{"id":2309,"date":"2023-09-07T18:33:44","date_gmt":"2023-09-07T18:33:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/?page_id=2309"},"modified":"2026-03-25T14:51:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T14:51:39","slug":"prudential-center-information-for-guests","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/prudential-center-information-for-guests\/","title":{"rendered":"Prudential Center Information for Guests"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"link-list\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#guest-arrival\">Guest Arrival Time, Entrance Towers and Security Screening<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#guest-tickets-seating\">Tickets, Seating and Accessible Accommodations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#guest-directions\">Premium Seating Suites at Prudential Center<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#guest-directions\">Directions and Transportation<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#class-gift\">Class Gift and Commencement Messages<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#guest-reminders\">Important Reminders for Guests<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#guest-concessions\">Concessions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#livestreams\">Live Stream Links<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><a name=\"guest-arrival\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Guest Arrival Time, Entrance Towers and Security Screening<\/h2>\n<h3>Arrival Times<\/h3>\n<p>Commencement will take place on Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduates have been assigned a ceremony based on their college or school.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>IMPORTANT TRAVEL ADVISORY: We anticipate heavier-than-normal traffic in and around the Prudential Center. Plan to allow ample time for traffic, parking, and security screening at the venue. Bringing prohibited items will cause significant delays in entering Prudential Center.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"prpl-row\"><div class=\"prpl-column one-half\">\n<h3><span class=\"pre-heading\"><strong>Monday, May 11<\/strong><\/span><br \/><\/h3>\n<h4>College of the Arts<br \/>\nCollege of Communication and Media<br \/>\nCollege for Community Health<br \/>\nFeliciano School of Business<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prudential Center Doors Open:<\/strong><br \/>\n7:30 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Graduates Must Arrive By:<\/strong><br \/>\n8:00 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ceremony Start Time:<\/strong><br \/>\n9:00 a.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"prpl-column one-half\">\n<h3><span class=\"pre-heading\"><strong>Tuesday, May 12<\/strong><\/span><br \/><\/h3>\n<h4>Bloomfield College of ÌÇÐÄvlog<br \/>\nCollege for Education and Engaged Learning<br \/>\nCollege of Humanities and Social Sciences<br \/>\nCollege of Science and Mathematics<br \/>\nSchool of Nursing<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Prudential Center Doors Open:<\/strong><br \/>\n7:30 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Graduates Must Arrive By:<\/strong><br \/>\n8:00 a.m.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ceremony Start Time:<\/strong><br \/>\n9:00 a.m.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>Prudential Center Entrances<\/h3>\n<p>Guests may enter Prudential Center through the following three entrances:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>M &amp;M\u2019s Tower \u2013 corner of Mulberry Street and Lafayette Street<\/li>\n<li>Citizen\u2019s Tower \u2013 corner Mulberry Street and Lafayette Street<\/li>\n<li>Lafayette Street Doors \u2013 Lafayette Street<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2024\/11\/Prudential-Entrances-Updated-Winter-2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Please view or print the Prudential Center Entrance Diagram<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Security Screening Procedures<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Bringing prohibited items will cause significant delays in entering Prudential Center.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>All attendees will be subject to a courteous screening via a walk-through metal detector to ensure the highest level of safety and security. Attendees will be required to place their bags, cell phones, keys and all metal objects on the security table prior to walking through the metal detector.<\/p>\n<p>Bags 10\u201dx10\u201d or smaller in size are permitted. Anything larger, including backpacks, are not permitted, with the exception of childcare or medical bags. Permissible larger bags will be X-rayed.<\/p>\n<p>All bags are subject to search by Prudential Center security team members at each point of entry. Bags that do not meet these expectations must be returned to the guest\u2019s vehicle or stored in a Prudential Center-supplied locker at the guest\u2019s expense. Lockers are located outside M&amp;M&#8217;s Tower and Lafayette Street entrances.<\/p>\n<p>Strollers that fit underneath seating are permitted in the arena, all larger strollers will need to be checked at the entrance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>IMPORTANT: Prohibited items must be returned to the guest&#8217;s vehicle or stored in Prudential Center supplied lockers at the guest&#8217;s expense. <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The following items are prohibited at Prudential Center:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs<\/li>\n<li>Balloons, signs, banners, flags, beach balls, horns, noisemakers<\/li>\n<li>Laser pointers, flashlights, fireworks, or balls of any kind<\/li>\n<li>Selfie sticks<\/li>\n<li>Outside Food\/ Beverages<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For a full comprehensive list of prohibited items, please visit <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prucenter.com\/arena-policy\" target=\"_blank\">Prudential Center Arena Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#content-start\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"guest-tickets-seating\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Tickets, Seating and Accessible Accommodations<\/h2>\n<h3>Tickets and Seating<\/h3>\n<p>Tickets are required to attend Commencement. All guests must have an authorized ticket to enter the Prudential Center. Tickets are specific to each ceremony.