MTV today announced that the 2016 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS will air on Sunday, August 28 live from Madison Square Garden for the first time in the show's 33-year history.
"The VMAs at MSG is a New York story too good to resist," said Sean Atkins, President of MTV. "The VMAs deliver some of pop culture's most defining moments and we're grateful to our New York home and Madison Square Garden for rolling out the red carpet for what is sure to be the biggest night in music. You can be assured we are going put on a show that celebrates the city and that creates yet another seminal moment in music history at this iconic venue."
"We are excited that
MTV will bring the VMAs back to its original home of New York City," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "From the red carpet to the accolades to the performances - and everything in between - the VMAs are an incredible showcase for so many talented artists. It also goes without saying that hosting the awards in our City means a boost to our small businesses and restaurants and more jobs for the thousands of crew members who work to bring the show into homes around the world."
"We are thrilled to welcome the 'MTV Video Music Awards' to the World's Most Famous Arena for the first time," said David O'Connor, president and chief executive officer, the Madison Square Garden Company. "Madison Square Garden has been known throughout its history for inspiring the greatest performers and sports icons to break records and make history, and we have no doubt that the
MTV VMAs - so celebrated for its exciting and unexpected mix of music and entertainment - will add an unforgettable chapter to that unparalleled legacy."
"From its top-class performers to its world-renowned venues, NYC reflects everything the entertainment industry has to offer - and makes us a natural fit to host the VMAs," said Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner, Julie Menin. "And beyond the entertainment value of the show itself, the financial benefit of this event on small businesses is significant. We are grateful to have the VMAs back in New York this year, as it presents huge opportunities for shops, restaurants, and retailers across the City."
"We are delighted to welcome the 'MTV Video Music Awards' back to New York City. As a global
HUB for creativity, entertainment and culture, New York City is the ideal host for this event," said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. "As we have seen from the 2015 VMAs, this event is a dynamic media engine which will only be enhanced by the global spotlight NYC attracts. Visitors and event organizers will be reminded that this is the most creative, experiential destination in the world."
2016 will mark the 16th time the
MTV VMAs have aired from New York, including most recently the 2013
MTV VMAs, held in Brooklyn. New York is the original home of the VMAs, with the first-ever show taking place in 1984 at Radio City Music Hall.
In celebration of the VMAs in NYC, the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment and
MTV are partnering for the first time on a new video
CONTEST for New Yorkers ages 16 and over. Contestants will be asked to create a 30-second video answering the question: "If you could take your favorite VMA artist anywhere in NYC, where would it be and why?" Up to five winners will have the opportunity to attend the VMAs and to walk the red carpet along with some of today's biggest stars, and their videos will be aired on Taxi TV in NYC yellow cabs. Up to 75 runners-up will also receive an opportunity to visit MTV, learn about its programming and take a tour of the network's studios, courtesy of Viacom. Full
CONTEST details will be made available in June.
Jesse Ignjatovic returns as Executive Producer for the 2016 "MTV Video Music Awards." Garrett English, Erik Flannigan and Lee Lodge are Executive Producers. Garrett English also serves as Executive In Charge of Production for MTV. Sandy Alouete is Co-Executive Producer. Wendy Plaut is Celebrity Talent Executive.
