Growing up, the MTV Video Music Awards were my holiday season, and birthday all rolled into one. I watched starry-eyed every year, dissecting performances and awards like they were life lessons. So when I got an invite to the VMAs in 2025, I was equal parts thrilled and completely unprepared; it was a bucket list moment I never thought would happen, as this is not a public event and you cannot buy tickets to the show.
Walking into UBS Arena right here on Long Island, my first thought was: Am I actually going to see these legends up close? Mariah Carey receiving the Video Vanguard Award, Ariana Grande, Steven Tyler...music royalty in the same room. The answer? Yes… well, kind of.
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The arena floor, normally an ice rink or basketball court, had been transformed into a galaxy of tables and chairs for nominees, presenters, and A-list guests. It looks effortless on TV, but the reality is a carefully orchestrated production. Here’s what I can tell you:
- The floor is roped off and credential-only. But the 100’s section is literally only one single row behind. So while regular ticket holders are not sitting next to talent, they certainly get extremely close.
- Security is everywhere. Celebrities are escorted through side tunnels, appearing almost magically.
- Each seat is meticulously chosen for the cameras, so spontaneous celebrity encounters are basically a myth unless you’re a seat filler.
- There are countdowns to live broadcast when transitioning back from commercial breaks throughout the arena, something you never see. Unless you’re actually there.
- They instruct you to clap loudly for each performer, whether performance or accepting an award.
Let’s talk about what you don’t see. BTS: During commercial breaks, the floor buzzed with movement. Celebrities mingled in their assigned zones, staff hustled to coordinate the next segment, and people disappeared backstage in seconds. You could see the energy from wherever you were seated.
Quirky, but fun facts? Celebrities don’t use public restrooms. Instead, private entrances lead to restricted areas, so no chance of bonding with Sabrina Carpenter over bathroom line small talk, (sigh). Also, they kept it super cold in there, which I appreciated. No one likes to sweat. Every attendee was gifted a plastic bracelet under their seats that lit up either red or blue. As soon as you leave the arena, it stops working. Also, there are photo ops everywhere you go. UBS Arena designated staff to make the experience pleasant. From the photographers to the bartenders, Long Island showed out for this.
The VIP treatment started the moment I parked. My reserved spot was near the VIP entrance, giving me a front row view of black SUVs and the occasional star stepping out, sunglasses on, energy electric. It was surreal.
Insider Moments That TV Doesn’t Show
- Ricky Martin! I’m still recovering. He hit the stage in a cage hanging above thousands of people. He was sent up there at least 5 minutes before he actually performed, waiting to come back from commercial break, and for the presenter to introduce him. Hanging above the crowd in the dark.
- Ariana Grande is the most gracious and humble to her fans. She went out of her way to shake hands, say hi, pose for pictures - each chance she got/
- Seat fillers come and go constantly throughout the night.
Being there, you feel the chaos behind every stage transition, the whispers of anticipation before each award is announced, and the tiny moments the cameras often miss. The show ebbs and flows. There are a lot of breaks (for commercials). Presenters, winners, commercials - repeat.
By the end of the night, I realized something. The VMAs aren’t just about music videos or awards; they’re a full-scale production machine, a carefully curated showcase of music and pop culture all at once. And while I may not have casually hung out with Tate McRae or Mariah Carey, being a part of this night? Magic. starry-eyed
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