Categories: News

NYC’s Best Buy Theater is now PlayStation Theater

In some semi-videogame related news, Sony Computer Entertainment America have taken over sponsorship of what is currently known as Best Buy Theater in New York City.

The 2,150 seat Times Square venue hosts some pretty big events during the year, and it’s right in the heart of Manhattan.  Expect a rebranding and even some PlayStation-themed events in the near future.

Read on for the announcement.

Times Square’s 2,150-capacity concert and special events venue has officially been renamed PlayStation Theater, it was announced today by Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC. (SCEA) and AEG Live.  Formerly known as Best Buy Theater, the venue celebrates its 10th anniversary this Fall having hosted 1,368 events and sold 1.7 million tickets since its grand opening on September 19, 2005.  Artists that have played at the theater include Bon Jovi, The Eagles, John Legend, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Nick Jonas, Fall Out Boy, Jay-Z, Linkin Park, Drake, Little Big Town, Sugarland, Prince, Tom Jones, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, and Phil Lesh & Friends who had an historic 14 night run at the venue in 2008.

The 45,000-square foot theater has also hosted special events such as Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve, Good Morning America concert series performances by Janet Jackson and Usher, Bruce Springsteen’s Gateway Schools Benefit, MusiCares MAP Fund Benefit Concert honoring Pete Townshend and Bill Curbishley, ESPN and Nickelodeon upfronts in addition to being the home of the annual Heisman Trophy presentation since 2005.

The strategic partnership, negotiated by AEG Global Partnerships and SCEA will include the rebranding of all of the Theater’s interior and exterior signage, including the iconic Times Square marquee, live performances on PlayStation Network, experiential marketing initiatives, and VIP hospitality opportunities.

“As a leader in global entertainment, PlayStation is the perfect partner for a venue centrally located at the ‘crossroads of the world,'” said Mark Shulman, Vice President and General Manager of AEG Live.  “As the live music experience evolves, it’s important to AEG Live to stay ahead of technology and trends, and as many of our younger fans are gamers as well, we are excited for the possibilities at PlayStation Theater.”

“PlayStation Theater is an exceptionally exciting initiative, allowing us to marry our tremendous brand momentum with an amazing venue right in the heart of Times Square,” said John Koller, Vice President, Marketing at PlayStation.  “We believe the PlayStation brand should be deeply integrated with large cultural events, and this partnership provides that opportunity.  We are looking forward to exploring significant cultural moments at PlayStation Theater.”

“PlayStation Theater, located at the epicenter of live entertainment, is the perfect venue for PlayStation to show their latest products,” said Andrew Klein, Sr. Vice President, AEG Global Partnerships.  “We are excited to work with a global leader to launch the new PlayStation Theater, a venue proven to be one of the industry’s greatest destinations for live entertainment.”

The Fall 2015 line-up at PlayStation Theater continues to bring an eclectic mix of shows to the Times Square stage with acts that include Billboard Latin Music “New Artist of the Year” award-winner J Balvin with pop star Becky G, a run of shows by rising comedian Bo Burnham, rock band Circa Survive, The Misfits, genre-bending producer/DJ Parov Stelar, rap group Cypress Hill’s annual “Haunted Hill,” country singer Cole Swindell, and three nights with heavy metal band King Diamond performing their classic album Abigail in its entirety.

About PlayStation Theater
PlayStation Theater, formerly known as Best Buy Theater, is the premier concert and events venue in New York’s iconic destination.  The 2150-capacity concert space centrally located in the heart of Times Square is an innovative, multi-use theater that can be transformed to accommodate a wide array of events including live television and web broadcasts, live recordings, award shows and cocktail receptions.  Developed and operated by AEG Live, the nation’s second largest concert promotion and touring company, PlayStation Theater has been a host to a variety of performers since its grand opening as NOKIA Theatre Times Square including Bon Jovi, The Eagles, John Legend, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Nick Jonas, Fall Out Boy, Jay-Z, Linkin Park, Drake, Little Big Town, Sugarland, Prince, Tom Jones, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, and Phil Lesh & Friends who had an historic 14 night run at the venue in 2008.

Paul Bryant

Staff Writer

Recent Posts

Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance GameCube classic is now available for Switch 2 via Nintendo Switch Online

Fire Emblem fans, the classic GameCube release of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance is now…

2 days ago

Nintendo gears up to launch its child-friendly My Mario product line in the U.S. next month

Even infants, toddlers and younger children will get to experience Mario and friends soon.

2 days ago

Nintendo drop shots new Mario Tennis Fever details including an overview trailer, screens, more!

The new Switch 2 Mario Tennis title is coming in hot with a lot of…

2 days ago

Clawpunk review for PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X

This kitty has claws...and guns, and grenades.

3 days ago

Nintendo eShop Update – Suika Game Planet, Tomba! Special Edition, Tetris 99 51st MAXIMUS CUP

There's a somewhat slim selection of new Nintendo eShop titles launching for Nintendo Switch platforms…

3 days ago

This website uses cookies.