Set inside of Saratoga Spa State Park, in Saratoga Springs, New York, you will find one of the most beautiful and unique amphitheaters in America. Saratoga Performing Arts Center opened in 1967 with a performance by Harry Belafonte followed, in 1968, by The Doors.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center, or SPAC as the locals call it, has been host to many iconic artists over the last half-century. Let's take a look back at SPAC and the musicians that played there in the 1980's. 90's and 2000's. Were you at any of the shows listed below?

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Take a look at the pictures below and travel down memory lane to 108 Avenue of the Pines, home to SPAC. How many times have you walked over the Route 50 bridge, left umbrellas in the bushes because they weren't allowed in or arrived hours early to get a good spot on the lawn?

Here are some standout moments at SPAC:

  • June 27, 1985 - Grateful Dead - 40,000 fans arrive to see the Dead and the venue only holds about 25,000. The Grateful Dead were banned from playing SPAC for 3 years following this show.
  • 1981 - Journey - Johnathan Cain writes the song "Faithfully" backstage at SPAC.
  • 1987 - Whitney Houston - Filmed the video for "Didn't We Almost Have It All" at SPAC.
518 News, Saratoga Springs New York, SPAC, Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Karolyi - Townsquare Media
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Thomas Rhett and Weird Al Yankovic have already been announced for the 2025 season and soon we will be announcing more. Before we look ahead, let's look back at SPAC.

SPAC in the 80's

This is a look back at SPAC, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY in the 1980's

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

SPAC in the 90's

Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY in the 1990's

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

SPAC In the 00's

Take a look back at the bands that rocked Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Springs, NY in the 2000's.

Gallery Credit: Karolyi

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