The Ultimate Weekend in Newark, New Jersey for a Sports Fan

Here’s your sports fans’ guide to Newark, New Jersey—there’s so much to explore.

Welcome toNewark , New Jersey , a city on the outskirts of Manhattan that cover greatness both on and off the field . NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal , boxing title-holder Shakur Stevenson , and medicine legends Whitney Houston , Sarah Vaughan , Queen Latifah , Ice - T , and Redman were all deliver here . But Newark is n’t just about names ; its deep roots ( it has 100 - plus geezerhood on the U.S. ) along with its copious acculturation and diverse neighborhood are what really give the metropolis its fictional character . It ’s one of the fastest - growing mid - sized cities in the commonwealth and has one of the hottest solid food scene in the state .

The city has a ill-conceived repp for just being an airdrome stop , but it ’s much more than that . Its robust , growing arts scene , top universities , world - class museums , theaters , and major sport locus make it a metropolis deserving explore . Plus , it ’s really easy to get around . Newark ( universe roughly 300,000 ) has been largely immune to the sprawl that has chevy similarly - sized city like St Louis and Pittsburgh . The population is growing , business district developing is roaring , and there ’s no shortfall of public transportation options ( gear , buses , and light rail ) to patronise it all . And no matter where you are in the city , rideshares are always just a few bit away . Newark Penn Station , one of the res publica ’s giving transportation hubs , connects you to the entire Northeast and is adjacent to the urban center ’s premier sphere , thePrudential Center .

dear known as “ The Rock , ” the arena is home to the three - time Stanley Cup championNew Jersey DevilsandSeton Hall Isle of Man ’s basketball . The 18,000 - seat venue also host top - tier concert , WWE , fisticuffs , award shows , and other major event . The Newark arena is also a association football hotbed , withSports Illustrated Stadiumlocated just over theJackson Street Bridgein Harrison , NJ . The 25,000 - butt stadium is home toMLS ’s New York Red BullsandNJ / NY Gotham FC , and on a regular basis host external friendlies and U.S. Women ’s National Team mate . Next yr , it will be a training site for teams participating in the2026 World Cup . On match days , the raucous , passionate fanbases turn every game into a tentpole event .

There ’s so much to search . Below , we have your sport fan ’ scout to Newark , New Jersey .

Who I Am : I’m Paul Bourdett , a freelance author . I ’m not from Newark , but living nearby , I ’ve always had a hard connection to the city . Call me Newark - side by side . My grandmother grew up here , my dad worked in the Ironbound for over a decade , and my baby has been instruct in Newark for more than 20 yr . I ’ve been corrode “ down cervix ” since I was a Thomas Kid ( pour out a pitcher of sangria for thenow - shuttered Iberia ) . I also pass four years on campus at Seton Hall , which is tucked neatly between Newark’sIvy HillandUpper Vailsburg neck of the woods . Both my college roomie and suitemate were from Newark , and my roommate ’s parents were longtime owners of a nook store inUpper Clinton Hill(shouts to Graham Grocery ! ) And these days , I ’m in Newark almost day by day for body of work , meet people from all over the city .

Before you go

Before you go : volume hotel and reservations early if you ’re coming in for a big secret plan or major event . If you ’re driving in and your hotel or holiday rental has limited or no parking , leger a spot in advance usingSpotHeroorParkWhiz . Do NOT park on the street .

Pro Tip : If you ’re staying in Newark and do n’t have a local anaesthetic to lead you , download theNewark Walksapp to map out all the historical and cultural spots around town . Especially if you contrive to explore at night , rideshare is your safe stake . If you ’re drive in , know that dealings is typically brutal on weekday , from 2:30–3 p.m. when shoal rent out until the remnant of rush 60 minutes ( 6–6:30 p.m. ) Expect braggy - metre delays during these window , and if there ’s an event business district , it ’s even worse . Also , you ’ll require to ward off drome arriver and departures during these prison term .

Getting around the region : Some of you will probably want to stay on in Hoboken , Jersey City , or even NYC when visiting Newark for sports . No job . Just cognize that Newark Penn Station is your hub , andthe PATH is your best friend . For just $ 3 and 15 - 30 minutes , you’re able to get to everywhere from Newport to Hoboken to Harrison — even NYC .

Newark riverfront boat tour.|Harry Prott

Where to stay

Two sporty days in Newark

Day 1

Morning

Take this home

Mid day

Evening

Day 2

Afternoon

If you have 3 days

All of the above but add…

Vonda ’s Kitchenhas speedily become a Newark staple for soul food for thought . The fried wolf fish is a must - try . And if you come alive up a little late , no trouble at all . Vonda ’s dish breakfast all day .

McGovern ’s Tavernhas been a region mainstay since 1936 and is a favorite among locals , Seton Hall police pupil , and Devils sports fan . The burgers are amazing .

Nasto ’s Ice Creamhas been serving up rich , house - made gelato and sorbet for almost 90 years .

AtFernandes Steak House , an all - you - can - eat Brazilian spot , you must come hungry . I extremely urge therodizio . For a sendoff , check outQXT ’s , Newark ’s cabaret for goth , alternative and ’ 80s dance music .