Madison Square Garden
The World's Most Famous Arena
Madison Square Garden, colloquially known as the Garden or by its initials MSG, is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, U.S. The arena is located between Seventh and Eighth avenues, extending from 31st to 33rd streets, atop Pennsylvania Station. The current site hosts the fourth venue to bear the name 'Madison Square Garden'; the first two, opened in 1879 and 1890, were situated in Madison Square, on East 26th Street and Madison Avenue, with the third Madison Square Garden (1925) farther uptown at Eighth Avenue and 50th Street. The Garden hosts professional ice hockey, professional basketball, boxing, mixed martial arts, concerts, ice shows, circuses, professional wrestling, and other forms of sports and entertainment. It is close to other Midtown Manhattan landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Koreatown, and Macy's at Herald Square. The arena is currently home to the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA), and was home to the New York Liberty of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) from 1997 to 2017.
- Location
- Manhattan, New York City
- Primary Tenant
- New York Knicks (NBA)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Originally called Madison Square Garden Center, the Garden opened on February 11, 1968, on the site of the old Pennsylvania Station. It is the oldest major sporting facility in the New York metropolitan area. It is the oldest arena in the NBA and the second-oldest in the NHL, after Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena. As of 2016, MSG is also the second-busiest music arena in the world in terms of ticket sales. Including its two major renovations in 1991 and 2013, the Garden's total construction cost was approximately , and it has been ranked as one of the ten most expensive arena venues ever built. The edifice is part of the Pennsylvania Plaza office and retail complex, named for the railway station. Several other operating entities related to the Garden share its name.
In Their Own Story
The narrative of the Knicks is inseparable from the corporate evolution of their home. In February 2010, Cablevision spun off the MSG properties, including the sports franchises and the arena itself, into a new entity. This period marked a shift in how the team was managed under a dedicated holding company. The story continues through September 30, 2015, when the original company split its regional sports networks from its sports and entertainment assets. By November 2019, the company announced a tax-free spin-off of non-sports assets to create Madison Square Garden Entertainment, a move completed in April 2020. Throughout these transitions, the arena remained the constant home for the Knicks, managed by executives such as James L. Dolan, who serves as Executive Chairman, and Leon Rose, President of Basketball Operations.
Reader's Guide
The Garden is located between Seventh and Eighth avenues, extending from 31st to 33rd streets, atop Pennsylvania Station in Midtown Manhattan. It is close to other Midtown Manhattan landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Koreatown, and Macy's at Herald Square.
Did You Know?
- The current Madison Square Garden is the fourth venue to bear the name; the first two were in Madison Square, and the third was at Eighth Avenue and 50th Street.
- The Garden opened on February 11, 1968, on the site of the old Pennsylvania Station.
- It is the oldest arena in the NBA and the second-oldest in the NHL, after Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena.
- As of 2016, MSG is the second-busiest music arena in the world in terms of ticket sales.
- The Garden was home to the New York Liberty of the WNBA from 1997 to 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Madison Square Garden located?
The arena sits in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, directly beneath Penn Station. This central location makes it a cornerstone of Midtown's sports and entertainment landscape.
When did the current Madison Square Garden open?
The fourth and current iteration of The Garden officially opened its doors to fans in 1968. It has served as the Knicks' home court continuously since that time.
Why is MSG called 'The World's Most Famous Arena'?
This nickname reflects its status as a global icon where legendary basketball moments and New York sports culture have been defined for decades. It hosts not just games, but historic events that resonate far beyond the city limits.
How many fans can fit inside for a Knicks game?
The arena holds approximately 19,800 spectators when configured for basketball matchups. This intimate capacity helps create the intense, electric atmosphere known as 'The Garden.'
What is the primary role of Madison Square Garden for the Knicks?
It serves as the spiritual and physical home where the franchise has written its history since 1968. The venue acts as the stage for every triumph and defeat that defines the team's legacy.
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