Eyewitness NewsNEW YORK (WABC) -- After years of planning, construction and protests, it is finally opening night for the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Brooklyn's own Jay-Z will christen the new entertainment center with eight sold-out concerts.
"This is a great thing for New York City, and that's what the whole thing was about," he said. But not everyone is happy about the new venue. Many who opposed the arena have made their peace with it, but not everyone.They are fuming, especially those who were forced from their homes to make way for the arena. Others are worried about the traffic congestion and parking nightmare that they say will come with games and events.
"Yes, we may need a sports team in Brooklyn," one man said. "There were other places it could have been developed without causing the harm that it has caused."
City Councilman Jumaane Williams was against the arena. Now, he says it's time for the developer to deliver on his promises to the borough.
"I think we have to do our best to figure out what's best for Brooklyn now and really focus on the community benefits agreement," he said. "Make sure those affordable housing units come. Make sure those union jobs come. We should really focus our energy on making that happen."
The arena is stunning and will offer thousands of tickets at low prices. And though the Barclays has its own 40/40 Club and much more, neighborhood businesses look to benefit.
With parking so limited, officials encourage people traveling to the arena to take one of the nine subway lines, 11 bus routes or the Long Island Rail Road that all lead to the area.
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Get more information on the center and how to get there at www.barclayscenter.com. CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS OF THE BARCLAYS CENTER BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER CONSTRUCTION.
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