The Prudential Center hopes to boost its concert calendar, through a partnership with Madison Square Garden. Dave Grohl performs at a concert at the Rock in 2011. (William Perlman | Star-Ledger file photo)
The Prudential Center hopes to boost its concert calendar, through a partnership with Madison Square Garden. Dave Grohl performs at a concert at the Rock in 2011. (William Perlman | Star-Ledger file photo)

NEWARK–The Prudential Center, which is seeking to amp up its music and events offerings, announced plans today to join forces with one of the iconic concert venues in the country.

Pru officials said they were entering into a booking and marketing partnership with Madison Square Garden, to “bring together the Garden’s expertise” with the location of Prudential Center to draw more top concerts, talent and shows to New Jersey.

“It’s a strategic partnership,” explained Scott O’Neil, chief executive officer at Prudential Center, who said both sides have a strong incentive to book more shows. “Our aim is to partner with friends who can drive additional show counts.”

In a statement, Darren Pfeffer, who oversees MSG’s live events at the Garden, and other MSG venues, said the partnership will “help bring an exciting array of events to the Prudential Center, while also serving the market with more options.”

The Prudential Center on opening night in 2007, when Jon Bon Jovi played the first of ten shows. (Tony Kurdzuk | Star-Ledger file photo)
The Prudential Center on opening night in…