MTV planned several events in New York in conjunction with the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards, which will air live from Radio City Music Hall Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. (EST).
The network will hold a special kickoff concert at Battery Park Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 5 p.m. featuring performances by All-American Rejects, Rihanna, New Found Glory, Chamillionaire and Cartel. Tickets are free-of-charge and will be available starting Thursday at noon at two Tower Records locations and the MTV Store.
MTV2 will hold its annual concert to benefit LIFEbeat, The Music Industry Fights AIDS, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to reaching America's youth with the message of HIV/AIDS prevention. The event will be held at Webster Hall Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale online (www.ticketweb.com) this Wednesday at noon.
On the Internet front, MTV created a microsite for all things VMAs-related (www.vmanyc2006.com).
The network also created limited-edition T-shirts featuring custom art using the lyrics from Video of the Year nominees’ and performers’ songs including tunes by Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Shakira, T.I., The Killers and Panic! at the Disco. The shirts will be distributed to fans at VMAs-related events in New York.
As far as mass-transit, a total of 250,000 VMAs Metrocards will be available at 12 stations beginning Sunday.
MTV will also have a VMAs booth at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day -- the U.S. Open tennis tournament's pre-event celebration for families -- Saturday, Aug. 26th from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
And various promotional events will be held at several bars and clubs throughout the city Aug. 24-31.
