vmas-barclays

Hello Brooklyn. The MTV Video Music Awards are headed to the home of Jay-Z and Biggie for the first time ever.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the show, MTV will broadcast the VMAs from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on Sunday, August 25. This also marks the first major annual award show to take place in the borough of 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. “We can’t wait to help write the next chapter on August 25th, when one of the biggest nights in music happens in Brooklyn…for the very first time.”

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg also welcomed the VMAs to the BK.

“Brooklyn is home to icons like the Cyclone in Coney Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, and now it can lay claim to the MTV ‘Video Music Awards,’” he said. “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 show has been held in Los Angeles for the past three years. The last time it took place in New York was in 2009 when it was held at Radio City Music Hall.

The Barclays Center opened in September and is home to the Brooklyn Nets. Jay-Z christened the venue with a week-long series of sold-out concerts, which saw appearances from Beyoncé and Big Daddy Kane.