NEWARK, NJ – MTV returns to New Jersey’s largest city for its annual Video Music Awards.

On Thursday, MTV announced that it would host the 2022 Video Music Awards (VMA) at the Prudential Center in Newark on Sunday, August 28.

According to MTV, the event will air in more than 170 countries and territories, reaching more than 420 million homes. No details on this year’s guests and performers were immediately available.

“Health and safety remains the number one priority for MTV and the Prudential Center,” the spokespersons said. “We are working hand-in-hand with state and local authorities to implement strict protocols to maintain the safety and well-being of artists, fans, staff and partners.”

Current Prudential Center health and safety protocols can be found here. Additional protocols will be announced closer to the event, organizers said.

Thursday’s announcement received a big boost from Gov. Phil Murphy and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

“New Jersey is honored to once again host the MTV Video Music Awards at one of our many world-class entertainment and sports venues,” Murphy said. “Our state is proud to have supported the arts and is always looking for opportunities to partner with the entertainment industry to promote economic development and cultural appreciation.”

Baraka said the city is thrilled to see the MTV Video Music Awards return this year.

“It’s only fitting that Newark is once again the host city, as it’s the birthplace of many of the biggest names in music, and it has so much to offer its visitors: a vibrant arts and culture scene, a historic city and a varied cuisine,” says Baraka.

“On behalf of the people of Newark, we are pleased to welcome all attendees and look forward to one of the greatest evenings of entertainment,” he added.

MTV hit a major milestone for itself in 2019, when it brought the VMAs to Newark — and New Jersey — for the first time. Performers that year included Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendes and Lizzo. Read more: MTV will hold Video Music Awards in Newark

Although the event was met with great fanfare, it was also the scene of a “clean water” protest, led by local residents tired of the lead water crisis in the city. Read more: Clean water protest ignites outside MTV Awards in Newark

The city has since made major progress on that front, with Vice President Kamala Harris coming to Newark in February to hail its progress in tackling contamination. Read more: Lead pipes and Newark; Kamala Harris returns to New Jersey to praise City

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