The Prudential Center announced Thursday its partnership with Uber, designating the San Francisco-based online transportation service the official rideshare partner of the New Jersey Devils and the state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue in Newark.“With nearly 2 million visitors through our doors each year, we rely on our partners both inside and outside of the building to provide the same world-class experience that we strive for each night,” Adam Davis, chief revenue officer of the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, said.



Davis, calling Uber a “pioneer in the industry,” also said he and his team are excited to “give fans another safe, dependable option to get to and from The Rock.”



“In addition to its stellar reputation as a reliable and safe service, Uber is the leader in the industry with the largest existing network of riders and drivers in New Jersey,” Davis said. “Uber is also fully committed to the growth and prosperity of Newark, something we are invested in and care about deeply.”



The deal, which marks Uber’s first partnership with a sports team and venue in New Jersey, earned praise even from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.



“Uber and the Devils together is a win-win partnership for Newark,” Baraka said. “It increases reliable affordable transportation choices for Prudential Center visitors and provides an incentive for people to leave their cars at home.”



Baraka last year threatened to ticket or tow Uber drivers at Newark Liberty International Airport despite facing issues of legality to do so, confirmed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The city of Newark and Uber reached a deal when Uber agreed to pay the city $10 million for the right to take passengers to and from the airport.



“This (partnership) is about helping to improve transportation in Newark for both residents and visitors and reaching a new swath of potential riders,” Craig Ewer, communications spokesperson for Uber, said.



Uber drivers will be available to drop off and pick up attendees at the more than 175 concerts, family shows and special events annually at the Prudential Center, as well as fans attending the New Jersey Devils’ games and Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I men’s basketball games.



Designated pickup and drop-off zones will be made available by the Prudential Center outside of the Mulberry Street and Edison Place entrance of Investors Bank Tower.



New Uber riders can use the code “NJDEVILS” to get their first ride free up to $20 when they sign up.



“We’re ready to hit the ground running at Prudential Center,” Ana Mahony, general manager for Uber New Jersey, said. “Teaming up with the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center helps fulfill our mission of making transportation as reliable as running water, everywhere, for everyone.”



Ewer said that Uber is eager to partner with other organizations in New Jersey in order to help ease transportation issues in the state.

