Last year, we learned that Ariana Grande would be kicking off her Sweetener Tour in Albany, NY on March 18, 2019. My daughter’s birthday is March 19th, and she wanted to see the concert, so I got her tickets for her birthday.
We bought tickets when they first went on sale, which I recommend doing because the ticket prices just kept going up. When I checked ticket prices in February, the cheapest tickets were over $150 a piece, so buy early. If you are buying tickets in 2025, ticket prices are much more! You are lucky if you can find any tickets for less than $500-1000!
The night of the show, we left with ample time for parking. I parked a couple blocks away, as the parking garage prices were high and I didn’t want to deal with the closest lots and garages being jammed with people. I have been to shows at the MVP Center before (like Disney on Ice) that weren’t sold out, and the parking garage is always chaos. Parking about 2 blocks away easily saved me $20, plus the hassle of the traffic.
We got in line around 7pm, and the line was already down the street in front of the MVP. The show wasn’t supposed to start until 8pm, and they weren’t letting anyone in until 7:30. Fortunately, the line started moving and we were able to get out of the cold.
Security was tight as expected, with security staff yelling for everyone to get their arms over their head as we moved through the metal detectors.
Once we got into the Times Union Center, we grabbed a snack, checked out our seats, and went to buy a t-shirt.
There were a couple merchandise stands and by 7:45, they were sold out of the one my daughter wanted. Fortunately, there are a lot of choices and we were able to get one she liked (but be prepared that t-shirts cost as much as $60 each).
We got settled in our seats and just after 8pm, the first opener started (Social House). They performed for about 30 minutes, followed by Normani, who was done by 9pm.
The tension was definitely mounting, and at 9:35 it seemed like the show was about to come on. I believe this show was sold out, and the Times Union was packed with people.
The set darkened and some music came on, and suddenly Ariana’s voice cut through and the audience was screaming. The way the show opened was pretty cool, with a sun and moon coming together to create an eclipse, and then Ariana rose out of the floor.
The set designs were all great visuals. This set had a car with “Albany NY” printed on it.
Here is a clip from the concert:
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Just when we thought the concert was over, the fans kept cheering “Ari, Ari” and she came back on for an encore. For her last encore song, she performed “Thank U, Next”, which was a big hit with the audience. There were about 30 songs total. I always recommend googling the set list before going to a performance, so you know what to expect and about how long the performance will last.
The concert went until almost 11:30 pm, so it was a long night but nice that she performed so many songs.
Tips (especially if you are bringing kids):
~ let kids know that there will be security (there were a lot of anxious kids, so it helps to give a heads up)
~ check to see what the venue allows you to bring in. Most likely you need a clear bag or plastic ziploc bag, no drinks, and limited items.
~ buy your tickets early to save money
~ merchandise is pretty expensive and sells out fast – you may want to buy online ahead of time to save money
~ google the setlist so you know what to expect as far as songs and length of the concert
~ pay for parking in advance and figure out your plan
I use to go to concerts when I was younger. Now the large crowds bother me and I just keep thinking something terrible could happen at such a gathering. Sure the concert was fun for you and your daughter.
Concerts are always fun! Natalie would love to see Ariana, but I’m not a fan of the music, so I already told her she had to go with a friend. I’d pay, but I can’t sit through it. I’m always shocked at t-shirt costs! I’m tempted to say, “Is this shirt made out of gold?” if I get something.
Concerts are so much fun and you always have those memories. I still remember my first concert. If you don’t mind the crowds, it’s a great experience.
I have not been to a concert in so many years! I remember the first concert I went to I do not realize how loud it would be. It looks like it was a lot of fun though.
That must have been a great birthday treat for your daughter. It seems like you also enjoyed the show. I hope she comes around here and my daughter is also a fan.
What a fun way to celebrate your daughter’s birthday! While AG’s lyrics don’t suit me, she does have a very beautiful singing voice.
Looks like they packed it out, for sure! You got to love an encore!! 🙂 I am sure your daughter had a great time!
The older that I get the more claustrophobic that idea, so I haven’t been to a concert in a long time. We trying to go to ones at smaller venues, and those are always enjoyable.
Great tips for any concert. It looks like this concert was a lot of fun! She performed a lot of songs so it seems like it was a good value and even better time.
I love seeing the creativity of people and going to shows really brings it out! This looks incredible!
Ariana Grande has such a lovely voice. That’s great that you got to watch her perform. Bet y’all had fun.
Wow, the place is so huge! I bet you all had a great time there. Sounds like an awesome concert!
My hubby went to school in Albany. Ariana is sooo popular nowadays. This sounds like such an amazing concert!
This concert sounds amazing! I love Ariana Grande!
It does look like such a good concert there. I love concerts which really try to be great shows. I know my daughter would love to go.
Nice pictures and It is nice to see that for kids it is safe.