While some awards shows have been postponed (like the Golden Globes) or have gone virtual (like the BET Awards) due to the pandemic, the 2020 Video Music Awards will take place at the Barclays Center in New York City on Sunday, August 30.
Yes, this year’s MTV VMAs will take place at the Barclays, aided by a quick shout-out from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo at his live video briefing. It’s the first time the show has hit the iconic Downtown Brooklyn venue since 2013. But this time, the action isn’t contained just to the arena, or even the borough in which it sits.
For the 2020 show, the VMAs are going wide, featuring performances from various iconic locations throughout Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island, to honor the spirit and resilience of New York.
The 2020 VMAs will be the first event to take place at Barclays Center since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the city. Of course, the virus is still very real, which means an added emphasis and focus on safety. The governor’s announcement came with the note of “limited or no audience.”
“Show producers alongside Barclays Center management have been working closely with state and local officials to implement best practices for everyone involved,” according to a statement. “Among the measures all parties involved have aligned on include extensive social distancing procedures, meaningful capacity limitations and the virtualization of components where possible.”
Of course, signature VMA awards celebrating music include “Video of the Year” and the “Video Vanguard Award,” which has recently been given to artists Missy Elliott, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyoncé.
Tune in to the 2020 Video Music Awards, Sunday, August 30 on MTV!
