Partnership with SPAC Live Nation Supports the Arts’ Role in Health and Well-Being

The Albany Med Health System will serve as the presenting partner of Live Nation-promoted concerts at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) during the venue’s 60th season. Beginning this summer, those shows will be presented as Albany Med Health System at SPAC Live Nation, marking a new chapter for the iconic New York venue.

A cornerstone of the Capital Region, SPAC has welcomed generations of fans to experience unforgettable performances under the Saratoga stars. Each summer, the venue draws music lovers from across upstate New York and beyond, anchoring seasonal traditions, fueling tourism, and serving as a gathering place defined by shared experiences and connection to community.

“SPAC is a landmark that, like the Albany Med Health System, is deeply rooted in the identity of our region,” said Daniel T. Pickett III, president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System. “The arts, and the spaces where we come together to enjoy them, play a meaningful role in the health and well-being of every person and community. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the Capital Region as a place where people can thrive and are proud to call home.”

The System’s support for the people it serves, now extending to the live music experiences that bring fans together, holds particular resonance for the same hospital that shares SPAC’s hometown.

“Health is shaped not only by the care people receive, but by the experiences that bring joy, connection, and meaning to their lives,” said Jill VanKuren, president and CEO of Saratoga Hospital. “Live music has a powerful ability to lift spirits and strengthen communities. We’re proud to partner with SPAC and Live Nation to support experiences that enhance the health and wellness of the community we serve.”

Live Nation research underscores the impact, with 91 percent of fans saying local live music events enhance their community’s quality of life, and 86 percent reporting a positive shift in their mental health after attending a show. Music also ranks as the top self-care habit among concertgoers, reinforcing the powerful role live events play in supporting emotional and social health.

As part of the partnership, Albany Med Health System at SPAC Live Nation will introduce unique fan benefits designed to give back to the community that makes the venue special, including free admission for kids at select shows, Fast Lane access for nurses, and a Designated Driver program that promotes safe, responsible travel to and from the venue all season long.

“For 60 years, SPAC has been a defining part of summer concerts in upstate New York,” said Rob Scolaro, senior vice president and head of venue sales at Live Nation. “Partnering with Albany Med Health System reinforces the role live music plays in bringing people together and supporting the communities we serve, on and off the stage.”

“For six decades, SPAC has been a place where our community gathers to share in the power of live music,” said Elizabeth Sobol, chief executive officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “We’re grateful to see Albany Med Health System and Live Nation come together in support of these experiences. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to the wellbeing and vitality of the Capital Region and helps make possible the incredible lineup of global touring artists who take the stage at SPAC each summer.”