Ceremony Details for Guests

Guests may enter Prudential Center through the following three entrances:

• M &M’s Tower – corner of Mulberry Street and Lafayette Street
• Citizen’s Tower – corner Mulberry Street and Lafayette Street
• Lafayette Street Doors – Lafayette Street

Please view or print the Prudential Center Entrance Diagram.

All attendees will be subject to a courteous screening via a walk-through metal detector to ensure the highest level of safety and security. Attendees will be required to place their bags, cell phones, keys and all metal objects on the security table prior to walking through the metal detector.

Bags 14” x 12” x 6” or smaller in size are permitted. Anything larger, including backpacks, are not permitted, with the exception of childcare or medical bags. Permissible larger bags will be X-rayed.

All bags are subject to search by Prudential Center security team members at each point of entry. Bags that do not meet these expectations must be returned to the guest’s vehicle or stored in a Prudential Center-supplied locker at the guest’s expense. Lockers are located outside M&M's Tower and Lafayette Street entrances.

Strollers that fit underneath seating are permitted in the arena, all larger strollers will need to be checked at the entrance.

IMPORTANT: Prohibited items must be returned to the guest's vehicle or stored in Prudential Center supplied lockers at the guest's expense. 

The following items are prohibited at Prudential Center:

• Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs
• Balloons, signs, banners, flags, beach balls, horns, noisemakers
• Laser pointers, flashlights, fireworks, or balls of any kind
• Selfie sticks
• Outside food/beverages
• Metal water bottles

For a full comprehensive list of prohibited items, visit Prudential Center Arena Policy.

Tickets are required to attend Commencement. All guests must have an authorized ticket to enter the Prudential Center.

Graduates must register for Commencement and request guest tickets. Tickets are free and will be distributed to graduates at the Graduation Fairs (Bloomfield campus on December 3 or Montclair campus on December 8.) Keep tickets in a safe place. Replacement tickets will not be issued.

Seating is general admission and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guest Services staff are located at all entrances. Guest Services staff will assist guests needing accommodations, including wheelchair escorts, providing elevator locations, and ADA seating.

Entrance ramps are located at M&M’s Tower and Lafayette Street Entrance.

Please visit Prudential Center Access Accommodations for more information on accommodations available.

If you have additional questions, you may email guestservices@prucenter.com.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL ADVISORY: We anticipate heavier-than-normal traffic in and around the Prudential Center. Plan to allow ample time for traffic, parking, and security screening at the venue.

Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street
Newark, NJ 07102

We strongly suggest that guests use public transportation, rideshare services, or carpool with family and friends. Highways surrounding the arena include 280, 78, NJ Turnpike, 1 & 9, 21, 22, Garden State Parkway, 80, and NJ 3. For detailed driving directions, visit Prudential Center Directions.

Public Transportation

Prudential Center is located in downtown Newark, just two blocks from Newark Penn Station, and is also connected to the Newark Broad Street Station by frequent, convenient bus and light-rail service. Visit Prudential Center Public Transportation for more information to plan your trip.

Parking

Parking will be available at lots and garages surrounding Prudential Center. Costs are determined by each parking facility. Visit Prudential Center Parking for a detailed map and directions to these locations.

Food and beverages will be available at concession stands located in Prudential Center. We strongly encourage your graduates to eat before arriving at the Prudential Center, as the concession stands are not accessible from the student line-up area. Guests and graduates cannot bring outside food, beverages, coolers, bottles, or cans into the arena. The concession stands are cashless, and guests must pay for concessions with a debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. For guests needing to convert cash to a card, Reverse ATM kiosks with $0 transactional fees* are available near sections 1, 14, 125, and inside the Box Office Lobby.

Prudential Center offers private suites for guests attending Commencement exercises. Suites provide an intimate way to celebrate your graduate, featuring a private space with food and beverage options and an excellent view of the ceremony.

For more information or to reserve a suite, please contact 973-757-6464 or visit Prudential Center Suites.