The Barclays Center has always been more than just a place to catch a basketball game-it’s a cultural hub, a stage for some of the world’s biggest performers, and a gathering point for Brooklyn’s fiercely proud community. But this season, the arena is stepping up its game in a new way-and not just with the additions of Michael Porter Jr., Terance Mann, or the five rookies the Nets brought in through the draft.
With the home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 24, the Brooklyn Nets and BSE Global unveiled two major upgrades aimed squarely at enhancing the fan experience: the Gallagher Terrace and The Modelo Bridge. These aren’t just cosmetic changes-they’re part of a broader evolution in how fans engage with live sports and entertainment. And at the heart of it all is a simple idea: make the Barclays Center feel like it belongs to every fan, no matter where they’re sitting.
The Modelo Bridge: A New Kind of Upper Concourse Experience
Let’s start with The Modelo Bridge. Perched along the north baseline of the upper concourse, this new space is open to all fans and brings a whole new energy to the top tier of the arena. Think of it as Brooklyn’s answer to Yankee Stadium’s Mastercard Batter’s Eye Deck-a communal, balcony-style space that’s all about vibe, visibility, and connection.
The Bridge stretches out with the arena’s largest bar-67 feet of service area-and is designed to be a social hotspot. It’s not just a place to grab a drink; it’s a place to be part of the action, even if your ticket says “upper level.”
Shannon Ferguson, BSE Global’s Chief Hospitality Officer, knows that some of the most passionate fans are sitting up top. So instead of treating the upper concourse like an afterthought, he saw it as an opportunity.
“We have over 8,000 of our fans up there,” Ferguson said. “That’s a huge part of our community. We wanted to create something that speaks directly to them.”
Ferguson’s first time watching a game at Barclays was from the upper concourse, and that experience stuck with him. He remembered the feeling of looking down at the court and imagining what it would be like to be closer to the action. That perspective helped shape the vision for The Bridge-a space that invites fans to feel like they’re part of the show, not just spectators.
And it’s not just about proximity. It’s about creating a premium experience, even in the so-called “nosebleeds.” Ferguson and his team took a strategic approach, piecing together a fan experience that feels elevated, inclusive, and authentically Brooklyn.
“We wanted something that’s premium in nature for everybody in the arena,” he said. “This is about making every fan feel like they’re part of something special.”
To get there, BSE didn’t just rely on internal brainstorming-they went straight to the source. They held focus groups with season ticket holders, chatted with fans walking the concourse, and asked real questions about what people wanted in their arena experience.
The result? A space that feels social, elevated, and very much in tune with what today’s fans are looking for.
The Bridge’s design also nods to the borough’s iconic infrastructure. Inspired by the bridges that connect Brooklyn to the rest of New York, it’s a symbolic and literal link between fans, borough, and team. And soon, it’ll be home to artwork from local artists-another way to keep the space rooted in the community.
Gallagher Terrace: Premium, But Personal
While The Bridge brings energy to the upper concourse, the Gallagher Terrace is all about intimacy and exclusivity. Located on Suite Level A, just above where The BK Block section used to be, this members-only club offers something no other spot in the arena does: in-seat dining with dedicated waiter service.
The design draws on Brooklyn’s Gilded Age for inspiration, with plush banquette seating and a refined aesthetic that still manages to feel grounded in the borough’s character. It’s not just about luxury-it’s about creating a space that feels like Brooklyn, just with a little extra polish.
“Everything we’ve done has been through the lens of Brooklyn,” Ferguson said. “We wanted to create something forward-thinking, but also rooted in the history and culture of this place.”
Membership in Gallagher Terrace comes with more than just a great seat and a good meal. It includes access to the exclusive club space and a range of additional perks, making it one of the most premium offerings in the building.
The partnership with Gallagher Insurance also reflects the broader strategy behind these upgrades-bringing in brands that align with the arena’s values and fan base. As Gallagher CMO Chris Mead put it, the Terrace is about creating a place where fans can “gather and celebrate,” and strengthening connections with the local community.
More Than Just a Facelift
The Gallagher Terrace and Modelo Bridge are part of a larger transformation happening at Barclays Center. The arena also renovated the Garden Bar on the main concourse and partnered with The Brooklyn Home Company to redesign six backstage dressing rooms for performers. These upgrades mark the end of “phase two” of a five-year, $100+ million investment into the arena’s future.
And there’s more to come.
Phase three kicks off this spring, with plans that include a new audio system, a grander scoreboard, and more improvements to the upper concourse. On the art front, a sculpture by renowned artist Sarah Sze is set to anchor the Barclays atrium, while Rashid Johnson’s “Anxious Audience,” currently at the Guggenheim, will move to the arena once that exhibit ends.
The long-term vision? To turn Barclays Center into the centerpiece of a new entertainment district-something akin to LA LIVE in Los Angeles. It’s an ambitious goal, but one that fits the scale and swagger of Brooklyn’s flagship arena.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just about bells and whistles. The upgrades at Barclays Center reflect a deeper understanding of what fans want today-connection, comfort, community, and a sense that their experience matters, no matter where they’re sitting.
Whether you're courtside or up in the rafters, the message is clear: Barclays Center is evolving, and it’s doing so with the fans at the heart of every decision. From The Bridge to the Terrace and everything in between, this is Brooklyn hospitality reimagined-and it’s only just getting started.