What premium seats are like at Brooklyn Nets games: Inside JetBlue at The Key Lounge

Welcome to SeatGeek Front Row, where SeatGeek employees share their best tips for getting the most out of live events. For this edition, product designer Vedant Patel breaks down what it’s really like to experience a Brooklyn Nets game at Barclays Center with premium access to JetBlue at The Key.

I live in New York City and I’m a basketball fan, so you guessed it, Barclays Center is pretty much my second home. I’ve been to enough Brooklyn Nets home games to know where lines get held up, how to get in and out quickly, and what the best views in standard seating are. Despite all that, premium seating was the one thing I had never tried, not just at Barclays Center, but anywhere.

It’s not that I wasn’t curious. Premium just felt like a big jump and, truthfully, didn’t seem fully worth it. Courtside seats and private suites look awesome, but they are not always realistic or feasible. That’s why JetBlue at The Key Lounge kept catching my eye. It felt like the most approachable premium option at Barclays Center. Private entry, food and beverages included, a lounge to hang out in, and seats with solid views of the court, all at a price that actually felt reasonable.

So I finally did it. Here’s what my first experience in JetBlue at The Key was like.

What is JetBlue at The Key Lounge?

To start, most fans just call it The Key. It’s essentially a premium seating option at Barclays Center that sits somewhere between standard seats and full suite access. You get access to a private lounge and a set of upgraded amenities.

With a “The Key” ticket, you get:

• A private arena entrance

• Access to The Key lounge

• Food and non-alcoholic beverages included

• Beer on tap, available for purchase

• Private restrooms

• Lounge games and open hangout areas

• Reserved seating in designated The Key sections

What stood out to me was how intentionally it’s set up to feel premium without feeling over-the-top. You still feel part of the crowd and the game, just with more space, fewer lines, and more flexibility throughout the night.

What arriving at Barclays Center is like with The Key 

Getting to Barclays Center is already one of the easiest parts of attending a Nets game. The Atlantic Ave–Barclays Center station connects multiple subway lines and drops you right at the arena entrance.

This is where the experience starts to differ. Instead of joining the main crowd, The Key ticket holders use a separate, designated entrance. Unfortunately, it does mean walking around to a different entry point, but don’t worry, it’s a short walk and well worth it.

If you’re someone who shows up close to game time (like me) and usually feels stressed trying to make it through the doors on time, this alone makes a noticeable difference. The process was incredibly smooth. You get through the doors, receive a wristband so you can come and go, and head up a separate and noticeably empty stairwell to the lounge.

Food and drinks offered at The Key

This ended up being one of the biggest highlights of the experience for me. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are included with The Key, and availability stays consistent throughout the night with the staff actively refilling stations. 

The food itself was genuinely good, with plenty of variety. It leans into classic, all-American stadium comfort food, just done really well: hot dogs, chicken tenders, mac and cheese, pretzel bites, a full nacho bar, tater tots, popcorn with different seasonings, cookies, and more.

I mainly focused on the vegetarian options, and there were plenty to choose from. Having reliable, solid options all night made a big difference and definitely elevated the experience.

The Key’s overall vibe for a Nets game

As soon as I walked in, The Key lounge immediately felt different from the rest of the arena. It’s spacious, comfortable, and super easy to move around in. It didn’t seem crowded or chaotic, which made it a place you actually want to spend time, not just pass through.

The lounge had a relaxed, social feel overall. Some fans stayed locked into the game, while others hung out between quarters or during timeouts. What surprised me was that the space wasn’t just somewhere to grab food. There were mini games set up, including an arcade-style basketball shooting game and shuffleboard. It made the downtime between breaks actually fun instead of just waiting around.

The biggest difference with The Key was how much easier the night felt. A typical Barclays Center game usually means crowded concourses, long lines and staying put in your seat.

With The Key, it was the opposite. Entry was quicker, food and drinks were already covered, and having private restrooms nearby made it easy to step away during breaks without feeling rushed. I found myself moving naturally between my seat and the lounge, especially between quarters, instead of feeling locked into one spot.

How The Key seats are for a Nets game

Don’t worry, the fancy lounge and free food didn’t distract from the actual reason I was there. I intentionally chose a seat in the front row of my section, which I’d recommend in general at Barclays Center, even for standard seating.

The view was solid. You get a full look at the entire court, and it never felt like a compromise. One of the biggest advantages is how easy it is to move between your seat and the lounge. I could be watching the game one minute, step out during a break to grab food or hang out, and be right back in my seat without missing anything important.

The seats themselves were a real upgrade from the standard plastic rows. Instead of tight, upright chairs, these felt closer to suite-style seating—wider, cushioned and actually comfortable. It honestly felt more like sitting on a couch watching the game, with enough space to get settled and enjoy the night without feeling cramped.

Tips for first-timers experiencing The Key at a Nets game

If it’s your first time checking out The Key, here’s what I’d recommend:

Show up early Don’t do what I did and get there close to tipoff. Getting there early gives you time to actually enjoy the lounge before the game starts.

Eat before the game starts Grab food early so you can stay locked into the game during play, bring it back to your seat, and still leave room to snack later.

Use the lounge during breaks Between quarters and at halftime is when the lounge really shines. It’s less crowded, easier to move around, and way more relaxed.

Explore the lounge more Treat the lounge as part of the event. Check out the mini games, open space, and some of the art around the room instead of only stopping by for food and drinks.

Try the cookies Don’t question it, just trust me and do it.

If this sounds like your kind of night, here’s a quick breakdown of pricing and how to find The Key tickets for your next game at Barclays Center.

How much is The Key for a Nets game?

Members can enjoy JetBlue at The Key Lounge through an annual membership that includes access to Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty games, plus select Barclays Center events.

If you’re just looking for single-game access, listings for The Key on SeatGeek typically range from around $200 for lower-profile matchups to $700 or more for marquee games. 

Where can I find The Key tickets on SeatGeek?

To see JetBlue at The Key options for a specific Nets game:

1. Go to the Brooklyn Nets page on SeatGeek and select the game you want.

2. On the event page, open the seat perks filter.

3. Check the box for “JetBlue at The Key.”

SeatGeek will then show you all available listings for that game that include access to The Key Lounge.

Vedant Patel is a Product Designer at SeatGeek based in New York City, helping improve the experience of getting to live events. When he’s not working on the product, he’s usually at a game watching his favorite players hoop live.