Jon Bon Jovi, a Sayreville native, and the band made an appearance on television’s “American Idol” May 2. While he didn’t mention the Prudential Center by name, Bon Jovi said the group would do “10 nights at our local arena in New Jersey,” the Newark-based Star-Ledger reported.

The Newark dates are expected to open a new tour for the band.

The concerts will start October 26, said Pat Smith, a spokesman for AEG New York/New Jersey, part of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which is booking concerts and special events for the arena.

He said the number of shows has not been determined.

The arena gets its name from Prudential Financial Inc., the Newark-based financial services and insurance giant whose symbol is the Rock of Gibraltar.

The $365-million facility, which will be home to the New Jersey Devils of the NHL, is under construction in downtown Newark. It can seat 19,500 for concerts.

Tickets for Bon Jovi go on sale in mid-June.

The band may be gunning for a record set by another famed New Jersey act.

In 2003, Bruce Springsteen sold out seven homecoming shows at Giants Stadium in a single day.

Ticket demand for three announced shows on July 15, 17 and 18 was so extraordinary that two more dates were added on July 21 and 24. When the press for tickets continued, two more shows – July 26 and 27 – were immediately added.