New Jersey will open a new chapter in its political history on January 20 when Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is sworn into office in a setting that deliberately departs from more than two centuries of tradition. Instead of gathering in Trenton, the state will turn its attention north to Newark, where the official oath of office will be administered at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, marking the first time in more than 235 years that a newly elected governor has chosen to be inaugurated outside the capital.
The noon ceremony at NJPAC is layered with symbolism. Sherrill becomes only the second woman elected governor in New Jersey history, following Christie Whitman, who also selected Newark for her own inauguration in 1998. The location honors Essex County, Sherrill’s home county, which delivered record-breaking turnout during the 2025 election and played a decisive role in her victory. The choice also reflects the influence of Lieutenant Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell, whose past leadership as a founding executive director of the Newark Alliance tied him closely to the city’s economic and civic revival.
Sherrill’s transition period has been defined by a sweeping organizational structure aimed at reshaping state priorities from the outset. Her administration has assembled 10 specialized policy action teams charged with addressing issues such as lowering household costs, stabilizing energy affordability, strengthening government accountability, and modernizing public services. These teams are supported by bipartisan advisory groups, while public listening tours and statewide surveys continue to inform policy development, giving residents a direct voice in shaping the early direction of the new administration.
The evening’s celebration will move from Newark to East Rutherford, where the inaugural ball will be held at the American Dream Mall. The venue is among the most unconventional ever selected for a gubernatorial gala, as organizers will convert the mall’s NHL-size ice rink into an expansive black-tie event floor. Nearly 2,000 guests are expected to attend, surrounded by multi-level walkways overlooking the transformed rink, creating a multi-tiered visual experience beneath a glass ceiling that fills the space with natural light.
The ball will highlight New Jersey’s cultural diversity through its culinary program, featuring signature dishes representing all 21 counties. In a lighthearted nod to one of the state’s most enduring food debates, guests will also be offered both Taylor Ham and Pork Roll. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Sherrill’s nonprofit advocacy organization, Mission to Deliver NJ, reinforcing the administration’s emphasis on community engagement and statewide impact.
Beyond the political significance, the inauguration and ball are poised to generate notable economic activity across Newark and North Jersey, with hospitality, retail, and entertainment venues anticipating increased foot traffic. From hotels and restaurants to shopping and lifestyle destinations, the surrounding business community is preparing for an influx of visitors tied to the events. For readers looking to explore shopping destinations and regional retail highlights across the state, ongoing coverage is available through Explore New Jersey’s Shopping category.
Sherrill’s decision to anchor her first official moments in office within one of New Jersey’s most dynamic urban centers underscores a broader message of inclusion, modernization, and accessibility. By blending historic milestones with unconventional venues and community-focused programming, the upcoming inauguration signals not only a change in leadership, but a shift in how the state presents itself to its residents and to the nation.
American Dream Mall will Transform Its Iconic Rink Into a Glamorous Inaugural Ball Venue in East Rutherford. East Rutherford’s American Dream Mall, already renowned as one of New Jersey’s premier shopping and entertainment destinations, will take center stage in January as the site of Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s inaugural ball. The mall’s NHL-sized ice rink, typically home to skating and sports events, will be dramatically converted into a sophisticated black-tie venue, blending the world of retail, entertainment, and civic celebration in an unprecedented way.
The decision to host the ball at American Dream Mall highlights the evolving role of the complex, which has become more than just a shopping center. With luxury and mainstream retail, immersive attractions, and diverse dining all under one roof, the mall is now a cultural and social hub capable of supporting large-scale, high-profile events. For this inaugural celebration, the rink—normally a 19,000-square-foot ice surface—will be transformed into a ballroom floor accommodating nearly 2,000 guests, with multiple levels of walkways providing sweeping views of the event below. A glass ceiling will allow natural light to fill the space, creating a bright, modern ambiance, while controlled temperatures ensure comfort despite the venue’s origins as a skating arena.
The culinary offerings at the inaugural ball will showcase the diversity of New Jersey’s 21 counties, providing guests with signature dishes that reflect the state’s rich cultural and regional traditions. In a nod to one of New Jersey’s most famous culinary debates, both Taylor Ham and Pork Roll will appear on the menu, highlighting the event’s playful yet thoughtful connection to local identity. Tickets for the ball, priced at $350 each, will benefit Mission to Deliver NJ, Governor-elect Sherrill’s nonprofit advocacy organization, linking the celebration directly to charitable initiatives across the state.
