SPAC Turns 60, How Many of These Shows Did You See In the 1980’s?

Saratoga Performing Arts Center, affectionately known as SPAC, turns 60 in 2026! Let's celebrate all of the legendary artists, the unforgettable performances throughout the years, and the fans that made their way to 108 Avenue of the Pines. Today we look back at SPAC in the 1980's.

The venue was originally built as an attempt to keep the New York Philharmonic from being lured to Vermont for a summer residency. An Albany journalist suggested the Capital Region build a venue so impressive they'd have to stay. It took 300 workers just 410 days to build SPAC.

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How many times have you walked over the Route 50 bridge, left umbrellas in the bushes because they weren't allowed in the venue, or arrived hours early to tailgate or get a good spot on the lawn?

Read More: Take A Look Back at SPAC in the 1970's

In the 1980's fans most likely were wearing bright colors, acid-wash jeans, bandanas, parachute pants, Reebok sneakers, mullets and the hair was as high as the sky.

Life In the 1980's

Before we take a look back at SPAC, let's see what life was like in the 1980's'

• Untied States Presidents - Ronald Reagan, George Bush
• The San Francisco 49's won 3 NFL Super Bowl Championships
• E. T. - The Extra-Terrestrial was the top grossing movie of the decade
• Dallas, Dynasty, and The Cosby Show were top television shows
• In 1981 the world celebrated the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana
• MTV debuted in 1981 as well

As Saratoga Performing Arts Center turns 60 we take a look back. How many of these SPAC concerts did you, your parents or your grandparents attend in the 1980's?