MVP Arena

Located in the heart of the vibrant city of Albany, the Albany Arena (known today as the MVP Arena) is a majestic multi-purpose facility that has become a symbol of the sporting and cultural life of New York State. This modern complex in the USA opened its doors in 1990 and has since served as the premier venue for the region's largest events.

The arena impresses with its versatility: its configuration changes depending on the event, comfortably accommodating anywhere from 6,000 to 17,500 spectators. The facility is owned by Albany County and managed by the world's leading entertainment company, ASM Global, ensuring the highest level of service and technical equipment.

Today, the building serves as the home arena for the Siena Saints basketball team and the Albany Firebirds football club. Over decades of operation, it has hosted more than 18 million guests, making the complex one of the most visited attractions in Upstate New York.

To check the event schedule or purchase tickets, you can use the official communication channels. The venue administration is always ready to assist guests with information about upcoming shows and attendance rules. We recommend verifying current details on the official website before your visit.

Visiting this venue is, above all, a chance to dive into the high-energy atmosphere of American sports. You can witness thrilling college league basketball battles, indoor arena football matches, or dynamic lacrosse games. The arena also regularly hosts prestigious wrestling and hockey tournaments, including NCAA regional championships.

For music lovers, MVP Arena offers a world-class lineup. Over the years, stars such as Bruce Springsteen and world-renowned bands have performed here. State-of-the-art acoustics, massive LED screens, and comfortable luxury suites turn every concert into an unforgettable show, making it well worth including in your travel itinerary.

Beyond the spectacular events, the infrastructure of the facility itself is noteworthy. Take a stroll through the spacious concourses, and check out the updated scoreboards and modern lighting. Even if you aren't a sports fan, the scale and energy of this venue during major events like the CrossFit Games or family ice shows will leave a lasting impression.

Located at 51 S Pearl St, the arena is situated in the very heart of the city's business district. Reaching the venue by car is straightforward thanks to its proximity to Interstate 787, and several spacious parking garages are available around the complex for event attendees.

If you prefer public transportation, you can use the CDTA (Capital District Transportation Authority) bus network. Numerous routes stop within walking distance of the entrance, connecting the arena with other city neighborhoods and suburbs. From Albany International Airport, a ride by taxi or Uber/Lyft services will take approximately 20–30 minutes.

For those already exploring downtown, it is only about a one-kilometer walk from the famous Empire State Plaza. This is an excellent way to combine a tour of government buildings with attending a sporting or cultural event.

The history of this venue began on January 30, 1990, when it opened as the Knickerbocker Arena with a grand concert by the legendary Frank Sinatra. Since then, the facility in the USA has changed its name several times, being known as the Pepsi Arena and Times Union Center, until it received its current name—MVP Arena—in 2022.

For decades, the arena has been the home of the Siena Saints men's basketball team, making it a vital center for college sports in the state. It has also hosted numerous hockey and arena football clubs, including the league champions—the Albany Empire. In 2010, the complex underwent a major modernization, receiving new digital equipment and renovated locker rooms.

Over the years, the arena's walls have welcomed more than 18 million spectators. It has witnessed historic sporting moments, such as the NCAA Frozen Four tournaments and wrestling championships, as well as legendary musical sessions. For instance, the Grateful Dead recorded their famous live album "Dozin' at the Knick" right here.

When planning your visit, base your timing primarily on the nature of the event. If you are attending a basketball game or a hockey match, it is worth setting aside about 3–4 hours. This provides enough time to clear security, find your seat, enjoy the game, and leave the building without rushing after the final whistle.

For those who just want to see the arena's architecture from the outside or step into the lobby (if permitted on the day of your visit), 30–60 minutes will suffice. However, as the facility is an active venue, full access inside is usually only possible with tickets for specific events.

For ticket purchases and administrative matters, the arena's box office and office operate on a fixed schedule during weekdays:

• Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday – Sunday: Closed (unless events are scheduled)

It is important to note that access times for spectators depend directly on the schedule of specific matches or concerts. Doors typically open to the public 1–1.5 hours before the start of the event.

The downtown location makes a visit to the arena an excellent starting point for further exploration of the region's history and culture. Key government buildings and museums that every tourist should see are located nearby.

Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the state capital, where historic architecture stands alongside modern public spaces. The table below lists the most interesting sites within walking distance.