Hosting a gubernatorial ball at American Dream Mall also underscores the economic impact of the venue. Retailers, restaurants, and hospitality providers throughout the area are preparing for increased foot traffic and tourism, further cementing the mall’s role as a critical commercial hub. By selecting this East Rutherford location, the incoming administration is not only embracing a modern, dynamic space but also showcasing the potential of commercial venues as destinations for civic engagement and community gatherings. Readers looking to explore New Jersey’s top shopping destinations and commercial landmarks can find more information in Explore New Jersey’s Shopping section.
This transformation of the American Dream rink into a formal event space exemplifies how the state’s major retail and entertainment centers are adapting to host high-profile occasions, blending traditional ceremony with contemporary experience. The inaugural ball will highlight the mall’s capacity for flexibility and innovation, demonstrating how New Jersey’s retail landscapes can intersect with statewide culture and political milestones.
As the inauguration of Governor-elect Sherrill approaches, American Dream Mall will stand as a symbol of New Jersey’s modern identity, bridging civic tradition with retail ingenuity and positioning East Rutherford as the epicenter of this historic celebration.
By selecting NJPAC instead of the traditional statehouse in Trenton, Sherrill is marking a significant departure from more than two centuries of tradition, underscoring her commitment to both her home county of Essex and the city of Newark as a hub for culture, civic engagement, and community pride.
The swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for noon, will be attended by state officials, community leaders, and residents, reflecting the inclusive and community-focused approach that has characterized Sherrill’s campaign. NJPAC, with its striking modern design, expansive performance halls, and reputation as one of the leading cultural venues in the state, provides an ideal setting for an event of this magnitude. Its location in downtown Newark allows for easy access via public transportation and positions the inauguration in a vibrant urban center that has seen remarkable revitalization over the past two decades.
Sherrill’s decision to hold the ceremony at NJPAC is historically significant, as she becomes only the second woman elected governor in New Jersey. The first, Christie Whitman, also chose Newark for her inauguration in 1998, setting a precedent for blending political milestones with prominent cultural institutions. By returning to NJPAC, Sherrill is emphasizing the importance of visibility, accessibility, and community engagement in her administration. The venue’s state-of-the-art facilities will accommodate both formal proceedings and media coverage, ensuring that the event reaches audiences across the state and beyond.
The Governor-elect’s transition team has organized a comprehensive approach to policy and governance, including 10 dedicated “Action Teams” and bipartisan advisory groups that will focus on priorities such as lowering household costs, improving energy affordability, enhancing government accountability, and modernizing state services. Public surveys and statewide listening tours have informed these initiatives, allowing New Jersey residents to play a role in shaping the incoming administration’s agenda.
Following the NJPAC ceremony, the celebration will continue at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, where the NHL-sized ice rink will be transformed into a black-tie event space. The inaugural ball will feature dishes representing all 21 counties, with playful nods to local food traditions such as the Taylor Ham versus Pork Roll debate. Proceeds will support Sherrill’s nonprofit organization, Mission to Deliver NJ, linking the gala to charitable and community-focused initiatives. For readers interested in exploring New Jersey’s premier shopping destinations and retail experiences, additional information can be found in Explore New Jersey’s Shopping section.
Choosing NJPAC as the site for a gubernatorial inauguration highlights Newark’s role as a cultural and civic center, reinforcing the idea that political milestones can intersect meaningfully with the state’s artistic and community resources. The venue’s modern architecture, world-class performance spaces, and central location make it not only a practical choice but a symbolic one, signaling the administration’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and engagement with urban communities.
As New Jersey prepares to celebrate the installation of its new governor, NJPAC will serve as more than a ceremonial stage—it will be a testament to the city’s ongoing transformation and its capacity to host events that combine civic tradition, cultural prestige, and public participation. The upcoming inauguration positions Newark and NJPAC at the center of state history, demonstrating how a cultural landmark can become the backdrop for one of New Jersey’s most significant political events.
