Get ready for entertainment and family fun at the Sun National Bank Center
By Anthony Stoeckert, Packet Media Group
There’s something for everyone at the Sun National Bank Center.
From family entertainment to a Fifty Shades of Grey parody, the arena in Trenton is gearing up for a series of entertainment events in a venue that’s more intimate than other arenas, and is conveniently located for folks in central New Jersey.
”The busiest part of our season is within the October to May window,” says Claudio Oliveira, general manager of the Sun National Bank Center. “We are off to a great start this season with a wide assortment of events coming to the Sun Center, ranging from family shows to motorsports, concerts and more. Spring 2015 is starting to fill in nicely also, including a Blue Man Group performance, a Harlem Globetrotters double-header and the start of the Trenton Freedom’s football season.”
The next event coming to the arena is SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody, which pokes fun at the erotic literary sensation written by EL James. It’s setting up shop at the arena Nov. 14.
”The show capitalizes on the widely popular book series and movie being released next Valentine’s Day and offers a great option for a fun, hilarious girls’ night out,” Mr. Oliveira says. The event will feature Melissa Gorgo from Real Housewives of New Jersey hosting a meet-and-greet prior to the show.
Things will get a little more (make that a lot more) family friendly when Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival comes to the arena. The show features Mickey and friends singing rock, hip-hop and pop versions to songs from such beloved movies as The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Toy Story and more.
Disney fun will return in the 2015 when Disney On Ice: Princesses and Heroes comes to Trenton for seven shows, Jan. 28-Feb. 17. An ice show is the perfect way to bring in characters from Disney’s newest sensation, last year’s Frozen. Elsa, Anna and Olaf from that movie will be there, along with Ariel from Little Mermaid, Aladdin and Jasmie, Cinderella, Belle from Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and many others.
”Over the years we have established a very solid relationship with Feld Entertainment, with whom we work on Disney Live, Monster Jam, Disney On Ice and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey annually,” Mr. Oliveira says. “Their staff is very creative and does an impeccable job of creating fun, unique experiences to offer families each time they come through our market… Family shows are a very integral part of our event programming schedule.”
Motor sports is another big part of what the Sun National Bank Center offers. The Battle of Trenton will bring indoor auto racing to Trenton, Dec. 19-20. The competition will feature race cars reaching speeds close to 75 miles per hour on the area’s floor, with more than 70 drivers competing. This is the second time the arena is hosting Battle of Trenton.
”’Battle of Trenton’ is a phenomenal story,” Mr. Oliveira says. “The promoter for the event, Len Sammons, is based locally in Hamilton, a racing enthusiast and knows how to put on a great show. Last February’s inaugural event here in Trenton exceeded everyone’s expectations and we look forward to hosting the Battle of Trenton series annually. Watching these races live within the intimate setting of our arena is extraordinary. The action is fast, it is loud, and really gets your adrenaline pumping.”
If you’re not interested in Santa, Scrooge and Nutcrackers, the Battle of Trenton will serve as an alternative to the holiday shows that will be dominating venues in December. Motor sports excitement will continue with Monster Jam, Dec. 27-28. The show will feature four-wheel Monster Jam trucks, as their drivers show off their 12 feet and 10,000 pounds of power as the rip up a custom-designed track of obstacles.
”With Monster Jam, we adjusted the show’s schedule and are offering it in late December this season,” Mr. Oliveira says. “Tickets for Monster Jam will be a popular holiday gift idea this season, anyone who has witnessed Gravedigger and his friends in an arena setting knows how spectacular that show is.”
There will be more family fun when the Harlem Globetrotters bring their hysterical take on basketball to town for two shows on March 7.
”No matter what your age, the Globetrotters have something for everyone,” Mr. Oliveira says. “It’s one of those special dates I circle on the calendar every year, as I can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeve this time. The games are entertaining from start to finish, and everyone leaves the arena with a smile on their face. And they are great basketball players too, I’ve never seen them lose a game!”
The arena also announced that Blue Man Group will perform in Trenton on March 12. It will mark the group’s first performance at the arena since 2007. And football fans don’t have to be without their favorite sport when the Trenton Freedom starts its new indoor football season, with the home opening set for April 4.
And there’s more to the arena than what’s happening on center’s floor, as several events include pre-show experiences for an extra fee.
”VIP packages vary by event but can include early entry, a pre-show dinner, gift items, special meet-and-greets and unique one in a lifetime opportunities,” Mr. Oliveira says. “We find that customers value and appreciate these upgrade packages, and accordingly are offering them for Spank! The 50 Shades Parody, Battle of Trenton, Monster Jam, Harlem Globetrotters and Blue Man Group.
Another advantage to the Sun National Bank Center is that it’s smaller than the big arenas in Philadelphia and New York City, creating a more intimate experience for audiences.
”The intimacy of our venue is definitely something that sets us apart,” Mr. Oliveira says. “There are no bad seats in the house, no nosebleeds. No matter what type of event, you are a lot closer to the action than you would be at a larger venue. I think that offers patrons a special experience and exceptional value.”
- The Sun National Bank Center is located at 81 Hamilton Ave., Trenton. For more information, go to www.sunnationalbankcenter.com.