The Nets held a groundbreaking ceremony in Brooklyn on Thursday, as construction gets underway on the team's new arena complex.

Marching bands and speeches from VIP's drowned out nearby protests from those opposed to the Atlantic Yards project.

"I can't believe I'm standing here today," said Bruce Ratner, who for six years battled a severe recession and community objections to bring the project to fruition.

"Today is a great day for Brooklyn," Ratner said.

"This really is such a huge win for the Nets. It's just a shame it doesn't count in the standings," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said to the crowd.

Nets' part owner and Brooklyn native Shawn Carter, better known as Jay-Z, also attended the ceremony.