Posted by | Ray Cornelius
MTV announced today that it will host this year’s 30th annual Video Music Awards from The Barclays Center. This is the first time the show has taken place in the Brooklyn borough and is scheduled to air live on Sunday, Aug. 25.
“From a vibrant musical scene for up-and-coming artists to epic concerts by today’s biggest stars and the triumphant return of pro sports to the borough after nearly 60 years, Brooklyn has re-emerged as a cultural capital where music, sports and entertainment history is made every day,” MTV president Stephen Friedman said in a statement.
The VMAs have been held in LA for the past three years with 2009 being the last time it was in New York City. According to Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the big announcement means a boost in Brooklyn’s economy.
“Bringing the VMAs to Brooklyn will mean hundreds of jobs as crews work on the production and provide a boost to our local economy as attendees stay in hotels, visit local eateries and experience all Brooklyn and our city have to offer.”
The Barclays Center opened last fall and is home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. So far Jay-Z, Barbra Streisand and The Rolling Stones have all played to sold out shows with Beyoncé and Rihanna set to play there later on this year.