I'll repeat what I posted in the tour section so people don't get the wrong idea here.

The area that the new arena has been built in is part of a whole "rebuild Newark" plan. It is close to the new performing arts center (which has some of the best acoustics in the area) and the new baseball stadium for the Newark Bears. Going to a concert there should not be a problem at all - I've been to several at the new performing arts center. I don't know about parking at the new arena yet as it isn't finished but I'll find out. There is also a PATH station quite close if you are thinking about taking public transportation.

The Gateway center is also right there (which is where the Port Authority employees work since the WTC went down) and my daughter has been working summers there since she was 15. She has never had a problem with the area so I really don't think you will have a problem.

Since 2001, several members of my family have been in and out of this part of Newark on a daily basis without any problems at all. There are parts of Newark that you don't want to be at night but this isn't one of them.

Kathleen