:Madison Square Garden

Madison Square is formed by the intersection of 5th Avenue and Broadway at 23rd Street in Manhattan. It was named after James Madison, fourth President of the United States.Mendelsohn, Joyce. "Madison Square" in {{cite enc-nyc}}, p. 711–712

Two venues called Madison Square Garden were located just northeast of the square, the original Garden from 1879 to 1890, and the second Garden from 1890 to 1925. The first, leased to P. T. Barnum, was demolished in 1890 because of a leaky roof and dangerous balconies that had collapsed, resulting in deaths. The second was designed by noted architect Stanford White. The new building was built by a syndicate that included J. P. Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, P. T. Barnum,{{cite fednyc}}, pp. 330–333 Darius Mills, James Stillman and W. W. Astor. White gave them a Beaux-Arts structure with a Moorish feel, including a minaret-like tower modeled after Giralda, the bell tower of the Cathedral of Seville, soaring 32 stories, the city's second-tallest building at the time{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} and dominating Madison Square Park. It was {{convert|200|ft|m}} by {{convert|485|ft|m}}, and the main hall, which was the largest in the world, measured {{convert|200|ft|m}} by {{convert|350|ft|m}} with permanent seating for 8,000 people and floor space for thousands more. It had a 1,200-seat theater, a concert hall with a capacity of 1,500, the largest restaurant in the city, and a roof garden cabaret.{{Cite web |url=http://hockey.ballparks.com/NHL/NewYorkRangers/2ndoldindex.htm |title=Madison Square Garden/The Paramount |website=hockey.ballparks.com}} The building cost $3 million. Madison Square Garden II was unsuccessful like the first Garden,Burrows, Edwin G. and Wallace, Mike, Gotham: A History of New York to 1989. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. {{ISBN|0-19-511634-8}} and the New York Life Insurance Company, which held the mortgage on it, decided to tear it down in 1925 to make way for a new headquarters building, which would become the landmark Cass Gilbert-designed New York Life Building.

A third Madison Square Garden opened in a new location, on Eighth Avenue between 49th and 50th streets, from 1925 to 1968. Groundbreaking on the third Madison Square Garden took place on January 9, 1925.[http://hockey.ballparks.com/NHL/NewYorkRangers/3rdoldindex.htm "Madison Square Garden III"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170719002323/http://hockey.ballparks.com/NHL/NewYorkRangers/3rdoldindex.htm |date=July 19, 2017 }} on Ballparks.com Designed by the noted theater architect Thomas W. Lamb, it was built at the cost of $4.75 million in 249 days by boxing promoter Tex Rickard; the arena was dubbed "The House That Tex Built".Schumach, Murray (February 14, 1948).[https://www.nytimes.com/1968/02/14/archives/next-and-last-attraction-at-old-madison-square-garden-to-be.html Next and Last Attraction at Old Madison Square Garden to Be Wreckers' Ball] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511001312/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/02/14/archives/next-and-last-attraction-at-old-madison-square-garden-to-be.html |date=May 11, 2022 }}, The New York Times The arena was {{convert|200|ft|m}} by {{convert|375|ft|m}}, with seating on three levels, and a maximum capacity of 18,496 spectators for boxing.

Demolition commenced in 1968 after the opening of the current Garden,{{cite web |last1=Eisenband |first1=Jeffrey |title=Remembering The 1948 Madison Square Garden All-Star Game With Marv Albert |url=http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/throwback/201502/1968-nba-all-star-game-marv-albert-madison-square-garden-new-york-hal-greer |publisher=ThePostGame |access-date=July 5, 2015}} and was completed in early 1969. The site is now the location of One Worldwide Plaza.

