Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Saratoga Performing Arts Center
SPAC
Map
Address108 Avenue of Pines, Saratoga Springs, New York, U.S.
Saratoga Springs
United States
LocationSaratoga Springs, New York, U.S.
OwnerState of New York
OperatorSaratoga Performing Arts Center, Inc.
(popular music concerts booked by Live Nation)
TypeOutdoor amphitheatre
Seating typereserved, lawn
Capacity5,103 seats, 20,000 on lawn
Construction
Built1964-1965
OpenedJuly 9, 1966 (1966-07-09)
Website
spac.org

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is a large amphitheatre located in Saratoga Springs, New York, on the grounds of Saratoga Spa State Park. It presents summer performances of classical music, jazz, pop and rock, country, comedy, and dance. It opened on July 9, 1966, with a presentation of George Balanchine's A Midsummer Night's Dream by the New York City Ballet.43°03′19″N 73°48′21″W / 43.0553°N 73.8058°W / 43.0553; -73.8058

The Center is the official summer home of the New York City Ballet, which is in residence for one week in July, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, which is in residence for three weeks in August.

SPAC also serves as the common venue for high school graduations, particularly for Saratoga Springs, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Shenendehowa, and Ballston Spa High Schools. Skidmore College commencement exercises also take place at the venue.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Inc. is a non-profit charitable corporation that runs the arts center. It holds a 50-year renewable lease with the State of New York, which owns the land, theaters and buildings that comprise the center. SPAC subcontracts with Live Nation, which organizes and presents the popular music and rock concerts every summer. The income derived from the Live Nation contract goes towards supporting the classical arts presentations.