Each August, MTV hosts its Video Music Awards at a venue packed with artists and music industry personnel. As the 2020 VMAs approach, there has been some speculation as to whether or not the awards ceremony would take place as usual, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Now, an MTV Spokesperson has confirmed (in a statement to Pitchfork) that the company is exploring the option of hosting the event at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
“We’re exploring with government officials, the medical community, and key stakeholders on how to safely hold the 2020 VMAs at Barclays Center on August 30th,” the statement reads. “The health of everyone involved remains our number one priority. Additionally, we are working on several contingency plans to bring music’s biggest night to audiences everywhere.”
The news was first revealed in a Variety exclusive published earlier today (May 28). According to Variety, MTV sent out save-the-date notices to certain industry professionals earlier this week. The notices reportedly indicted that the VMAs would maintain its traditional format. Variety also stated that MTV is exploring the option of virtual performances and an audience-free show, according to a source familiar with the situation.
The VMAs were last held at Barclays Center in 2013 not long after the venue opened. In 2019, the event was held at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.