In February 1959, former automobile manufacturer Graham-Paige purchased a 40% interest in the Madison Square Garden for $4 million{{cite magazine |title=Investors Get Madison Sq. Garden |magazine=Variety |date=February 4, 1959 |page=20 |url=http://www.archive.org/stream/variety213-1959-02#page/n19/mode/1up |access-date=July 5, 2019 |via=Archive.org}} and later gained control.[https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/24/obituaries/irving-m-felt-84-sports-impresario-is-dead.html New York Times: "Irving M. Felt, 84, Sports Impresario, Is Dead" By AGIS SALPUKAS] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004185651/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/09/24/obituaries/irving-m-felt-84-sports-impresario-is-dead.html |date=October 4, 2018 }} September 24, 1994 In November 1960, Graham-Paige president Irving Mitchell Felt purchased from the Pennsylvania Railroad the rights to build at Penn Station.[http://www.subjectverb.com/www/writing/thesis.pdf Massachusetts Institute of Technology: "The Fall and Rise of Pennsylvania Station -Changing Attitudes Toward Historic Preservation in New York City" by Eric J. Plosky] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106032110/http://www.subjectverb.com/www/writing/thesis.pdf |date=January 6, 2015 }} 1999 To build the new facility, the above-ground portions of the original Pennsylvania Station were torn down.{{cite web |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/29/archives/demolition-starts-at-penn-station-architects-picket-penn-station.html |title=Demolition Starts At Penn Station; Architects Picket; Penn Station Demolition Begun; 6 Architects Call Act a 'Shame' |last=Tolchin |first=Martin |date=October 29, 1963 |website=The New York Times |access-date=May 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523100724/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/29/archives/demolition-starts-at-penn-station-architects-picket-penn-station.html |archive-date=May 23, 2018 |url-status=live}}

File:Madison Square Garden 1968.jpeg NBA game at Madison Square Garden]]

The new structure was one of the first of its kind to be built above the platforms of an active railroad station. It was an engineering feat constructed by Robert E. McKee of El Paso, Texas with the contribution of Arq. Leonel Viera's design for the Cilindro Municipal.https://www.gub.uy/ministerio-educacion-cultura/comunicacion/noticias/homenaje-leonel-viera Public outcry over the demolition of the Pennsylvania Station structure—an outstanding example of Beaux-Arts architecture—led to the creation of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. The venue opened on February 11, 1968. Comparing the new and the old Penn Station, Yale architectural historian Vincent Scully wrote, "One entered the city like a god; one scuttles in now like a rat."{{cite web |last=Muschamp |first=Herbert |title=Architecture View; In This Dream Station Future and Past Collide |website=The New York Times |date=June 20, 1993 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/20/arts/architecture-view-in-this-dream-station-future-and-past-collide.html |access-date=September 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906195706/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/06/20/arts/architecture-view-in-this-dream-station-future-and-past-collide.html |archive-date=September 6, 2018 |url-status=live}}

In 1972, Felt proposed moving the Knicks and Rangers to a then incomplete venue in the New Jersey Meadowlands, the Meadowlands Sports Complex. The Garden was also the home arena for the NY Raiders/NY Golden Blades of the World Hockey Association. The Meadowlands would eventually host its own NBA and NHL teams, the New Jersey Nets and the New Jersey Devils, respectively. The New York Giants and Jets of the National Football League (NFL) also relocated there. In 1977, the arena was sold to Gulf and Western Industries. Felt's efforts fueled controversy between the Garden and New York City over real estate taxes. The disagreement again flared in 1980 when the Garden again challenged its tax bill. The arena has enjoyed tax-free status since the 1980s, under the condition that all Knicks and Rangers home games must be hosted at MSG, lest it lose this exemption. As such, when the Rangers have played neutral-site games—even those in New York City, such as the 2018 NHL Winter Classic, they have always been designated as the visiting team.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/25/sports/hockey/rangers-on-road-in-the-bronx-money-may-be-why.html |title=Rangers on Road in the Bronx? Money May Be Why |newspaper=New York Times |date=January 25, 2014 |access-date=January 3, 2017}} The tax agreement includes an act of God clause, which allowed Knicks and Rangers home games to be played elsewhere during the 2020 NBA Bubble and 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, respectively, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |last=Brooks |first=Larry |date=July 15, 2020 |title=Igor Shesterkin 'outstanding' in first bid to keep Rangers' starting job |url=https://nypost.com/2020/07/15/shesterkin-outstanding-in-bid-for-rangers-starting-job/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |work=New York Post}}

In 1984, the four streets immediately surrounding the Garden were designated as Joe Louis Plaza, in honor of boxer Joe Louis, who had made eight successful title defenses in the previous Madison Square Garden.{{cite web |author=John Eligon |date=February 22, 2008 |title=Joe Louis and Harlem, Connecting Again in a Police Athletic League Gym |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/22/nyregion/22louis.html |access-date=September 26, 2015 |work=The New York Times}}{{cite book |last1=Feirstein |first1=Sanna |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7ourZIpRoJEC&q=%22joe+louis+plaza%22+named&pg=PA110 |title=Naming New York: Manhattan Places & how They Got Their Names |publisher=New York University Press |year=2001 |isbn=9780814727126 |page=110 |access-date=September 26, 2015}}

