NEW YORK -- Officials have formally cut the ribbon and opened the arena that will house Brooklyn's first big-league sports team in decades.

Supporters cheered as the lights were turned on in the Barclays Center arena Friday.

The arena will be home to the NBA's Nets, who moved from New Jersey.

The Nets will be the borough's first big-time sports team since the Dodgers left for Los Angeles after the 1957 season.

Developer Bruce Ratner says he's glad the arena is finally open. Its completion was delayed by lawsuits and by the economic downturn.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the project has created more than 1,500 jobs.