Community Corner

Barclays Center To Host 2013 MTV Video Music Awards

This will be the first major awards show to take place in Brooklyn—ever.


Fasten your seatbelts, Brooklyn. This summer the best borough plans to turn things up to 11.

Barclays Center announced Monday afternoon that it will host MTV's 2013 Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 25—the first awards show ever to be held in Brooklyn.

“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 capitol where music, sports and entertainment history is made every day,” said Stephen Friedman, President of MTV, in a release.

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“We can’t wait to help write the next chapter on August 25, when one of the biggest nights in music happens in Brooklyn… for the very first time.”

Mayor Michael Bloomberg was quick to chime in with his support of the choice, citing that the awards show will not only bring rockstars, but employment opportunities too.

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“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,” said the mayor in a prepared statement.

Brooklyn has long laid claim to some of music's most vibrant artists, from The Beastie Boys to Barbra Streisand to modern day festival favorites such as Fun and The Lumineers. Borough president Marty Markowitz championed the announcement as a homecoming of sorts.

“From hip-hop to hipsters, JAY Z to MGMT, Brooklyn musicians have a long history of dominating the ‘spotlight’ on MTV," stated Markowitz in a release. “I’m so thrilled that I’ll probably get ‘no sleep till Brooklyn’ hosts the VMAs!”

What acts would you most like to see perform at this year's VMAs, Brooklyn?


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