As March Madness marches toward its thrilling conclusion, the action intensifies with the Sweet 16 tipping off this Thursday, followed by the Elite Eight on Saturday. This year, the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey is set to host two highly anticipated Sweet 16 matchups, as well as one Elite Eight game — all just a 20-minute train ride away from New York City on NJ Transit. With the stakes higher than ever, basketball fans are in for an unforgettable weekend of top-tier college basketball.
Though local favorites like St. John’s were knocked out of the tournament following a tough loss to Arkansas, the Prudential Center will still see plenty of action as teams battle it out for a coveted spot in the Final Four. Here’s a look at what to expect as March Madness comes to Newark.
Who’s Playing in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight in Newark?
The Sweet 16 kicks off Thursday evening, starting with a thrilling matchup between the (2) Alabama Crimson Tide and the (6) BYU Cougars. Alabama has been a powerhouse all season, though their recent form seems to have slowed. On the other hand, BYU comes into this game with a dynamic offense, boasting multiple three-point shooters and a fast-paced style of play. This game is sure to offer plenty of fireworks and set the stage for an exciting tournament run.
Later that night, the spotlight will shift to the highly anticipated clash between (1) Duke and (4) Arizona. With Cooper Flagg, the freshman phenom leading the charge, Duke has been one of the most dominant teams in the tournament. Arizona, however, is no stranger to high-stakes games, and with a talented roster of their own, this game is shaping up to be a heavyweight battle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The winners of these two Sweet 16 matchups will return to the Prudential Center on Saturday for the Elite Eight, with a Final Four berth on the line. As the road to the National Championship narrows, these teams will give it their all in one last bid to make it to the next stage of the tournament.
Ticket Options for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight
If you’re eager to witness the action live, there are a few ticket options available:
- Sweet 16 Tickets: A single-admission doubleheader grants access to both of Thursday’s matchups, offering fans the opportunity to experience two high-intensity games in one night.
- Elite Eight Tickets: For Saturday’s pivotal matchup, you can purchase tickets for the Elite Eight game. This is a one-game ticket for fans looking to catch the final step before the Final Four.
- All-Session Pass: For the full March Madness experience, consider an all-session pass. This pass includes admission to both Sweet 16 games on Thursday and the Elite Eight game on Saturday, making it the ultimate ticket for basketball enthusiasts.
Here’s a look at the schedule and ticket details:
Sweet 16 Matchup 1: (2) Alabama vs. (6) BYU
- Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
- Time: 7:09 PM Eastern
- Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- Ticket: Sweet 16 Tickets — Newark
Sweet 16 Matchup 2: (1) Duke vs. (4) Arizona
- Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
- Time: 7:09 PM Eastern
- Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- Ticket: Sweet 16 Tickets — Newark
Elite Eight Matchup: TBD vs. TBD
- Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
- Time: TBD
- Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
- Ticket: Elite Eight Tickets — Newark
All-Session Pass
- Ticket: All-Session Pass — Newark
How to Get to the Prudential Center from New York City
Getting to the Prudential Center from New York City is a breeze, as the Prudential Center is just two stops away from Penn Station on NJ Transit. The journey takes less than 20 minutes, making it an ideal destination for fans in the city who want to catch the action.
There are three NJ Transit lines that connect Penn Station to Newark Penn Station:
- Northeast Corridor Line (NEC)
- North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL)
- Raritan Valley Line (RVL)
Trains run every five minutes during peak service, so you can easily find a train that fits your schedule. Once you arrive at Newark Penn Station, it’s just a short walk to the Prudential Center, where all the March Madness action awaits.
To make your trip even easier, you can purchase tickets directly using the NJ TRANSIT MyTix app, which offers a convenient way to get your tickets and plan your journey.
Don’t Miss the Madness
March Madness in Newark promises to be a thrilling few days of college basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for an exciting night out, the Prudential Center is the place to be for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups. With the chance to see future NBA stars and witness unforgettable moments, these games are not to be missed.
So grab your tickets, hop on a train from New York, and get ready for an unforgettable basketball experience in the heart of New Jersey!
