OT: Visiting Red Bull Arena for first time

[CranfordKnight]

My just-turning 14 yo son is a huge PSG/Zlatan fan, so we are heading to Red Bull Arena tomorrow night to see them play Fiorentina in the International Champions Cup. First time there.

What do I need to know? What is the parking situation? Are there any casual restaurants within walking distance of the arena if we show up early and park and walk? Any help appreciated. Would like to make a night of it since the match starts at 8:30.

 

[Jumba72]

Catas is walkable. Nice decor. Boi Na Brasa has some talent on staff.

 

[Abro1975]

My 18 year old son is going to the Red Bulls vs Chelsea match on Wed night. I wish he was into football nearly as much as soccer. He's a Chelsea fan.

 

[fischy5000]

I just went to my first RedBulls game a couple weeks ago. Good times! Most seats in the place are good. I took mass transit to game but my cousin who has parked in a lot for a prior game said it took a while to get out afterwards. To that point he parked near newark penn station and took the path one stop to Harrison this last time (partially because of delays but also since we walked to dinner in newark after)
The Harrison path stop is crazy after game so be warned if you do take mass transit (and make sure you have enough money on card so you don't need to buy pass afterwards when game let's out).

 

[CranfordKnight]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm seeing that the Red Bulls are playing at 4 also, so the lots have to be cleared out after the first game. Should be a sh*tshow, but I think we are going to try to get in early (around 7) and hang out around the BULLevard thing they have set up. I understand there is a beer garden with food stands also.

 

[BigLou]

An alternate choice for parking is to Park at Iberia Tavern in Newark. They charge $10 but if you eat there, they deduct it off the bill. I have never tried to park in Harrison but hear that it is very limited and would probably not try it myself.

 

[RRosenwald]

I would second the Iberia parking rec. Awesome food and drink outside and basically free parking. About a ten minute walk to the stadium.

 

[dollarbill]

I usually park on the street in the Ironbound, head to a restaurant in the area, then walk over the bridge to the stadium. After a fifteen to twenty minute walk to the car after the game, I am home free. If you live in Cranford, you can take the train right to Penn Station and do the same. Have fun. $$$$

 

[Zak57]

Maybe a dumb question but is the walk back from the stadium to Penn Station after the game a bad idea?

 

[RRosenwald]

I usually will take the PATH train in Harrison up one stop to Penn. Ton's of people around - never an issue.

 

[DANTHEMAN]

I read somewhere that soccer stadium is bankrupting Harrison.

 

[RAA-1]

I read somewhere that soccer stadium is bankrupting Harrison.

The problem was that with the recession none of the hoped for development took place. That has all changed since the recovery began. Read the link as many good things are now happening in Harrison:

http://nypost.com/2014/11/12/harrison-nj-embraces-big-time-development/

There will also be a new PATH station in Harrison:

http://www.panynj.gov/path/harrisonredevelopment.html

 

[BK_TO_THE]

Maybe a dumb question but is the walk back from the stadium to Penn Station after the game a bad idea?

Not at all. Done it plenty of times. Will be lots of people making the walk.