In April 1986, Gulf and Western announced that they would build a new Madison Square Garden a few blocks away on the site of present-day Hudson Yards. The plan would cost an estimated $150 million and included the demolition of the 1964 building to replace it with a new office tower development.{{cite journal |last=Phifer |first=Thomas |title=Madison Square Garden Site Redevelopment |journal=Oz |volume=11 |issue=1 |date=January 1, 1989 |issn=2378-5853 |doi=10.4148/2378-5853.1181}} After years of planning, Gulf and Western decided against building a new arena in favor of a renovation after estimated costs doubled during the process.{{Cite news |last=McFadden |first=Robert D. |date=January 24, 1989 |title=New Project Will Renovate The Garden |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/01/24/nyregion/new-project-will-renovate-the-garden.html |access-date=October 13, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |title=Gulf & Western has scrapped plans to demolish Madison... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1989/01/23/Gulf-Western-has-scrapped-plans-to-demolish-Madison/2103601534800/ |access-date=October 13, 2022 |website=UPI |language=en}}

File:MSG (4051531795).jpg

Garden owners spent $200 million in 1991 to renovate facilities and add 89 suites in place of hundreds of upper-tier seats. The project was designed by Ellerbe Becket. The renovation was criticized for perceived corporatization. Additionally, the renovation made bathrooms larger, expanded menus, added a new ventilation system, replaced all of the seats with new cushioned teal and violet seats, and refurbished both home teams' locker rooms.{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Lena |date=July 29, 1991 |title=Big Madison Sq. Garden Facelift: 'Tasteful' With Teal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/29/nyregion/big-madison-sq-garden-facelift-tasteful-with-teal.html |access-date=October 13, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}

In 2000, current MSG owner James Dolan was quoted as saying that a new arena was being considered as the current building was starting to show its age.{{Cite web |title=ESPN.com - GEN - New Garden in New York considered |url=https://www.espn.com/gen/news/2000/0321/438594.html |access-date=October 13, 2022 |website=www.espn.com}}

In 2004–2005, Cablevision battled with the City of New York over the proposed West Side arena, which was canceled. Cablevision then announced plans to raze the Garden, replace it with high-rise commercial buildings, and build a new Garden one block away at the site of the James Farley Post Office. Meanwhile, a new project to renovate and modernize the Garden completed phase one in time for the Rangers and Knicks' 2011–12 seasons,{{cite news |title=MSG Executives Unveil Plan for Renovation |first=Arthur |last=Staple |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/msg-executives-unveil-plan-for-renovation-1.882390 |newspaper=Newsday |date=April 3, 2008 |access-date=April 3, 2008}} though the vice president of the Garden says he remains committed to the installation of an extension of Penn Station at the Farley Post Office site. While the Knicks and Rangers were not displaced, the New York Liberty played at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, during the renovation.

Madison Square Garden is the last of the NBA and NHL arenas not to be named after a corporate sponsor.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2017/04/with_two_arena_closings_in_two.html |title=With two arena closings in two days, Detroit stands unique in U.S. history |author=David Mayo |work=MLive |date=April 9, 2017 |access-date=April 21, 2017}}

