Known as "The Rock," the Prudential Center opened in 2007 with a clear mission: use entertainment to bring new life to downtown Newark. So far, the plan is working. The arena opened with a string of 10 shows by Jersey's own Bon Jovi that drew folks from the suburbs to the $380-million complex, which is two-plus blocks from Newark Penn Station. The summer 2008 calendar for The Rock, which also is home to the New Jersey Devils and Seton Hall basketball, includes Alicia Keys, Tom Petty and the finalists from this past season of "American Idol."

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