Monster Jam MVP: How to get the whole company from Brooklyn to the Prudential Center
Have you ever tried gathering a group of 8 people for Monster Jam in Newark? While Grave Digger starts roaring at 7:00 PM (Fridays) or 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM (Saturdays), most groups are still wandering around the Atlantic Ave platform.
One person is late for the NJ Transit. Another is stuck in an Uber that cost $85 for a single car. A third lost the kids' ear protection on the PATH train. By the time you enter the Prudential Center, the show is already in full swing.
There is a better way. The trip starts at your doorstep in Brooklyn. For groups of 6 or more, a passenger van isn't just transport — it’s your mobile headquarters.
Renting a Ford Transit or Chrysler Pacifica from Drivo solves three problems:
- Total Coordination: No one gets lost, and everyone arrives together.
- Mobile Storage: Keep coats, strollers, and souvenirs in the car. They aren't allowed inside the arena.
- Cost Control: You know your travel and parking costs upfront.
In 2026, with Manhattan's Congestion Pricing in effect and Newark parking garages banning high-roof vans, planning is the difference between a celebration and chaos.
The Economics: Van Rental vs. Rideshare
We calculated the expenses for a group of 10 (Brooklyn — Newark — Brooklyn):
| Travel Option | Estimated Cost | Risks |
|---|---|---|
| 3× Uber XL | $300–$450 | The group will be split. Post-show wait times exceed 40 minutes. |
| Public Transit | ~$220 | 3 transfers in the cold. High risk of losing group members at the station. |
| Drivo Ford Transit | ~$250–$320 | None. Personal space and comfort for the kids. |
A van saves roughly $200 compared to ridesharing and eliminates the stress of navigating public transit transfers.
The "Bypass" Route: Avoiding Manhattan Taxes
In 2026, driving through Manhattan means extra traffic and a congestion fee ($9 for passenger cars and vans entering below 60th St).
Take the Southern Route:
- 1. BQE (I-278 West) →
- 2. Verrazzano Bridge (Use the upper level) →
- 3. Staten Island Expressway →
- 4. Goethals Bridge →
- 5. US-1/9 North → Prudential Center
This route is safe for high-roof vans and avoids Manhattan’s toll zones.
Timing: To make it to the 7:00 PM show, cross the Verrazzano Bridge no later than 4:30 PM. For weekend afternoon shows, allow at least 1 hour and 20 minutes for the drive from Brooklyn.
Parking: Clearance Matters
Prudential Center is surrounded by garages, but 80% of them have a height limit of 6–7 feet. A Ford Transit High Roof is over 9 feet tall. Attempting to enter a covered garage will destroy the roof and your deposit.
Where to park:
- Choose Open Air Lots only.
- Best option: Green Lots 3 & 4 on Lafayette St. It’s a 3-minute walk to the arena with no height restrictions.
- Book via SpotHero in advance. Prices are $35–$45 compared to $80 on the day of the event.
Why choose Drivo in Brooklyn
Don't waste time traveling to JFK or Newark airports to pick up a car. Our locations are right in your Brooklyn neighborhood.
- Trust: We welcome drivers aged 21+ for sedans. For large passenger vans (12–15 seats), the standard age requirement is 25+.
- Model Guarantee: You get the specific Ford Transit you booked, not a "similar" model.
- Transparency: No hidden fees for crossing state lines.
Pre-departure checklist
- 1. Book 3 weeks early. Demand for large vans in Brooklyn peaks during Monster Jam weekends.
- 2. Ear Protection. 1,500 HP engines in a closed arena are deafening. Bring noise-canceling headphones for the children.
- 3. Bag Policy. Prudential Center bans all backpacks. Only clear bags up to 12"x14"x6" are permitted. Leave everything else in the van.
- 4. Navigation. Use Waze and set your vehicle profile to "Truck/Commercial" so the system recognizes your van’s dimensions.
Be the MVP of the trip
Don't wait for the "no cars available" message in your rideshare app. Secure your group's mobile headquarters today.
Need a ride? Pick the right Ford Transit on the Drivo website. Booking in Brooklyn takes just 5 minutes.
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