Padding the house at The Rock last week? Yup

Well, the crowd at last Tuesday's inaugural Nets preseason game at the Prudential Center may have approached regular-season levels, but they sure weren't paying full fare.

From the Star-Ledger's report:

Arena officials said about 5,000 tickets for last week's game were distributed to community groups, schools and other local organizations by foundations and others who bought them. Another 2,100 tickets were purchased for $10, thanks to a special coupon distributed by the city of Newark. Add in the complimentary tickets handed out to sponsors and more than half those in attendance watched the game from free or almost-free seats.

A co-owner of the New Jersey Devils and the arena said it was all about exposure for the facility, which may still be an alternative if the Brooklyn move falls through but--according to Mayor Cory Booker--is now being prioritized as an interim location.