From idea to reality: History of the Times Union Center

By rhaizmann

  • Civic center proposed

    Albany County Executive Jim Coyne proposes $11 million civic center in Latham, near what was the Colonie Coliseum. For full profile of the TU Center, visit albanybusinessreview.com Source: Times Union archives

  • Best location determined

    State panel says 8.5-acre site near Empire State Plaza in Downtown Albany is best location. Source: Times Union archives

  • 'Exciting rebirth'

    Albany County master plan says "Civic Center is certain to be a cornerstone in the exciting rebirth of Downtown Albany. Source: Times Union archives

  • Breaking ground

    Jim Coyne and nearly 100 other officials hold ground breaking ceremony. Source: Times Union archives

  • Opening night

    Sellout crowd of 16,436 see Frank Sinatra on opening night of Knickerbocker Arena. Source: Times Union archives

  • Attendance tops 1 million

    1.1 million annual attendance, highest in arena history. Source: Times Union archives

  • Sentenced to federal prison

    Coyne sentenced to 46 months in federal prison after being found guilty of crimes related to arena construction. Source: Times Union archives

  • New name

    New name, Pepsi Arena, under 10-year, $8 million licensing contract. Source: Times Union archives

  • New name, yet again

    New Name, Times Union Center, under 10-year, $3.5 million contract with Hearst Corp. Source: Times Union archives

  • Attendance down

    397,051 annual attendance, lowest in arena history. Source: Times Union archives