have are welts and of course, the embarrassment but I will never attend a concert at your venue ever again and I will make sure to tell anyone I know to avoid your venue as well because you clearly are skipping important details for your staff to make sure that concertgoers are safe in all areas...

Attending a Brooklyn Nets basketball game at the Barclays Center was an experience like no other, deserving of a glowing five-star review. This venue stands out not only as a sports arena but as a beacon of modern design and convenience in the heart of Brooklyn.

From the moment we approached the Barclays Center, the striking architecture and vibrant atmosphere set the stage for an exciting evening. The exterior is a visual masterpiece, and this sense of style extends seamlessly inside. The interior of the stadium is equally impressive, combining sleek, contemporary design with state-of-the-art facilities that enhance the experience of every visitor.

The layout of the Barclays Center is thoughtfully designed, making navigation a breeze. Whether you’re arriving via public transport or driving, the venue is remarkably accessible. Inside, every seat offers a fantastic view, ensuring that you feel close to the action no matter where you are. The seating is comfortable, and the sightlines are unobstructed, which speaks to the thought put into the venue’s design.

The atmosphere during the Nets game was electric. The energy of the crowd was palpable, driven by the top-notch acoustics and lighting, which are tailored perfectly for high-energy events like NBA games. It’s clear that the Barclays Center is built not just for comfort but for a comprehensive sensory experience.

Beyond the game itself, the amenities at the Barclays Center are first-rate. Concessions are plentiful, featuring a variety of food and beverage options that go beyond typical stadium fare. From local gourmet snacks to international cuisines, the quality of food and the speed of service contribute to a great outing.

In conclusion, the Barclays Center is not just a venue; it’s a highlight of Brooklyn’s cultural and entertainment landscape. Its modern design, ease of access, fantastic views, and vibrant atmosphere make it a top choice for any sporting event or concert. We left the game not only thrilled by the Nets’ performance but also deeply impressed by the Barclays Center itself. It’s a venue that truly embodies the spirit and excitement of Brooklyn, and I highly recommend it for an unforgettable...