Underprivileged Brooklynites will be able to see top-notch entertainment at the Barclays Center thanks to a partnership between a Downtown neighborhood group and the arena that will make sure folks without the funds get passes to a number of anticipated stadium events.
Downtown Brooklyn Neighborhood Alliance’s complimentary ticket program will offer Brooklyn-based non-profits, religious, and community groups up to 50 tickets per event — a service community leaders are hailing as a great opportunity.
“We’re excited,” said Herbert Daughtry, a pastor at The House of the Lord Church who helped launch the program. “It gives people access who wouldn’t have had the chance.”
Senior and youth groups — chosen by lottery — will be able see performances from artists such as Jay-Z and Barbra Streisand, Daughtry said.
The deal comes as part of the arena’s Community Benefits Program, in which developer Bruce Ratner promised to provide thousands of jobs and services to Brooklynites.
Ratner says the community-centric ticket program, which includes access to Nets games, will allow the Barclays Center give something back to Brooklyn.
“Barclays Center is going to positively impact this community in so many ways,” he said in a statement.
Groups interested in obtaining free tickets to events can download an application via the Downtown Brooklyn Neighborhood Alliance website www.thedbna.com/.
Reach reporter Natalie O'Neill at noneill@cnglocal.com or by calling her at (718) 260-4505.
