2020 VMAs Pulled From Barclays Center Over Safety Concerns
The MTV VMAs will no longer take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Per Page Six, “The plug got pulled on the plan at the 11th hour Friday after both MTV and Barclays mutually decided not to have the event inside the arena over safety concerns. The show will go on, however, at various outdoor locations around the city.”
Both Barclays Center and MTV released a joint statement about the decision. They wrote, “The 2020 VMAs will be held on Sunday, Aug. 30 and pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around [NYC] with limited or no audience, adhering to all state and city guidelines. In close consultation with state and local health officials, it became clear at this time that outdoor performances with limited or no audience would be more feasible and safer than an indoor event.”
They add, “The VMAs will highlight the boroughs in an exciting show and return to Barclays Center in 2021. MTV will continue to work closely with the Department of Health, state and local officials, the medical community, and key stakeholders to ensure the safety of all involved.”
Page Six revealed that many staff members have expressed concern over doing the event indoors. “They did not feel safe going ahead with the show.”
Keke Palmer will host forthcoming show, and BTS, Doja Cat, and J Ballin have been announced at performers.
