MVP Arena Tours

Times Union Center which includes a city
MVP Arena which includes modern architecture and signage
Times Union Center featuring landscape views and a city


Enjoy the sounds of some of today’s biggest performing artists or watch an exciting sports event at a stadium in the very heart of Downtown Albany.

The Times Union Center in Downtown Albany lets you attend a huge stadium show without having to leave the city. Set amid the tall buildings that line the western shore of the Hudson River, the center provides an easy opportunity to catch a show or a game. Glimpse some of the biggest artists for far less hassle than seeing them in bigger markets nearby. The center is one of the biggest stadiums in America for the size of the city it’s in.

In front of the stadium, admire the contrast between the stadium’s gleaming bright exterior and the orange-red high-rises behind it. Imagine it as it was on its first night, in 1990, when Frank Sinatra opened what was then called the Knickerbocker Arena to throngs of attendees and local residents excited about their idol and the brand-new venue in the city.

Head inside with the rest of the fans, who can number up to 17,500 people at concerts and 15,500 for sporting events. Take a break and purchase a drink or snack from the many vendors along the walls, including local favorites such as Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.

At the end of the night, venture back onto the street and make the short trip home or head out onto the nearby blocks to continue the night at some of Albany’s best bars and restaurants.

Find the Times Union Center in the heart of Downtown Albany, only a few blocks from the Hudson River. Walk here in 6 minutes from the main bus terminal or in 10 minutes from the New York State Capitol building. Local bus connections are available nearby to all parts of the city. Drive from the Albany airport in 17 minutes. Access and exit is easy using several nearby highways. Park in the nearby metered parking garage run by the center or in several other garages within walking distance.

The center is open only during show times. The box office is open from Monday to Saturday during regular business hours, on Saturday mornings and on Sundays when events are being held.

Plan a trip to see MVP Arena

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Best Lodging Options Near MVP Arena

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Downtown Albany New York

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Downtown Albany New York

2 out of 5
300 Broadway, Albany, NY
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Downtown Albany New York
Hyatt Place Albany/Downtown

Hyatt Place Albany/Downtown

3 out of 5
82 MONTGOMERY STREET, Albany, NY
Hyatt Place Albany/Downtown
Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown

2.5 out of 5
25 Chapel St, Albany, NY
Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown
Hilton Albany

Hilton Albany

3.5 out of 5
40 Lodge Street, Albany, NY
Hilton Albany
Renaissance Albany Hotel

Renaissance Albany Hotel

3.5 out of 5
144 State Street, Albany, NY
Renaissance Albany Hotel
Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel by IHG

Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel by IHG

3.5 out of 5
660 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY
Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel by IHG
Days Inn by Wyndham Albany SUNY

Days Inn by Wyndham Albany SUNY

2 out of 5
1230 Western Avenue, Albany, NY
Days Inn by Wyndham Albany SUNY
Four Points by Sheraton Albany

Four Points by Sheraton Albany

3 out of 5
3 Mount Hope Way, Albany, NY
Four Points by Sheraton Albany
Hilton Garden Inn Albany Medical Center

Hilton Garden Inn Albany Medical Center

3 out of 5
62 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY
Hilton Garden Inn Albany Medical Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near MVP Arena

When visiting MVP Arena in Albany, New York, you'll find a variety of exciting activities nearby, including hockey games, live music performances, and vibrant dancing venues. There are many attractions within a short walk, making it easy to explore the area. Don't miss the IMG Academy and the local visitors bureau for additional information on events and activities to enhance your experience.

Food and drinks

Zuzu's Wonderful Life Inc offers delightful sweet treats and a family-friendly atmosphere, located 0.6 miles from MVP Arena. For a romantic experience, visit Brookview Station Winery or Altamont Vineyard & Winery, both known for their entertainment vibes, situated 8 and 18 miles away respectively.

Shopping

Colonie Center Mall, located 5 miles from MVP Arena, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family-friendly entertainment. For a unique local flavor, visit the Troy Waterfront Farmers' Market, just 7 miles away, featuring city vibes and local goods. If you're up for a drive, check out Divinitea, 13 miles away.

Recreation

Experience the artistry of the Albany Berkshire Ballet, just 0.4 miles from MVP Arena, where dance meets culture. For relaxation, visit Westland Hills Park, 3 miles away, offering serene trails and wellness vibes, or enjoy a spirited game at Albany County Hockey Facility, 8 miles away.

Adventure

At Albany Indoor Rockgym, located 4 miles from MVP Arena, experience thrilling indoor climbing adventures amidst a vibrant sports atmosphere. For winter sports enthusiasts, Pineridge Cross Country Ski Center, 15 miles away, offers skiing in a picturesque setting, while The Edge Halfmoon, 14 miles distant, provides more exciting climbing opportunities.

Nightlife

At MVP Arena, the nightlife buzzes with excitement! Just 0.4 miles away, the Palace Theater offers captivating performances, while the Henry Hudson Planetarium, 0.5 miles away, delights families with cosmic shows. For a thrilling night, Rivers Casino & Resort, 15 miles away, provides romance and vibrant city energy.

Find the best attractions near MVP Arena

When visiting MVP Arena in Albany, New York, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including modern colleges and universities, urban parks, and arts centers. These points of interest provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, outdoor activities, and family experiences. Additionally, consider checking out the local theater scene for a taste of Albany's vibrant arts culture. Whatever your interests, there's something for everyone in this lively area.

  • University at Albany: Located just 4 miles from MVP Arena, the University at Albany offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with modern architecture and beautiful green spaces. It's a great place to explore the fusion of education and urban life.
  • The Egg: Only 0.3 miles away, The Egg is a unique performing arts center known for its distinctive shape and cultural significance. Enjoy an array of performances and art exhibits that reflect the artistic spirit of Albany.
  • Albany Capital Center: Situated just 0.1 mile from the arena, this event and conference venue is a hub for business and community events, featuring modern facilities that host everything from conventions to trade shows.

Best time to go to MVP Arena

The best time to visit MVP Arena is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January24.1°F (-4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low
February26.1°F (-3.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
March34.2°F (1.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
April46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
July71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
August70.0°F (21.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
September62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December30.7°F (-0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for MVP Arena

To save money on your trip to MVP Arena in Albany, consider visiting nearby free attractions like Colonie Center Mall, Empire State Plaza Convention Center, and the Hudson River. The best time to book is from November to January when prices drop. Use Expedia to customize your travel plans, filter for eco-friendly hotels, and take advantage of package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities. Join Expedia’s One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Don't forget to look for price guarantees and hotel deals to maximize your savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around MVP Arena are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will show you a list of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near MVP Arena with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.