MVP Arena Tours and Activities

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


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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Super 8 by Wyndham Albany
DoubleTree by Hilton Schenectady Downtown
Hampton Inn Schenectady Downtown

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near MVP Arena

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
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
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
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
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
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

Near MVP Arena in Albany, New York, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of activities, including thrilling hockey games, live music performances, and energetic dancing. Explore local art galleries, trendy spots, and engage in area sightseeing. Additionally, catch exciting sporting events and embark on travel excursions that showcase the rich culture and history of the region, ensuring a memorable experience during your visit.

Shopping

MVP Arena offers excellent shopping options nearby. Westgate Plaza is only 4.8km away, followed by Colonie Center Mall at 8.0km, and Crossgates Mall at 9.7km. If you're up for a drive, explore additional shopping at further locations for even more variety.

Recreation

Experience the elegance of the Albany Berkshire Ballet, a mere 644m from MVP Arena, where romance and culture blend beautifully. For sports enthusiasts, the Joseph L Bruno Stadium, 8.0km away, offers thrilling events, while Westland Hills Park, 4.8km away, provides a peaceful retreat for wellness and relaxation.

Adventure

Albany Indoor Rockgym, located 6.4km from MVP Arena, offers thrilling climbing experiences with an outdoor, sports atmosphere. For skiing enthusiasts, Pineridge Cross Country Ski Center, 18.0km away, provides excellent ski slopes amidst beautiful scenery. Albany Saratoga Speedway, 26.4km away, delivers an adrenaline-pumping motor racing adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife around MVP Arena with a romantic show at the Palace Theater or Capital Repertory Theater, both offering rich cultural experiences. For a family-friendly outing, visit the Henry Hudson Planetarium, where entertainment and education come together in a stellar atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near MVP Arena

When visiting MVP Arena in Albany, New York, you'll find a variety of attractions that blend history and modernity. Explore historic civic buildings and colleges that showcase the area's rich culture. For those seeking outdoor activities, the city offers vibrant experiences, from scenic parks to local events. Whether you're interested in educational institutions or the lively atmosphere, there's something for every traveller around MVP Arena.

  • University at Albany: Located 6.4km from MVP Arena, this modern university offers a vibrant atmosphere with contemporary architecture and lush green spaces. Visitors can enjoy the lively campus, engage with students, and explore various cultural and educational events.
  • The Egg: A mere 483m away, this unique arts centre is known for its stunning egg-shaped design. The Egg hosts a variety of performances, showcasing local and international talent, making it a cultural hub that celebrates the arts.
  • Albany Capital Center: Just 161m from MVP Arena, this event and conference venue is ideal for business travellers. It features modern facilities and hosts a range of events, from conferences to trade shows, contributing to its dynamic business vibe.

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, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Aim for a Monday stay, as it's typically the least expensive day. Explore nearby free activities like Colonie Center Mall and Empire State Plaza. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by filtering for eco-certified hotels and arranging your stay with flights and activities for better deals. Always sort prices from lowest to highest to find the best value, and check cancellation policies before booking.

  • 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.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around MVP Arena is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around MVP Arena is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your MVP Arena hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.