Madison Square Garden's $1 billion second renovation took place mainly over three off-seasons. It was set to begin after the 2009–10 hockey/basketball seasons, but was delayed until after the 2010–11 seasons. Renovation was done in phases, with the majority of the work done in the summer months to minimize disruptions to the NHL and NBA seasons. While the Rangers and Knicks were not displaced,the Rangers started the 2011–12 NHL season with seven games on the road before playing their first hom game on October 27.{{cite web |title=Rangers Embrace Daunting Season-Opening Trip |first=Dan |last=Rosen |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=589995 |website=National Hockey League |date=September 26, 2010 |access-date=October 3, 2011}}The Knicks played the entire 2012 NBA preseason on the road.{{cite news |title=Knicks preseason schedule announced |first=Jared |last=Swerling |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/23494/knicks-preseason-schedule-announced |publisher=ESPN |date=August 2012 |access-date=October 25, 2012}} the Liberty played their home games through the 2013 season at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, during the renovation.{{cite web |url=http://www.msgtransformation.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201021217/http://www.msgtransformation.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 1, 2010 |title=Madison Square Garden – Official Web Site}}{{cite news |title=Madison Square Garden to Add Pedestrian Walkways in Rafters as Part of $775 Million Makeover |first1=Matthew |last1=Bultman |first2=Larry |last2=McShane |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/11/26/2010-11-26_view_from_the_top_madison_square_garden_to_add_pedestrian_walkways_in_rafters.html |newspaper=New York Daily News |date=November 26, 2010 |access-date=July 3, 2011 |archive-date=November 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130043105/http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/11/26/2010-11-26_view_from_the_top_madison_square_garden_to_add_pedestrian_walkways_in_rafters.html |url-status=dead}}

New features include a larger entrance with interactive kiosks, retail, climate-controlled space, and broadcast studio; larger concourses; new lighting and LED video systems with HDTV; new seating; two new pedestrian walkways suspended from the ceiling to allow fans to look directly down onto the games being played below; more dining options; and improved dressing rooms, locker rooms, green rooms, upgraded roof, and production offices. The lower bowl concourse, called the Madison Concourse, remains on the sixth floor. The upper bowl concourse was relocated to the eighth floor and it is known as the Garden Concourse. The seventh floor houses the new Madison Suites and the Madison Club. The upper bowl was built on top of these suites. The rebuilt concourses are wider than their predecessors, and include large windows that offer views of the city streets around the Garden.{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704198004575310953707358836 |title=Cultivating a New Garden |work=Wall Street Journal |author=Scott Cacciola |date=June 17, 2010 |access-date=July 23, 2016}}

File:MSG Henrik Lundqvist Retirement Night 003.jpg game and the retirement ceremony of Henrik Lundqvist]]

Construction of the lower bowl (Phase 1) was completed in 2011.{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2011 |title=First Phase Of Madison Square Garden Renovations Complete |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/first-phase-of-madison-square-garden-renovations-complete/ |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=CBS New York |language=en-US}} An extended off-season for the Garden permitted some advance work to begin on the new upper bowl, which was completed in 2012. This advance work included the West Balcony on the tenth floor, taking the place of sky-boxes, and new end-ice 300 level seating. The construction of the upper bowl along with the Madison Suites and the Madison Club (Phase 2) were completed for the 2012–13 NHL and NBA seasons.{{Cite web |last=DeLessio |first=Joe |date=August 9, 2012 |title=Hey, So, How's That Madison Square Garden Renovation Going? |url=https://nymag.com/daily/sports/2012/08/hey-so-hows-that-msg-renovation-going.html |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=New York Magazine |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=August 12, 2012 |title=An Inside Look At Madison Square Garden's Latest Renovations |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/an-inside-look-at-madison-square-gardens-latest-renovations/ |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=CBS New York |language=en-US}} Phase 3, which involved the construction of the new lobby known as Chase Square, the Chase Bridges on the 10th floor, and the new scoreboard, was completed for the 2013–14 NHL and NBA seasons.{{Cite news |last=Sandomir |first=Richard |date=October 25, 2013 |title=Garden Renovations Come With a Tug of War |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/25/sports/garden-renovations-come-with-a-tug-of-war.html |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2013 |title=Madison Square Garden Unveils New 'Sky Bridge' Seats |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/renovated-madison-square-garden-unveils-sky-bridge-seats/ |access-date=January 10, 2024 |website=CBS New York |language=en-US}}

Madison Square Garden is seen as an obstacle in the renovation and future expansion of Penn Station, which expanded in 2021 with the opening of Moynihan Train Hall at the James Farley Post Office,{{Cite web |title=Moynihan Train Hall Finally Opens in Manhattan |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/moynihan-train-hall-finally-opens-in-manhattan/2806145/ |access-date=January 1, 2021 |website=NBC New York |language=en-US |date=December 31, 2020}} and some have proposed moving MSG to other sites in western Manhattan. On February 15, 2013, Manhattan Community Board 5 voted 36–0 against granting a renewal to MSG's operating permit in perpetuity and proposed a 10-year limit instead in order to build a new Penn Station where the arena is currently standing. Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer said, "Moving the arena is an important first step to improving Penn Station." The Madison Square Garden Company responded by saying that "[i]t is incongruous to think that M.S.G. would be considering moving."{{cite news |title=Madison Square Garden Says It Will Not Be Uprooted From Penn Station |first=David |last=Dunlap |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/madison-square-garden-says-it-will-not-be-uprooted-from-penn-station/ |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 9, 2013 |access-date=April 10, 2013}}

