Jay-Z readies 1st show at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center

NEW YORK (AP) — Call it his official homecoming: Jay-Z will perform the first of eight shows at the newly built Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Friday night.

The rapper is the co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets, who will play the new arena this year. Brooklyn-born Jay-Z will christen the venue, which holds 18,000 seats.

Jay-Z’s performance Friday is expected to feature other top musicians. His past shows included wife Beyonce, Kanye West, Alicia Keys and dozens of others.

The Barclays Center will rival Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden for musical events. A number of acts have booked shows at the venue, including Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan, Rihanna, Rush, The Who, Justin Bieber and Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

Jay-Z will perform at Barclays through Oct. 6 with the exception of Oct. 2.