Newark Hosting Four Days of Events For March Madness

The NCAA Tournament is back in New Jersey as the Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games from the East Region will be played Friday and Sunday. The City of Newark has a four day celebration planned, with events for all ages.

If you show up at the Prudential Center in Newark between Thursday and Sunday, you will surely find some fun, entertaining things to do as well as learn about the city’s history. The city is proud and excited to host this national event. Mayor Cory Booker has had many interviews recently about the event and he in particular is very excited, being the hoops fan that he is.

Teaming up with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Mayor Booker formed a GoNewark Sports and Entertainment Committee back in January. The committee was designed to coordinate the GoNewark HoopFest along with Seton Hall University. Seton Hall is this years official tournament host.

The GoNewark HoopFest goal is to promote Newark’s storied basketball history and it’s first NCAA Tournament appearance.

The events begin Thursday with team practices that will be open to the public. From 12 to 4 pm fans can watch the four teams, Ohio State, Kentucky, Marquette, and North Carolina go through their one hour practices. Practices are free for all fans.

12:00 PM – 12:50 PM Marquette Practice
1:00 PM – 1:50 PM Kentucky Practice
2:10 PM – 3:00 PM UNC Practice
3:10 PM – 4:00 PM Ohio State Practice

Also between the 12 and 4 time frame on Thursday, the Prudential Center will hold a College Fair for any high school students in attendance. Students will get a chance to meet and talk with representatives from many of the local colleges. Montclair State University, St. Peter’s College, Seton Hall University, Kean University, and Rutgers-Newark are just a few of the college that will be available.

Newark will also be hosting a FanFest consisting of a variety events that run from Thursday evening through Sunday at Championship Plaza, adjacent to the Prudential Center. Activities are free and will include, live musical performances and DJ’s, interactive basketball activities, xbox, basketball courts, food vendors, and a beer garden for the adults.

To view the full schedule of events, visit GoNewark HoopFest.

It’s not just about basketball for Newark. The city will also open it’s doors on Saturday for many activities as fans and residents will have a chance to learn more about this historic city.

The New Jersey Historical Society will have exhibits featuring the history of our state and the city of Newark. Performances by the Newark Boys Chorus and Newark School of the Arts will also take place along with face painting for children.

The Art Kitchen on Halsey Street will provide free cupcake decorating and you will be able to have your photograph taken with Hell’s Kitchen pi-up girls.

The Newark Museum and Newark Public Library will have many free activities as well including dance and musical performances. Fans will also get a chance to meet the Newark Bears during an autograph signing event at Newark Bears Stadium. The Honey Bears Dance Team will also perform.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center will host a Wine & Food Tasting. This ticketed event will allow you to sip more than 50 wines from New Jersey vineyards and taste international cuisine representative of Newark’s diverse culture. Admission is open to the public for $45. There will be a 12-4 pm session and a 5-8 pm session. Tickets to the evening tasting will include a performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

These are just a few of the great events taking place in Newark from Thursday to Sunday. In fact, events will continue for the following few weeks. What a great time to experience such a historic city and celebrate March Madness.

Free shuttle buses will be available to transport fans from place to place throughout the city.

The games should be great, but the city should be even better!