In May 2013, four architecture firms – SHoP Architects, SOM, H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture, and Diller Scofidio + Renfro – submitted proposals{{Cite web|url=https://ny.curbed.com/2013/5/29/10238978/four-plans-for-a-new-penn-station-without-msg-revealed|title=Four Plans For A New Penn Station Without MSG, Revealed!|first=Hana R.|last=Alberts|date=May 29, 2013|website=Curbed NY}} for a new Penn Station. SHoP Architects recommended moving Madison Square Garden to the Morgan Postal Facility a few blocks southwest, as well as removing 2 Penn Plaza and redeveloping other towers, and an extension of the High Line to Penn Station.{{cite web |url=http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2013/05/29/four_plans_for_a_new_penn_station_without_msg_revealed.php |title=Four Plans for a New Penn Station Without MSG, Revealed! |date=May 29, 2013 |author=Hana R. Alberts |work=Curbed |access-date=October 26, 2014}} Meanwhile, SOM proposed moving Madison Square Garden to the area just south of the James Farley Post Office, and redeveloping the area above Penn Station as a mixed-use development with commercial, residential, and recreational space. H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture wanted to move the arena to a new pier west of Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, four blocks west of the current station and arena. Then, according to H3's plan, four skyscrapers would be built, one at each of the four corners of the new Penn Station superblock, with a roof garden on top of the station; the Farley Post Office would become an education center. Finally, Diller Scofidio + Renfro proposed a mixed-use development on the site, with spas, theaters, a cascading park, a pool, and restaurants; Madison Square Garden would be moved two blocks west, next to the post office. DS+F also proposed high-tech features in the station, such as train arrival and departure boards on the floor, and apps that would inform waiting passengers of ways to occupy their time until they board their trains. Madison Square Garden rejected the notion that it would be relocated, and called the plans "pie-in-the-sky".

File:MadisonSquareGarden2024.jpg in the background]]

In June 2013, the New York City Council Committee on Land Use voted unanimously to give the Garden a ten-year permit, at the end of which period the owners would either have to relocate or go back through the permission process.{{cite news |title=Bit by Bit, Evicting Madison Square Garden |first=Eleanor |last=Randolph |url=http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/27/bit-by-bit-evicting-madison-square-garden/ |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 27, 2013 |access-date=July 8, 2013}} On July 24, the City Council voted to give the Garden a 10-year operating permit by a vote of 47–1. "This is the first step in finding a new home for Madison Square Garden and building a new Penn Station that is as great as New York and suitable for the 21st century," said City Council speaker Christine Quinn. "This is an opportunity to reimagine and redevelop Penn Station as a world-class transportation destination."{{cite news |title=Madison Square Garden Is Told to Move |first=Charles V. |last=Bagli |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/25/nyregion/madison-square-garden-is-told-to-move.html?_r=0 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 24, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2013}}

In October 2014, the Morgan facility was selected as the ideal area for Madison Square Garden to be moved, following the 2014 MAS Summit in New York City. More plans for the station were discussed.{{cite web |url=http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2014/10/23/moving_the_garden_would_pave_the_way_for_a_new_penn_station.php |title=Moving the Garden Would Pave the Way for a New Penn Station |date=October 23, 2014 |author=Hana R. Alberts |work=Curbed |access-date=October 26, 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/244108609/MSG-the-Future-of-West-Midtown |title=MSG & the Future of West Midtown |work=Scribd}} Then, in January 2016, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a redevelopment plan for Penn Station that would involve the removal of The Theater at Madison Square Garden, but would otherwise leave the arena intact.{{cite news |last=Higgs |first=Larry |title=Gov. Cuomo unveils grand plan to rebuild N.Y. Penn Station |work=The Star-Ledger |date=January 6, 2016 |url=http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2016/01/cuomo_kick_starts_moynihan_station_plan_to_free_sp.html |access-date=January 6, 2016}}{{cite web |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/6th-proposal-governor-cuomos-2016-agenda-transform-penn-station-and-farley-post-office-building |title=6th Proposal of Governor Cuomo's 2016 Agenda: Transform Penn Station and Farley Post Office Building Into a World-Class Transportation Hub |work=Governor Andrew M. Cuomo |access-date=January 7, 2016 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142645/https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/6th-proposal-governor-cuomos-2016-agenda-transform-penn-station-and-farley-post-office-building |url-status=dead}}

