Welcome to Newark, New Jersey, a city on the outskirts of Manhattan that breeds greatness both on and off the field. NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, boxing champ Shakur Stevenson, and music legends Whitney Houston, Sarah Vaughan, Queen Latifah, Ice-T, and Redman were all born here. But Newark isn’t just about names; its deep roots (it has 100-plus years on the U.S.) along with its rich culture and diverse neighborhoods are what really give the city its character. It’s one of the fastest-growing mid-sized cities in the country and has one of the hottest food scenes in the state.
The city has a misguided rep for just being an airport stop, but it’s much more than that. Its robust, growing arts scene, top universities, world-class museums, theaters, and major sports venues make it a city worth exploring. Plus, it's really easy to get around.
Newark (population roughly 300,000) has been largely immune to the sprawl that has plagued similarly-sized cities like St Louis and Pittsburgh. The population is growing, downtown development is booming, and there’s no shortage of public transit options (trains, buses, and light rail) to support it all. And no matter where you are in the city, rideshares are always just a few minutes away. Newark Penn Station, one of the nation’s biggest transit hubs, connects you to the entire Northeast and is adjacent to the city’s premier arena, the Prudential Center.
Affectionately known as “The Rock,” the arena is home to the three-time Stanley Cup champion New Jersey Devils and Seton Hall men’s basketball. The 18,000-seat venue also hosts top-tier concerts, WWE, boxing, award shows, and other major events.
The Newark area is also a soccer hotbed, with Sports Illustrated Stadium located just over the Jackson Street Bridge in Harrison, NJ. The 25,000-seat stadium is home to MLS's New York Red Bulls and NJ/NY Gotham FC, and regularly hosts international friendlies and U.S. Women's National Team matches. Next year, it will be a training site for teams participating in the 2026 World Cup. On match days, the raucous, passionate fanbases turn every game into a tentpole event.
There’s so much to explore. Below, we have your sports fans’ guide to Newark, New Jersey.