Times Union Center History
In Albany, New York, there is only one place to go to experience the best of entertainment
and sports. The Times Union Center opened in 1990 under its original name, the Knickerbocker Arena. The Knickerbocker Arena
opened with a bang, with a performance by "Old Blue Eyes" himself, Frank Sinatra. When the biggest names like Bruce Springsteen,
The Grateful Dead, Rod Stewart and Celine Dion come through the northeast, the Times Union Center is always one stop that
is guaranteed to be on the list of the biggest stars. Renamed Pepsi Arena in 1997, the venue hosts many regional sports hockey,
arena football and basketball teams, even a classic tennis match between Andre Agassi and John McEnroe. When you are looking
for an unforgettable night of music, sports or thrills, look no further than the Times Union Center in Albany.
Times
Union Center Events
Outside of New York City, there is only one place to see all of music and entertainment's biggest
stars when they come to New York than the Times Union Center in Albany. Since 1990, no other venue has hosted the kinds of
events that the Times Union Center can accommodate. All of the top stars in music have played the Times Union Center, with
names like Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, NSYNC, The Grateful Dead, Garth Brooks, The Rolling Stones
and Elton John all gracing its stage throughout the years. When it comes to sports, there is virtually no game this venue
cannot host. Currently college basketball's Siena Saints and the Albany Devils of the AHL call the Times Union Center home,
but sports like lacrosse, arena football, NBA, WNBA, IHL and CBA have all hosted events at this fantastic venue. Times Union
Center has also hosted the circus, with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus thrilling New York Staters with their amazing
act. There is no event that the Times Union Center cannot host, so check the schedule on StubHub and check out all of the
exciting events on the schedule.
Albany, New York
Though most people think of New York City as the capital
of the world in terms of business, fashion, art and culture, it isn't even the capital of its state. Albany, New York sits
on the banks of the Hudson River in upstate New York, a far cry from its loud, boisterous and fashionable counterpart. Albany
is filled with lush trees and gardens, building its importance as the capital city because of its location to the Erie Canal,
an early transportation hub to the Northern Territories. Today, Albany is a lovely and welcoming city that boasts a small
town feel, but the culture, architecture, history and education.
Times Union Center Seating Layout
As
the host of so many different types of events throughout the year, Times Union Center has built it's reputation by being flexible
enough to host anything you can imagine. With a max capacity of 17,500 spectators, the venue can transform itself into a basketball
arena, hosting over 15,000 fans or an Arena Football venue, seating over 14,000. With luxury suites to enhance the viewing
experience, Times Union Center has it all.
Times Union Center Trivia
What iconic American band, known
for its extensive touring, has played the Times Union Center more than any other act?
The Grateful Dead played the venue
thirteen times from 1990 to 1995.