Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Brooklyn Nets: Exploring the Area Around the Barclays Center

Sandy Mui|
Oct 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; The Brooklyn Nets pay tribute to the national anthem prior to a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; The Brooklyn Nets pay tribute to the national anthem prior to a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
1 of 5
Oct 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; The Brooklyn Nets pay tribute to the national anthem prior to a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; The Brooklyn Nets pay tribute to the national anthem prior to a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

With Brooklyn Nets basketball returning tonight, here are some hot spots you should visit on your next trip to the Barclays Center.

The Brooklyn Nets open up the 2016-17 season tonight on the road against the Boston Celtics. They return to the Barclays Center on Friday for their home opener against the Indiana Pacers. Finally, Nets basketball is back.

The Barclays Center is in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, a wealthy neighborhood full of shops, food, and well, traffic. Pro tip: Never drive in Downtown Brooklyn, the traffic is too much. In all seriousness, the area around the Barclays Center is full of places worth exploring. My favorite: the Nets Shop, of course.

I recently went on an excursion to the Barclays Center to give you all an exclusive look at the area as a Brooklynite. And of course, to pick up my tickets to the Nets’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 4 (which I almost forgot to do).

More from Nothin' But Nets

I went to high school near the area, so I know my way around pretty well, but not necessarily all the places that are there. Ever since the foundation of the Barclays Center was first laid out in 2010, the neighborhood has changed a lot. I still remember the days that the train stop was called “Atlantic Avenue – Pacific Street,” not “Atlantic Avenue – Barclays Center.”

Still, whether Downtown Brooklyn changed for the better, that isn’t for me to judge. I’ll tell you one thing though: it’s sure much better to have my favorite team in my home city and not an hour away in New Jersey.

Here are all the highlights from my trip and places you should go to whenever you’re in town.