The New Jersey Nets, the franchise that would eventually become the Brooklyn Nets, spent a significant portion of their history playing their home games in New Jersey. Before the team settled into the Prudential Center in Newark and eventually moved to Brooklyn, their home courts were spread across the state, reflecting a journey of growth and search for a stable identity.
Teaneck Armory: The Humble Beginning
When the franchise was still the New Jersey Americans and a member of the fledgling ABA, stability was a luxury they could not afford. For the 1967-68 season, the team played its games at the Teaneck Armory in Teaneck, New Jersey. This venue, primarily designed for military and community events, presented numerous challenges for a professional basketball team, including a floor that was often considered too small and facilities that were not ideally suited for a major league sport.
From Teaneck to Long Island
The difficulties at Teaneck Armory were so pronounced that the team did not complete the season there. Midway through their inaugural campaign, the Americans relocated to Long Island, New York, where they played as the New York Nets. This move was a pivotal moment, as it connected the franchise to a larger metropolitan market, albeit temporarily, before they returned to New Jersey to find a more permanent home.
Rutgers Athletic Center: A Decade in Piscataway
The most prolonged and stable period of the Nets' time in New Jersey was spent at the Rutgers Athletic Center, now known as the Jersey Mike's Arena. Located on the campus of Rutgers University in Piscataway, the venue served as the team's home from 1977 to 1981 and then again from 1982 to 2010. This arena became the epicenter of Nets basketball, hosting two ABA Championships and witnessing the early careers of future stars.
Capacity: Approximately 8,000 fans
Key Era: The ABA championship teams of the late 1970s
Significance: Provided a consistent and intimate atmosphere that fans loved for over three decades
The Final Jersey Chapter: Prudential Center
As the team prepared for its move to Brooklyn, it played its final seasons in New Jersey at the Prudential Center in Newark. The Prudential Center, a modern and state-of-the-art facility, offered a significant upgrade in amenities and visibility. Playing in a major urban center like Newark allowed the franchise to showcase its product on a grand stage for the last time as a New Jersey entity, setting the stage for a new era in Brooklyn.
A Legacy Beyond the Courts
The venues where the Nets played in New Jersey are more than just locations; they are chapters in the story of a franchise that refused to disappear. From the makeshift setting of the Teaneck Armory to the collegiate feel of Rutgers and the modern grandeur of the Prudential Center, each arena shaped the team's identity. The move from Teaneck to a permanent home in Piscataway solidified the team's roots, creating a bond with a fanbase that followed the squad across the state for decades.
Connecting Past to Present
Understanding where the New Jersey Nets used to play provides essential context for the franchise's current identity. The journey through these different venues illustrates a path of evolution, from a struggling ABA team to an established NBA franchise. The experiences gained and the memories created in New Jersey are integral to the Brooklyn Nets' narrative, reminding everyone that every great story has a beginning, even if the setting changes.
