The Times Union Center, in downtown Albany, N.Y., has earned the second-highest operating profits in its 20-year history, county officials said Monday.

The sports and entertainment arena posted a profit of $1.76 million in 2009. Profits jumped 95 percent from 2008 levels, despite the recession.

“We’re very favorably surprised with the outcome,” said Bob Belber, general manager of the facility. “Attendance was up almost across the board.”

Last year, the arena held 158 events, an increase of 12 events, or 8 percent, from 2008. Attendance in 2009 totaled 682,154 people—a rise of 16 percent.

The Times Union Center is home to the Albany River Rats minor league hockey team, and the men’s basketball team at Siena College. The facility also hosted high school basketball and wrestling tournaments.

Major events last year included concerts by Toby Keith, Bruce Springsteen, Phish and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Other events included Disney on Ice, Cirque du Soleil, Ringling Bros. Circus and an appearance by the Dalai Lama.

2009 was the 13th straight year of profits at the arena. The largest profits came in 2000, when operating profits totaled $2.1 million.

The reported profits are money going to Albany County; additional profits go to Philadelphia-based SMG, a company that operates the arena. The county owns the facility, which seats 17,500 people.

Revenue data were not immediately available.

Belber said one reason for growth in profits was a $350,000 reduction in operating costs. The savings were achieved through a range of cost-cutting moves, such as a four-day work week during the summer months.

No layoffs were made, Belber said.

The arena employs 40 full-time staff and 650 part-time workers who handle concessions, security, ticket sales and other duties.