Barclays Center to host MTV Video Music Awards August 30, without audience; also, local performances in boroughs planned

Confirming a report first floated in Variety 5/28/20, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in his press conference yesterday, declared that the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sunday, August 30.

"The event will follow all safety guidance, including limited or no audience," a graphic stated.

Later, the daily email from the Governor's office clarified, "The event will take place without an in-person audience."

Still, it's unclear how many personnel will be needed to manage/operate the event, or how many performers/guests there will be.

This will be the first event held at Barclays since it shuttered in March for the coronavirus pandemic. Surely, they need the money. 

It will be interesting to see whether any protests will be continuing on the arena plaza. That said, it's possible that protests can proceed while the side entrance(s) and loading dock are used to make the vent go.

"Extensive social distancing" but also local performances 

From MTV News:

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."

No details yet on those "best practices" and also the "iconic location(s)" in Brooklyn where performances might be held. That said, it's unlikely they'll use Dean Street near the arena as a backdrop for outdoor performances, as in 2013, which gained buzz while impinging seriously on the neighborhood.

From the press release

According to the press release, as echoed in the Brooklyn Paper (and other publications), MTV is happy:

“We’re elated to bring the 2020 ‘VMAs’ back to NYC, the cultural mecca of the world where music and entertainment are woven into the DNA,” said Viacom’s president of music, music talent, programming, and events, Bruce Gillmer in a statement.

From the arena's CEO:

“The 2020 MTV VMAs will be the first Barclays Center event since the COVID-19 pandemic reached New York,” said Oliver Weisberg in a statement. “We’re very excited to once again host this legendary night of music, and are especially proud of the impact it will have on our Brooklyn community through the creation of local jobs.”

Not sure how many local jobs will be (re)created, given the lack of an audience for ushers and concessionaires, but, sure there will be a need for tech workers, security officers, and others.