MVP Arena, Albany
MVP Arena, Albany’s premier indoor venue, has been the city's go-to spot for sports, concerts, and major events since January 30, 1990-kicking things off with none other than Frank Sinatra. Designed by Crozier Associates, this versatile facility accommodates between 6,000 and 17,500 attendees, with a maximum of 15,500 seats for sporting events.
Like any respectable arena, it has gone through an identity crisis over the years. Originally known as the Knickerbocker Arena, it was renamed Pepsi Arena in 1997, then Times Union Center in 2007. That lasted until 2021 when Times Union bowed out, and MVP Health Services stepped in, christening it MVP Arena as of January 1, 2022. The arena is currently managed by ASM Global.
Beyond sports, MVP Arena has been a stage for historic moments, such as the 2000 New York State Democratic Convention, where Hillary Clinton was nominated for the U.S. Senate. It has also been home to the New Jersey Devils’ AHL affiliate since 2010, a move that prompted facility upgrades. Today, it hosts the Siena Saints men's basketball team, Albany Firebirds (as of 2024), and Albany FireWolves (since 2021).
The venue has seen a parade of music icons, from Metallica and U2 to Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, and Celine Dion. It’s also a hotspot for major sports events, exhibition games, and high-octane entertainment like Monster Jam, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, and the Professional Bull Riders premier tour.
With its ever-changing marquee and decades of hosting legendary events, MVP Arena remains a cornerstone of Albany’s entertainment landscape, delivering top-tier experiences to locals and visitors alike.
Like any respectable arena, it has gone through an identity crisis over the years. Originally known as the Knickerbocker Arena, it was renamed Pepsi Arena in 1997, then Times Union Center in 2007. That lasted until 2021 when Times Union bowed out, and MVP Health Services stepped in, christening it MVP Arena as of January 1, 2022. The arena is currently managed by ASM Global.
Beyond sports, MVP Arena has been a stage for historic moments, such as the 2000 New York State Democratic Convention, where Hillary Clinton was nominated for the U.S. Senate. It has also been home to the New Jersey Devils’ AHL affiliate since 2010, a move that prompted facility upgrades. Today, it hosts the Siena Saints men's basketball team, Albany Firebirds (as of 2024), and Albany FireWolves (since 2021).
The venue has seen a parade of music icons, from Metallica and U2 to Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, and Celine Dion. It’s also a hotspot for major sports events, exhibition games, and high-octane entertainment like Monster Jam, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, and the Professional Bull Riders premier tour.
With its ever-changing marquee and decades of hosting legendary events, MVP Arena remains a cornerstone of Albany’s entertainment landscape, delivering top-tier experiences to locals and visitors alike.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Albany. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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MVP Arena on Map
Sight Name: MVP Arena
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Sight Location: Albany, USA (See walking tours in Albany)
Sight Type: Park/Outdoor
Walking Tours in Albany, New York
Create Your Own Walk in Albany
Creating your own self-guided walk in Albany is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Albany Introduction Walking Tour
Albany, the state capital of New York, is a small city with a storied canvas that holds a significant place in the narrative of New York and the broader United States.
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The Hudson River area in which it lies was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mohican people. In 1614, the territory was settled by Dutch colonists. Fifty years later, the English took over the Dutch settlement, renaming it... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Albany's Historical Buildings Tour
Albany is steeped in history and architectural splendor, featuring a varied collection of buildings that mirror its diverse and layered past. The city’s architecture ranges from majestic government edifices to prominent educational establishments, highlighting Albany’s role as a key political and cultural center.
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
More than just functional structures, these buildings are lasting emblems of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles