Like most major arenas and stadiums, Prudential Center is not just the home of a professional sports team; it’s also a cultural hub for Newark and the state of New Jersey. As such, the needs and expectations of fans who go there are forever changing, which means that the list of available foods and beverages also needs to constantly evolve. 

Dana Seiden, the SVP, Business Operations, NJD & Prudential Center, is the woman behind all of those decisions and on Wednesday afternoon, Seiden and Co. unveiled the newest additions to the Prudential Center culinary lineup. 

During the event, New Jersey institutions such as Rutt’s Hut were formally introduced as a new partner for the arena. During the proceedings, Seiden spoke about the new partnerships, the role fans played and the importance of bringing in local businesses. 

*Editor’s Note: Questions and Answers have been lightly edited for clarity.

Question: What was the inspiration behind this event and what are the new challenges you’re facing?

Seiden: “I mean, we know that the fans want the fanfare. You want a good hot dog, you want a good hamburger and you want your good chicken tenders. That we know we’ve got down. But we really wanted to make a point this year to bring the ‘New Jersey local,’ both businesses and food culture, to this building and that’s what we set out to do. 

“As I mentioned (in my opening remarks), we went straight to the source, which was our fans. We had them come in for tastings. We met with them one-on-one. We heard all the feedback and they quite literally selected items that ended up on the menu, which is really exciting.”

Question: Hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken tenders are a staple at games, but you also keep experimenting. How do you know when not to cross the “it’s not broken, don’t fix it” line?

Seiden: “Absolutely. But there are fans that want different things. That’s one of the wonderful parts of being from New Jersey: is that there’s such diversity, both in the state as well as in the food culture. And people want Greek items when they come here. They want to hit the Goya stand and experience that as well. 

“Also, keeping in mind that it’s not just Devils’ home games; it’s also Prudential Center events and family shows. We really want to make sure that we have something for everyone.”

Question: When you think “New Jersey” and “Newark” for food, one place that comes to mind is Hobby’s Deli. Is there any thought to having them or places like that come in here?

Seiden: “We love the guys at Hobby’s and we want to continue to bring in local flair to New Jersey, in many different forms. We also have our Heritage Kitchen program presented by Pepsi. We’ve been able to bring in small businesses on a monthly rotation to sort of give them exposure to our fans in the arena as well. So bringing in more locals, that’s definitely something we try to do.”

Question: Of all the new items on the menu, which is your favorite and what would you most recommend?

Seiden: “That’s a tough one. I can’t give you one, but I’ll give you two. So I’m, this is myself, as a North Jersey girl, saying Taylor Ham, egg and cheeseburger. I will say, the Prudential Center is yet to take a stand on this, but stay tuned for some fun activations there and the Rutt’s Hut. I mean, of course I’m thrilled about that. I’m from New Jersey. I grew up a Devils fan. The fact that we have Rutt’s Hut in the building is really incredible and I’m so proud of that.”

Question: What was your initial reaction when Rutt’s Hut agreed to come here?

Seiden: “We brought him in. Chef Aron and I sit down every off-season as we always do and we sort of challenge each other: what can we do that’s different? Looking at lists of New Jersey businesses and when he said, ‘Rutt’s Hut?’ I said, ‘Go get them. Make it happen.’ And he did. And I will say, he made it happen. He partnered with them; he went in; he approached them the right way. 

“I understand they’ve been approached before and other partnerships have not made sense. And the fact that we are the first satellite location outside of their original location means a lot to me.”

Question: What’s your “Go-To” Rutt’s Hut order?

Seiden: “I’m gonna go with The Ripper and relish. Ripper and rings generally, but always with relish.”