Albany County’s MVP Arena $30 Million Renovation at Pandemic’s Onset Paying Major 2022 Dividends as World Returns to Live Entertainment
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A recent record-speed sell-out show for country icon Luke Comb’s first appearance on the MVP stage this fall demonstrated how—as the world emerges from the pandemic—MVP Arena is successfully leveraging a timely $30 million investment to produce the most successful year in its 32-year history.
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Photo Courtesy of MVP Arena
It's a remarkable turn of events.
In advance of shows earlier this year by John Mayer, Journey and Sebastian Maniscalco and in preparation for other upcoming performances by Roger Waters, Cody Johnson, My Chemical Romance and Luke Combs, MVP Arena has become a major naming-rights partner for what was formerly the Times Union Center. Additionally, three athletic tenants have returned amidst continuing dramatic physical upgrades at the venue by Albany County.
Highlights of the $30 million renovation, which was completed just before the pandemic, include enclosing the front atrium to make a temperature-controlled space for patrons to enter and exit; enclosing the rear entrance allowing patrons to walk from the parking garage into the arena in a covered, temperature-controlled space; and two massive spectacular 70” LED video screens installed on the building’s exterior.
The concourse received a full renovation with complete transformations of concession stands and restrooms, renovations to all the corporate suites and sports bars, and completely fresh environmental looks throughout.
An additional $5.2 million new capital Investment will include spectacular new 360-degree LED ribbon boards on the arena’s inner bowl; new video scoreboard; a new exterior marquee; and back-of-house, state-of-the-art amenities for athletes and artists visiting Albany. All improvements are scheduled to be completed by September.
“Five years and $30 million later, I’m proud to say that the improvements we made back then brought the county-owned facility into the 21st century. This is where countless memories have been made with family and friends for more than three decades, and our residents deserve entertainment experiences that are second to none,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
“We continue to look for new ways to improve with this latest round of renovations at MVP Arena. Between a new video scoreboard, outdoor marquee, locker-room hallway and more, we’re making this an even better facility for the fans, athletes and artists and continuing to enhance the arena experience.”
Albany County’s commitment to the success of the arena and the partnership with ASM Global was solidified with the legislature approving a two-year contract extension between the two parties.
“We cannot thank our patrons, sponsors and suiteholders enough for their patronage of MVP. It is only with their support, and Albany County’s investment into this venue, that we are able to continue bringing top musical artists, first-rate sports and all shows in between to appeal to a wide variety of consumers,” said Bob Belber, ASM Global general manager, MVP Arena.
Prior to the pandemic, MVP Arena was coming off its second most profitable year in arena history; 2019 included 11 sold-out concerts, NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regionals and the AFL’s Arenabowl.
You can find MVP Arena online at mvparena.com and on all social media @themvparena.
About ASM Global
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management—delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. asmglobal.com
Images of completed upgrades and renderings for current construction can be found here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zGBUzCkQ_2UjWcLeGEjfzItr24W_-5XK?usp=sharing.
Images of crowd and concert shots can be found here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Js3TGxVq4SVCClUMfEFjpHlYLqMaGAiy?usp=sharing.
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