File:Interior of Madison Square Garden 2024.png's "The Forget Tomorrow World Tour" ]]

In June 2023, nearing the end of the Garden's ten-year permit granted by the city, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, along with Amtrak and NJ Transit, filed a report stating that MSG is no longer compatible with Penn Station, with the report saying, "MSG's existing configuration and property boundaries impose severe constraints on the station that impede the safe and efficient movement of passengers and restrict efforts to implement improvements, particularly at the street and platform levels."{{cite news |title=MTA report says MSG and Penn Station are no longer compatible, fueling debate over the arena's future |first=Téa |last=Kvetenadze |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-msg-penn-station-mta-compatibility-20230606-7iymxnmfsjcopg3wssiyounllm-story.html |newspaper=New York Daily News |date=June 6, 2023 |access-date=June 10, 2023}} On September 14, 2023, the New York City Council voted 48–0 to renew the operating permit for Madison Square Garden for five years, the shortest ever granted by the city to the Garden.{{cite news |title=NYC officials set to give James Dolan five-year permit for Madison Square Garden — but battle over site is brewing |url=https://nypost.com/2023/09/14/nyc-officials-set-to-give-james-dolan-five-year-permit-for-msg-but-battle-over-site-is-brewing/ |work=New York Post |date=September 14, 2023 |access-date=September 14, 2023}}

{{main|List of events at Madison Square Garden}}

{{see also|List of entertainment events at Madison Square Garden}}

Madison Square Garden hosts approximately 320 events a year. It is the home to the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League, and the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association. Before 2020, the New York Rangers, New York Knicks, and the Madison Square Garden arena itself were all owned by the Madison Square Garden Company. The MSG Company split into two entities in 2020, with the Garden arena and other non-sports assets spun off into Madison Square Garden Entertainment and the Rangers and Knicks remaining with the original company, renamed Madison Square Garden Sports. Both entities remain under the voting control of James Dolan and his family. The arena is also host to the Big East men's basketball tournament and was home to the finals of the National Invitation Tournament from the beginning of its existence up until 2022.{{cite news |last1=Hladik |first1=Matt |title=Report: A Major Change Is Coming To The NIT |url=https://thespun.com/college-hoops/report-major-change-nit-semis-finals-moving-msg-2023 |access-date=March 23, 2022 |work=The Spun |date=March 23, 2022}} It also hosts select home games for the St. John's Red Storm, representing St. John's University in men's college basketball, and almost any other kind of indoor activity that draws large audiences, such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the 2004 Republican National Convention.

The Garden was home of the NBA draft and NIT Season Tip-Off,{{Cite news |last=Willis |first=George |date=February 11, 2015 |title=MSG will always be the 'Mecca,' no matter how bad things get |url=https://nypost.com/2015/02/11/msg-will-always-be-the-mecca-no-matter-how-bad-things-get/ |access-date=December 29, 2023 |work=New York Post}} as well as the former New York City home of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus and Disney on Ice; all four events are now held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It served the New York Cosmos for half of their home games during the 1983–84 NASL Indoor season.{{cite web |last=Yannis |first=Pat |title=Hartford Shift Seen For Indoor Cosmos |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/03/08/sports/hartford-shift-seen-for-indoor-cosmos.html |work=The New York Times |via=newyorktimes.com |date=March 8, 1984 |access-date=December 22, 2016}}

