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Hugh Weber is stepping down as president of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. Weber spent nine years at the organization, first as president of both the Devils and the arena, and for the last three years as group-wide president. The news comes four days after the 76ers’ season ended in Eastern Conference semifinals.
Two weeks ago, The Athletic reported the possibility of the Raptors moving to Newark’s Prudential Center because of Canada’s strict quarantine rules stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Other possible landing spots include sharing Barclays Center with the Nets, or playing in Kansas City, Mo., Seattle or the Tampa Bay area. Oakland native Kamala Harris now is the Vice President-elect after NBC News and multiple other outlets called the election for Joe Biden on Saturday morning, as he surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.
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Following a shake-up of limited partners, Rubin added 2% to his portfolio and now owns almost 10% of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the company that holds both franchises, plus the Prudential Center, esports organization New Meta and a handful of other sports and entertainment assets. He is the group’s third largest shareholder, behind managing partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer.
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) today announced a multi-year partnership with Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR), the world’s most diversified casino-entertainment provider, for its marquee properties: the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. This historic partnership will introduce New Jersey sports fans to Caesars Entertainment’s new sports book experience now available at two of its Atlantic City properties and The Caesars Casino & Sports app through special promotions and activations inside the exclusive Caesars Club at Prudential Center. The 5,000-square-foot premium restaurant and bar will be located on the main concourse, providing Caesars Entertainment’s signature VIP hospitality to Premium Seat members for all New Jersey Devils home games and will be open to all event attendees during more than 175 live events, games and concerts held at the world’s No. 8 “Most Played Venue”* annually.
If the Knicks win the lottery, whomever they choose to take will make his Big Apple debut in Brooklyn. League sources told The Post the NBA draft will return to Barclays Center for a third straight season next month. It will mark the fifth straight year the draft will be held at an arena that houses the Nets. It took place at Prudential Center in Newark in 2011 and 2012.
The Sixers and the New Jersey Devils are holding a joint press conference Thursday afternoon at the Prudential Center in Newark to make what the franchises have called a "major announcement." But a person with knowledge of the situation has confirmed that neither franchise is relocating and that the announcement is unrelated to any on-court or on-ice matters. Instead, the Sixers and Devils--both owned by Josh Harris and operated by CEO Scott O'Neil--will announce a sponsorship deal.
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The story never goes away and won’t go away, as long as Josh Harris owns the Sixers, Devils and Newark’s Prudential Center. The story is that Harris wants to one day move the Sixers to Newark, putting his two franchises in one city, under one roof. As recently as October, Harris has denied looking to move the Sixers up I-95, telling the Philly media, “My answer to the fans is I love the Sixers in Philly. I’m committed to it.” Despite Harris’ statement, the talk of a future Newark move remains alive, even in the Sixers’ executive suites.
Sources close to the situation have indicated that Joshua Harris’ investment group is expected to finalize the purchase of the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center on Thursday. Sources also tell CSNPhilly.com that Sixers CEO Scott O’Neil will be installed as the Devils’ CEO and serve in that capacity, simultaneously, for both teams. Harris and his ownership group bought the Sixers in 2011 for a reported $287 million. According to Forbes, the Sixers are currently valued at $418 million. In January 2012, the Devils were reportedly worth $205 million, but owner Jeff Vanderbeek is believed to be $230 million in debt. By acquiring the Devils and the Prudential Center, Harris’ group will assume that debt.
"And I do want to thank all of you for your wonderful enthusiasm, and thanks to the Prudential Center for your hospitality," Stern said. "The second round of the 2012 NBA draft will be conducted by Deputy Commissioner of the NBA Adam Silver —" And the crowd goes wild. For this guy. Just fantastic. To his credit, Silver walked out onto that stage like a freakin' boss, soaking in the cheers, nodding to the crowd, smiling and thanking the die-hards who stuck around for the second round before resorting to the oldest trick in the book — saying the name of the place you're in to get a cheap pop. "Thank you — and hello to the great state of New Jersey!" Silver said, the crowd hilariously playing into it and increasing their applause before the announcement of the second round's first pick, which saw the Charlotte Bobcats take Vanderbilt small forward Jeffery Taylor.
Amar’e Stoudemire loves the atmosphere across the Hudson River when the Knicks play the Nets at Prudential Center. He loves that a Knicks-Nets game in Newark feels like a home game away from home. And though he has eyed the Knicks’ last-ever visit to New Jersey tomorrow as his big return from a bulging disk, the Knicks believe having him back in Cleveland on Friday is more realistic. Stoudemire has had two contact scrimmages, but yesterday’s practice was canceled because the club was beaten up further with Tyson Chandler’s knee injury. That hasn’t helped Stoudemire get into game shape. he will miss his 12th straight game tonight when the Knicks host the Celtics.
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