[PHOTOS/VIDEO] Happy 35TH Birthday to Albany's MVP Arena

NewsChannel 13 Video

Although the name has changed through the years, it remains upstate's premiere venue

Hard to believe, but it’s been 35 years since Albany’s MVP Arena first opened its doors. From the biggest names in music to unforgettable sports moments, the venue has been the beating heart of the Capital Region’s entertainment scene for over three decades. 

Back in 1990, the arena—originally known as the Knickerbocker Arena—was a game-changer. It debuted in style with none other than Frank Sinatra breaking in the stage. Since then, it’s hosted some of the biggest names in music—Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Taylor Swift, to name a few.

But it’s not just about the music. The arena has been home to the Albany Firebirds arena football team, Albany FireWolves indoor lacrosse, the AHL’s River Rats, and countless NCAA basketball showdowns. 

Although it opened as the Knickerbocker Arena in 1990, it underwent a few name changes including Pepsi Arena, Times Union Center and it's current name, the MVP Arena. 

Happy birthday MVP Arena! Here’s to another 35 years of unforgettable nights in the Capital City.

NewsChannel 13 put together this incredible retrospective of how the arena came to be, and its iconic opening night. 

 

More from Capital Region

The Latest

Listener Club

Join the Bmail Club!

What's Happening

Events

  • Jerry Seinfeld

    His summer tour Jerry Seinfeld Live - New Show comes to SPAC on Thursday, July 24th. Tickets on sale Friday, March 14th at 10am through Ticketmaster.

    at Broadview Stage at SPAC
  • Saratoga County Fair

    Get ready for a fun-filled week! The Saratoga County Fair is coming up on July 22-27, 2025, and it’s an event you won’t want to miss! Make sure to grab your t...

    at Saratoga Fairgrounds
  • Cohoes Rock the Block

    Don't miss 2025 Rock the Block concert Series in Cohoes! This FREE 8 week concert series is held Thursday evenings from 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. in Canal Square (72 R...

    at Canal Square
95.5 FM
Online
Mobile
Alexa