<\/p>\n<p>Graduates must register for Commencement and request guest tickets. Tickets are free and will be distributed to graduates at the Graduation Fairs (Montclair campus on April 16 &amp; 17 or Bloomfield campus on April 20.)<\/p>\n<p>Make sure all guests have their tickets PRIOR to Commencement. Graduates and guests enter Prudential Center at different entrances. Keep tickets in a safe place until the event. <strong>Replacement tickets will not be issued.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Seating is general admission and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.<\/p>\n<h3>Guests with Accessibility Accommodations<\/h3>\n<p>Guest Services staff are located at all entrances. Guest Services staff will assist guests needing accommodations, including wheelchair escorts, providing elevator locations, and ADA seating.<\/p>\n<p>Entrance ramps are located at M&amp;M\u2019s Tower and Lafayette Street Entrance.<\/p>\n<p>Upon entering, ask Prudential Center staff for a Rock Squad Team Member. Rock Squad staff will assist with all accommodations.<\/p>\n<p>Please visit Prudential Center <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prucenter.com\/ada-guide\" target=\"_blank\">Access Accommodations<\/a> for more information on accommodations available.<\/p>\n<p>If you have additional questions, you may email <a href=\"mailto:guestservices@prucenter.com\">guestservices@prucenter.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#content-start\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"guest-directions\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Premium Seating Suites at Prudential Center<\/h2>\n<p>Prudential Center offers private suites for guests attending Commencement exercises. Suites provide an intimate way to celebrate your graduate, featuring a private space with food and beverage options and an excellent view of the ceremony.<\/p>\n<p>For more information or to reserve a suite, please contact 973-757-6464 or visit the\u00a0<a rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prucenter.com\/premium\/suite-up\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.prucenter.com\/premium\/suite-up&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1774535989556000&amp;usg=AOvVaw12Jz2PrASD5ENt_rQq5HUZ\">Prudential Center website.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#content-start\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"guest-directions\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Directions and Transportation<\/h2>\n<p><strong>IMPORTANT TRAVEL ADVISORY: We anticipate heavier-than-normal traffic in and around the Prudential Center. Plan to allow ample time for traffic, parking, and security screening at the venue.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Prudential Center<br \/>\n25 Lafayette Street<br \/>\nNewark, NJ 07102<\/p>\n<p>We strongly suggest that guests use public transportation, rideshare services, or carpool with family and friends. Highways surrounding the arena include 280, 78, NJ Turnpike, 1 &amp; 9, 21, 22, Garden State Parkway, 80, and NJ 3. For detailed driving directions, please visit the <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prucenter.com\/directions.html\" target=\"_blank\">Prudential Center Directions website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Public Transportation<\/h3>\n<p>Prudential Center is located in downtown Newark, just two blocks from Newark Penn Station, and is also connected to the Newark Broad Street Station by frequent, convenient bus and light-rail service.<br \/>\nPlease visit the <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/prucenter.com\/transit\" target=\"_blank\">Prudential Center Public Transportation website<\/a> for more information to plan your trip.<\/p>\n<h3>Parking<\/h3>\n<p>Parking will be available at lots and garages surrounding Prudential Center. Costs are determined by each parking facility. <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prucenter.com\/parking\" target=\"_blank\">Please visit the Prudential Center Parking website<\/a> for a detailed map and directions to these locations.<br \/>\n<a href=\"#content-start\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"class-gift\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Class Gift and Commencement Messages<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Each year, our graduating class participates in a proud Class Gift tradition where members of the class invest in the University by supporting areas of ÌÇÐÄvlog that are most important to them. We invite the Class of 2026 to come together to show your support.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">All gifts to Montclair count! Make your gift to any area of campus you feel most passionate about \u2013 such as the Emergency Book Fund, The Red Hawk Pantry, your school or college, The Fund for Montclair State or athletic program.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your gift will pay it forward for future Red Hawks and kick-start your philanthropic connection to Montclair.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Commemorate your class year! Make a gift of at least $20.26 and you\u2019ll receive your customized philanthropy cord to wear over your commencement robe.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For a gift of $40, celebrate this milestone with your family, friends and colleagues by having your message displayed on the screen at the Commencement you will be participating in, and receive a customized philanthropy cord. <strong>The final day to submit a message for the Spring 2026 Commencement is Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00 <\/strong><strong>p.m.<\/strong> We cannot accept any messages after this date.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>How do I get my customized philanthropy cord?<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Customized philanthropy cords will be available for pick-up:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Thursday, February 5<\/strong> from 3:30 &#8211; 5:30 p.m. in the Student Center Lobby<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Wednesday, March 25<\/strong> from 1:00 &#8211; 3:00 p.m. in the Student Center Lobby<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Wednesday, April 15<\/strong>\u00a0from 1:00 &#8211; 3:00 p.m. in the Student Center Lobby<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\">Montclair Campus Graduation Fairs: <strong>Thursday, April 16<\/strong> and <strong>Friday, April 17<\/strong> from 10:00 a.m. &#8211; 7:00 p.m. in the Student Center Ballrooms (for Montclair or Bloomfield graduates)<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Thursday, April 23<\/strong> from 12:00 &#8211; 2:30 p.m. on the Alumni Green<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Graduates can also arrange to pick up their philanthropy cords in the Overlook Corporate Center, 150 Clove Road, Little Falls, NJ during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. &#8211; 4:30 p.m. Philanthropy cords can also be mailed to those who cannot pick it up. <strong>The last day we will mail cords is Monday, April 27 at 4:00 p.m.