The Barclays Center is now a hub for basketball, entertainment — and farm-fresh produce.
A new weekly greenmarket hosted by the Barclays Center launched Wednesday on the Flatbush Avenue side of the 18,000-seat arena between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Street.
“I’m very excited to have something at the stadium that serves the whole community,” said Prospect Heights resident Jessa Zinn as she bought a case of blueberries at the opening day.
The marketplace’s location stands on the spot of the borough’s first-ever greenmarket, which started in 1977.
“Since that market’s opening, our organization has evolved and grown enormously, just as Downtown Brooklyn has,” said Michael Hurwitz, the director of Greenmarket, which is run by the GrowNYC organization.
Vendors said they were hopeful for good business considering the heavy foot traffic around the area.
“We love it! It’s an exciting opportunity for us,” said market manager Jason Durham of Rick’s Picks. He added that the farmers market gives new daytime purpose to the Barclays Center, where events are typically held at night.
“During the day it’s like a big building that’s just sitting here, so it’s nice to give it a human touch during the day,” he said.
The nine-vendor marketplace includes fish from American Seafood; honey from Apple State Hilltop Family Farm; breads and baked goods from Artisan Oven; vegan goodies from Body and Soul Bakery; vegetables and dairy products from Goodale Farm; veggies, fruit, and herbs from Jersey Farm Produce; produce from John D. Madura Farm; artisanal pickles from Rick’s Picks; and orchard fruit from Terhune Orchard.
The greenmarket will be open every Wednesday from 8 am to 4 pm through November 27.
“It’s another great thing that’s piggybacking on the Barclays Center,” said Sam Forman of Bedford-Stuyvesant. “I’m excited it’s here.”
There will be another opportunity in the near future for foodies to get tasty eats outside the arena. A food truck event will be held on September 7 from 11 am to 5 pm.
Reach reporter Natalie Musumeci at nmusumeci@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4505. Follow her at twitter.com/souleddout.