Many of boxing's biggest fights were held at Madison Square Garden, including the Roberto Durán–Ken Buchanan affair, the first Muhammad Ali – Joe Frazier bout and the US debut of Anthony Joshua that ended in a huge upset when he was beaten by Andy Ruiz. Before promoters such as Don King and Bob Arum moved boxing to Las Vegas, Nevada, Madison Square Garden was a popular location for boxing. The original {{cvt|18+1/2|×|18+1/2|ft|m}} ring, which was brought from the second and third generation of the Garden, was officially retired on September 19, 2007, and donated to the International Boxing Hall of Fame after 82 years of service.Baker, Mark A. (2019). Between the Ropes at Madison Square Garden, The History of an Iconic Boxing Ring, 1925–2007. {{ISBN|978-1476671833}}. A {{cvt|20|×|20|ft|m}} ring replaced it beginning on October 6 of that same year.{{Cite news |last=Fine |first=Larry |date=September 19, 2007 |title=Madison Square Garden ring out for count after 82 years |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boxing-ring-idUSN1928248120070919}} The UFC has hosted many events at Madison Square Garden in recent years and has put on some of the highest grossing PPV events in history.

Madison Square Garden has hosted many notable WWE (formerly WWF and WWWF) events, and it's affectionally known as WWE's "home office".{{cite web |last1=Sullivan |first1=Kevin |title=Madison Square Garden really is the mecca of wrestling arenas |url=http://web.yesnetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150602&content_id=128106928&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb |website=yesnetwork.com |access-date=December 15, 2018 |date=July 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215065850/http://web.yesnetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20150602&content_id=128106928&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |url-status=dead}} The Garden has hosted three WrestleMania events, including the first edition of the annual marquee event for WWE, as well as the 10th and 20th editions. Madison Square Garden is also one of two venues (the other being Allstate Arena) to host WrestleMania three times.

File:EddieandBenoitWMXX.jpg (right) and close friend Chris Benoit (left) celebrating as reigning World Champions at WrestleMania XX at Madison Square Garden]]

It also hosted the Royal Rumble in 2000 and 2008; SummerSlam in 1988, 1991 and 1998; as well as Survivor Series in 1996, 2002 and 2011. Multiple episodes of WWE's weekly shows, Raw and SmackDown have been broadcast from the Arena as well.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Ring of Honor (ROH) hosted their G1 Supercard supershow at the venue on April 6, 2019. A year later it was announced that New Japan Pro-Wrestling would return to Madison Square Garden alone on August 22, 2020, for NJPW Wrestle Dynasty.{{cite web |url=https://www.njpw1972.com/71967 |title=NJPW Returns to MSG for Wrestle Dynasty August 22 【NJoA】 |access-date=February 9, 2020 |work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200210181729/https://www.njpw1972.com/71967 |archive-date=February 10, 2020 |url-status=dead}} In May 2020, NJPW announced that the Wrestle Dynasty show would be postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2020 |title=NJPW Postpones Wrestle Dynasty At Madison Square Garden |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/05/njpw-postpones-wrestle-dynasty-at-madison-square-garden-670027/ |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=New Japan Pro Wrestling is not coming to the United States this year – Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/video/2020/07/03/new-japan-pro-wrestling-is-back |website=www.si.com |date=July 3, 2020}}

File:Jimmy Page early.jpg guitarist Jimmy Page performing at Madison Square Garden in 1973]]

Madison Square Garden hosts more high-profile concert events than any other venue in New York City. It has been the venue for Michael Jackson's Bad World Tour in 1988, George Harrison's The Concert for Bangladesh, The Concert for New York City following the September 11 attacks, John Lennon's final concert appearance during an Elton John concert on Thanksgiving Night in 1974 before his murder in 1980, and Elvis Presley, who gave four sold-out performances in 1972, his first and last ever in New York City. Parliament-Funkadelic headlined numerous sold-out shows in 1977 and 1978. Kiss, who were formed in the arena's city and three of whose members were city-born, did six shows during their second half of the 1970s main attraction peak or "heyday": four sold out winter shows at the arena in 1977 (February 18 and December 14–16), and another two shows only this time in summer for a decade-ender in 1979 (July 24–25). They played their final two shows at the venue on the December 1 and 2, 2023, the 50th anniversary year of their formation. Billy Joel, another city-born and fellow 1970's pop star, played his first Garden show on December 14, 1978, with that month's follow ups on the 15th, 16th and 18th. Led Zeppelin's three-night stand in July 1973 was recorded and released as both a film and album titled The Song Remains The Same. The Police played their final show of their reunion tour at the Garden in 2008.

In the summer of 2017, Phish held a 13-night series of concerts called "The Bakers' Dozen", during which the band played 237 unique songs, repeating none during the entire run. The Garden commemorated "The Bakers' