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. 

• The official groundbreaking in 1987 (1)
• The official groundbreaking in 1987
• A 1988 view through the construction fence with the Corning Tower overlooking
• Construction of the outer shell in 1988
• Construction in 1988
• Construction in 1989
• Finishing touches before the show
• The original atrium
• The arena's first patrons
• The Original
• The crowd waiting for Ol' Blue Eyes
• Frank Sinatra on stage opening night

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