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Please contact James Stewart, Associate Director of Annual Giving at <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">stewartj@montclair.edu<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> or 973-655-5328 to finalize options to get your cords for Commencement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Every student has benefitted from donor generosity to areas of academic support, emergency funding for students and overall priorities to boost students\u2019 success every day. Thank you for paying it forward!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">For more information, please contact James Stewart, Associate Director of Annual Giving, at 973-655-5328 or <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">stewartj@montclair.edu<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<span class=\"prpl-button\"><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/crowdfund.montclair.edu\/project\/46951\" target=\"_blank\">Class of 2026 Gift<\/a><\/span>\n<p><a href=\"#content-start\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"guest-reminders\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Important Reminders for Guests<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure all guests have their tickets PRIOR to Commencement. Graduates and guests enter Prudential Center at different entrances. Keep tickets in a safe place until the event. Replacement tickets will not be issued.<\/li>\n<li>Plan to allow time for traffic, parking and security screening at the venue. Bringing prohibited items will cause significant delays in entering Prudential Center.<\/li>\n<li>Wear comfortable shoes as you will likely be moving in crowded areas.<\/li>\n<li>After the ceremony, the Prudential Center requests all guests and graduates vacate the building. A timely exit from the venue and parking areas is appreciated. Before the ceremony, plan where you and your graduate will meet after the event. The ceremony will last approximately 3 hours.<\/li>\n<li>Graduate Gifts including flowers, graduate t-shirts, and other gift items will be available for purchase on concourse levels.<\/li>\n<li>If graduates and guests wish to take pictures outside Prudential Center, we suggest that you arrive early to take pictures before the ceremony.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"#content-start\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"guest-concessions\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Concessions<\/h2>\n<p>Food and beverages will be available at concession stands located in Prudential Center. We strongly encourage your graduates to eat before arriving at the Prudential Center, as the concession stands are not accessible from the student line-up area. Guests and graduates cannot bring outside food, beverages, coolers, bottles, or cans into the arena. The concession stands are cashless, and guests must pay for concessions with a debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. For guests needing to convert cash to a card, Reverse ATM kiosks with $0 transactional fees* are available near sections 1, 14, 125, and inside the Box Office Lobby.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#content-start\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a name=\"livestreams\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Live Stream Links<\/h2>\n<p>The ceremony will be live streamed in English and Spanish. Be sure to share the links with family and friends.<\/p>\n<div class=\"prpl-row\"><div class=\"prpl-column one-half\">\n<h3><span class=\"pre-heading\"><strong>Monday, May 11<\/strong><\/span><br \/><\/h3>\n<h4>College of the Arts<br \/>\nCollege of Communication and Media<br \/>\nCollege for Community Health<br \/>\nFeliciano School of Business<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Watch the Ceremony:<br \/>\n<\/strong><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/live\/Jx1wQDoSxy0?feature=share\" target=\"_blank\">English<\/a> | <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/live\/XDHTTd34Gow?feature=share\" target=\"_blank\">Espa\u00f1ol<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><div class=\"prpl-column one-half\">\n<h3><span class=\"pre-heading\"><strong>Tuesday, May 12<\/strong><\/span><br \/><\/h3>\n<h4>Bloomfield College of ÌÇÐÄvlog<br \/>\nCollege for Education and Engaged Learning<br \/>\nCollege of Humanities and Social Sciences<br \/>\nCollege of Science and Mathematics<br \/>\nSchool of Nursing<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Watch the Ceremony:<br \/>\n<\/strong><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/live\/FgV55f2G6B8?feature=share\" target=\"_blank\">English<\/a> | <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/youtube.com\/live\/5xe1fx90xbA?feature=share\" target=\"_blank\">Espa\u00f1ol<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"#content-start\"><em>Back to top<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Guest Arrival Time, Entrance Towers and Security Screening Tickets, Seating and Accessible Accommodations Premium Seating Suites at Prudential Center Directions and Transportation Class Gift and Commencement Messages Important Reminders for Guests Concessions Live Stream Links Guest Arrival Time, Entrance Towers and Security Screening Arrival Times Commencement will take place on Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":273,"featured_media":2630,"parent":0,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2309","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2309","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/273"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2309"}],"version-history":[{"count":49,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2309\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3340,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2309\/revisions\/3340"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/commencement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}