Times Union Center - Albany, NY - Event Arena

The Times Union Center is located at 51 South Pearl Street in Albany, NY. It is located in downtown Albany on the west bank of the Hudson River. The building was opened in 1990 after a building cost of over $68 million. From 1990-1997, the building was named Knickerbocker Arena and from 1997-2006, it was named Pepsi Arena. At its opening in 1990, Frank Sinatra was the opening performance.

The building is currently owned by Albany County and operated by Spectacor Management Group (SMG), which is a property management company with headquarters in Philadelphia, PA. Tickets for all events are available at the Times Union Center box office and by calling 1-800-30-EVENT. Box Office hours before Labor Day are Monday - Thursday from 10am to 5pm. The Box Office is closed Fridays through Sundays without events. After Labor Day the hours are: Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 2pm, and is closed on non-event Sundays. Gift cards are available in any amount and may be used at all events, at the concession, as well as for merchandise and souvenirs.

More than seven million guests have enjoyed events at the Center. The Center has averaged 165 events per year since its opening in 1990. Some of the past events have included sell-out concerts by Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, U2, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Garth Brooks, Puff Daddy, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Dixie Chicks, Britney Spears, Tina Turner, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, and the Grateful Dead. The stadium has an adjustable seating capacity and has seating between 6,000 and 16,000. There are 25 luxury suites which are rented on a three-year basis. These suites include a refrigerator, bathroom, and sixteen seats.

Currently the Center is home to three sports teams: the Albany River Rats hockey team, the Siena Saints basketball team of Siena College, and the Albany Firebirds arena football team. The Center is also home to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament, an annual NCAA Division I event. It also hosts the ECAC Hockey League championships. The scoreboard is hung centrally and weighs 8.5 tons.

Several times a week the Center will be having events throughout 2010. In March, the Center is hosting the MAAC Tournament. Also in March, concerts include Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, and Elton John & Billy Joel.

The Center also operates a parking garage. General rates for parking are $135 for monthly parking and $8 daily parking. Parking rates for specific events may vary. The garage is open 7am-3pm, Monday - Friday. Patrons with monthly permits have access 24 hours a day every day.

For most touring events, cameras are not allowed. Patrons may contact 518-487-2000 on the day of the event for further information regarding this policy. Outside food and beverages are not allowed into the Center, although a variety of concession items are available during events. The doors to the Center usually open an hour before an event is scheduled to begin.