March Madness is heading into its final stretch as the Sweet 16 tips off on Thursday, followed by the Elite Eight on Saturday. This year, the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, will host two Sweet 16 matchups and one Elite Eight game — just a 20-minute train ride from New York City on NJ Transit.
While no local teams remain in the tournament — St. John’s was eliminated after a heartbreaking loss to Arkansas on Saturday — there’s still plenty of high-stakes basketball coming to town.
Who’s Playing in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight in Newark?
The action begins Thursday evening when (2) Alabama takes on (6) BYU. The Crimson Tide have been a top team all season, but their momentum appears to be slowing. BYU, meanwhile, boasts a high-powered offense with multiple three-point threats and plenty of pace.
Later that night, (1) Duke and its star-studded lineup, led by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, face off against (4) Arizona in a clash of heavyweights.
The winners of both matchups will return to the Prudential Center on Saturday to compete in the Elite Eight, with a trip to the Final Four on the line.
This is your last chance to catch high-level college basketball in the area, as the Final Four and National Championship will take place in San Antonio, Texas.
Sweet 16 and Elite Eight Ticket Options
There are three types of tickets available.
Sweet 16 tickets grant access to both of Thursday’s games — it’s a single-admission doubleheader.
You can also purchase Elite Eight tickets for Saturday’s matchup.
For the full experience, consider an all-sessions pass, which includes admission to both Sweet 16 games on Thursday and the Elite Eight game on Saturday.
(2) Alabama vs. (6) BYU
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 7:09 PM Eastern
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
(1) Duke vs. (4) Arizona
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 7:09 PM Eastern
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Elite Eight — TBD vs. TBD
Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: TBD
Venue: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
How to Get to the Prudential Center from New York City
The Prudential Center is just two stops from Penn Station on NJ Transit. Simply hop on a train from New York Penn Station to Newark Penn Station.
Three NJ Transit lines go from Penn Station to Newark Penn Station: Northeast Corridor Line (NEC), North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL), and the Raritan Valley Line (RVL).
Trains run every five minutes or so during peak service, and the ride takes less than 20 minutes. From there, it’s a short walk to the Prudential Center.
Purchase train tickets using the NJ TRANSIT MyTix app.
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