Using the modest motto of “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden, also known as the MSG or the Garden, is a complex that regularly hosts sporting events and artistic performances.
The history of Madison Square Garden
The current building is located on 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets, in the borough of Manhattan, New York. It was inaugurated on February 11, 1968.
It is the fourth and final building in a series that began in 1879 when William Henry Vanderbilt purchased a building at 26th and Madison Avenue.
The second building, called Madison Square Garden, was built on the same site a few decades later. This arena had 8000 seats. The building was sold and destroyed in 1924.
The third Madison Square Garden, although it continued to bear the same name, was not built on the famous avenue. It was inaugurated on December 15, 1925, at the corner of 50th Street and 8th Avenue. For many years, the New York Rangers had to give way to the Barnum & Barley Circus because of the circus’ success with the public. The Rangers were almost never able to play their important games there.
Today’s Madison Square Garden is operated by Cablevision, a Long Island-based cable company that owns the rights to all Madison Square Garden events.
Activities and events at the Garden
Sports
Madison Square Garden is the home of the Knicks basketball team and the Rangers ice hockey team. It has seen some of the best boxing matches before the Las Vegas casinos supplanted the venue in that area. The Garden is usually the venue for one of the most talked about events on the planet, the NBA All-Star Game.
Concerts and shows
Madison Square Garden is also a renowned concert venue where some of the world’s greatest artists have performed, including Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Beyonce. Political meetings are also scheduled.
Some records and firsts
Madison Square Garden was home to the first artificial ice rink in North America (1879); in 1934, spectators witnessed the first basketball game. In 1940, American viewers watched the first basketball game on TV. The record attendance in the arena dates back to January 17, 1941, and corresponds to the boxing match between Fritzie Zivic and Henry Armstrong (23,190 entries).
When visiting New York, you can attend a game or a show at Madison Square Garden. It is best to book in advance. It is also possible to visit the venue during the day with a professional guide.
How do I get to Madison Square Garden?
By metro: the most convenient way to get to Madison Square Garden is by New York metro. The “34th Street-Penn Station” station serves lines 1, 2, 3 (red), A, C, E (blue) and is directly connected to the Garden. This station is one of the busiest in the city, making it easy to get to from anywhere in New York.
By bus: several bus routes stop close to Madison Square Garden, including the M34 and M20. City buses are a viable option, especially if you’re coming from an area where the metro is less accessible.
By train: Madison Square Garden is located just above Penn Station, one of New York’s main train stations. It is served by Amtrak, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and NJ Transit. This makes it an easy access point for those coming from out of town.
Activities near Madison Square Garden
The Empire State Building
Located just a few blocks from Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building is one of New York’s most iconic landmarks. Its observatory offers spectacular views of the city.
High Line
A short walk away is the High Line, an urban linear park built on a former overhead railway line. It’s a great place for a peaceful stroll with unique views of the city and the Hudson River.
Times Square
A little further north of Madison Square Garden is Times Square, famous for its neon lights, giant advertising hoardings and constant hustle and bustle. It’s a must if you want to feel the energy of New York.
The Chelsea district
Explore the Chelsea district, known for its art galleries, its market (Chelsea Market) and its many restaurants. It’s a great place to sample local and international cuisine.
