March Madness at Prudential Center generates excitement, boosts Newark's businesses
New Jersey hadn’t hosted March Madness in 14 years, but for many, it was worth the wait.
More Stories
Saturday's March Madness event at the Prudential Center brought generated excitement among fans of the tournament and gave a boost to city businesses.
New Jersey hadn’t hosted March Madness in 14 years, but for many, it was worth the wait.
No. 1 Duke took on No. 2 Alabama to cap a sold-out weekend — and the madness extended to Newark business.
“It’s definitely another level,” said Daniel Palsi, owner of Redd’s Biergarten. “Just the whole atmosphere becomes electric.”
Redd’s on Edison Place always cleans up on gameday, but a premier event like this was a chance to show that New Jersey is a destination. The Prudential Center has recently hosted UFC 302, and the World Cup is headed to East Rutherford next year.
“Jersey had a little bit of a bad reputation,” Palsi said. “I’m not going to date myself and say back when, but 20 minutes one direction and you’re at the ocean, 20 minutes the other direction, and you’re skiing the mountains. It’s not a bad place to be.”
March Madness now moves to San Antonio for the Final Four.
