MTV VMAs leaves the Barclays Center for outdoor locations in New York City boroughs

Variety

The 2020 MTV Video Music Awards has given up on staging this year's award show at the Barclays Center, citing health concerns with filming indoors during a pandemic. Instead, the VMAs will broadcast from several open-air locations in different New York City boroughs on Aug. 30. MTV hasn't decided whether to go with "limited" or "no" audiences at the performance sites. This year's VMAs were poised to be the first awards show with a live audience since the pandemic started. “The 2020 VMAs will be held on Sunday, August 30th and pay homage to the incredible resiliency of New York with several outdoor performances around the City with limited or no audience, adhering to all state and city guidelines,” MTV said in a statement. “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. 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.”