Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment announced a sweeping third phase of renovations at Barclays Center, aiming to reshape fans’ experience of one of the borough’s most prominent venues.
The upgrades, announced Tuesday, are part of a $150 million, five-year investment focused on improving the entire fan experience. The latest round of changes includes a redesigned main atrium and box office, a new American Express Card Member entrance and lounge and a slate of contemporary art installations scattered throughout the arena.
“This next phase of our arena transformation continues our commitment to elevate the experience for every guest who walks through our doors,” Shanon Ferguson, chief hospitality officer for Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, said in a statement. “From a completely reimagined arrival experience in the main atrium to the new American Express Card Member Entrance and Lounge, we are creating spaces that feel welcoming, seamless and distinctly Brooklyn.”
Renovation work will be led by architects at Populous and construction management by Shawmut Design and Construction.
The main atrium, at the center of the redesign, serves as the entry point for more than 70% of guests, according to Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. The space will be anchored by a suspended installation from artist Sarah Sze, combining projected imagery and sculptural elements meant to reflect motion and Barclays Center’s energy. A sweeping 180-degree LED wall will wrap the interior, turning the atrium into an immersive experience.
The atrium upgrades will also include a redesigned box office, with dedicated areas for ticket resolution and guest services to streamline arrival. During summer construction, a temporary box office will operate outside on Ticketmaster Plaza to maintain access.
Along Flatbush Avenue, a new American Express Card Member entrance will offer quicker access into the arena, incorporating Evolv screening technology to speed up security. Inside, the project introduces The AmEx® Lounge, a suite-level space accommodating more than 200 guests, complete with a private bar, panoramic views and cardholder perks.
The Barclays Center will also undergo its first major control room upgrade since opening in 2012. The shift to an IP-based broadcast system will support “new broadcast cameras, video switcher, router, instant replay, graphics, intercom” and more.
Works by Mark Bradford and Rashid Johnson will be incorporated into the new entrance, while a public sculpture by Brooklyn-born Kambui Olujimi is planned for Ticketmaster Plaza in 2027. The initiative also includes “Art on the Hour,” a rotating series displayed on the arena’s Oculus screen.
Since its opening, Barclays Center has been home to the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty and hosts a wide variety of concerts per year. Members of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment said these enhancements will change the way fans experience the arena.
“By approaching best-in-class hospitality through thoughtful design, new technology and world-class art integrated throughout the building, we are redesining how fans experience Barclays Center from the moment they arrive to the moment they depart,” Ferguson continued.
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment anticipates a Fall 2026 completion date for the third phase of renovations.
