 The IZOD Center is not just one of the highest grossest arenas in North America, but has become a center-piece of a growing Meadowlands Sports Complex that is transforming East Rutherford, New Jersey into a sports and entertainment destination. "We are all aware that these are difficult times for the American consumer," said Dennis Robinson, President & CEO, New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority. "But in many ways the Meadowlands Sports Complex is showing the positive that can be found in a challenging marketplace. People need entertainment and diversion."
As the IZOD Center continues to be major draw for audiences throughout the region, construction is well under way on the new Giants and Jets Stadium—as well as training facilities and offices for the football teams—and the 2-million-square-foot Meadowlands Xanadu, an entertainment, retail and dining complex. Also under construction is a N.J. Transit rail link which will connect the Meadowlands Sports Complex to all of New Jersey, New York City and the entire Northeast rail corridor.
 "While Washington debates a major national investment in infrastructure development to spur the economy, the test case can be seen in East Rutherford where rail and roadway improvements are generating massive private investment, "Robinson added.
The IZOD Center remains the centerpiece of the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The arena, known among touring acts as featuring superb acoustics and site-lines, sits 20,000 for concerts and 4,000-.jpg) 12,000 for most family shows, using a curtaining system. When it opened in 1981, the stage was christened by New Jersey Legend Bruce Springsteen with six sold out concerts, and the IZOD Center is still known by many fans and music industry members as "The House That Bruce Built."
 In 2007, the IZOD Center was ranked the third highest grossing entertainment Arena in the U.S. This October, the venue set a record with 20 events—$14 million in gross ticket sales, including major concerts by Madonna, Coldplay, the Who, Janet Jackson, Enrique Iglesias, and Powerhouse 105 with Jay Z as well as multiple family shows including the 2008 Tour of Gymnastics Superstars and Walking with Dinosaurs.
"Clearly there is a strong market for staging the best events in a convenient and well-run facility," said Robinson. "The future is only looking brighter given the new attractions and opportunities opening up in the years ahead at the Sports Complex."
 The projects currently underway—which total an estimated $4 billion and include the news Giants and Jets stadium and related facilities as well as Meadowlands Xanadu entertainment, seem poised to extend the IZOD Center’s already considerable appeal.
"Each day upwards of 2,000 construction workers are on site completing the new Stadium, Xanadu, the rail link which will connect the Complex to all of New Jersey, New  York City and the entire Northeast rail corridor, and major highway improvements," said Robinson. "In 2010, when all is completed, the State of New Jersey will reap enormous benefits in new tax revenue and jobs, and the metropolitan area consumer will have the most complete sports, entertainment, dining and shopping opportunities available in one site anywhere in the world."
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