New Jersey Nets New Arena Barclays Center Secures Partnership with Long Island University

March 15, 2012

Barclays Center, soon to be finished new home of the NBA’s New Jersey Nets, have formed a unique multifaceted partnership Long Island University Brooklyn (LIU), which includes athletics, education, community, and brand-building platforms.

Barclays Center, the world-class sports and entertainment venue scheduled to open on September 28, will be the home away from home for LIU’s men’s basketball team. The Blackbirds, who have advanced to the Division I NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship for the second consecutive year in which they will face Michigan State on Friday, will play a minimum of four home games each season at Barclays Center during the length of the agreement. LIU is already confirmed to participate in the Barclays Center Classic, presented by Sheets Brand Energy Strips, on November 9 and the BROOKLYN HOOPS Holiday Invitational on Dec. 22.

As part of the educational component of the alliance, Barclays Center will annually host five one-hour bi-weekly classes for students in the LIU sports journalism/management classes. The classes will feature Barclays Center and Nets Basketball executives serving as guest lecturers. In addition, at least five LIU students will annually receive internships with Barclays Center or Nets Basketball. Educating more than 11,000 students annually at its Brooklyn campus, LIU will hold commencement exercises in Barclays Center.

In conjunction with Barclays Center’s plans to be actively involved in public service throughout the borough, LIU will serve as the presenting partner of the Barclays Center Community Platform. Through this involvement, LIU will receive branding when the Community Platform is promoted during Barclays Center events via signage or through www.barclayscenter.com, radio, or print.

In addition, LIU students, staff, and faculty will receive discounts on tickets to select Barclays Center events.

“We are delighted to partner with Downtown Brooklyn’s newest jewel, Barclays Center,” said LIU Brooklyn Provost Gale Stevens Haynes. “Our collaboration will provide far-reaching opportunities not only for our students and campus community but for our neighboring communities as well. I look forward to a long and fruitful association with this dynamic new cultural and sports venue.”

Brett Yormark, Barclays Center CEO, added: “We are proud to align with our neighbor and such a respected and committed institution as LIU Brooklyn. LIU offers students from around the world an enriching education in the heart of the most exciting and diverse borough in New York. Barclays Center will join LIU in becoming a dynamic part of the community through education, sports, and entertainment.”

by Ismail Uddin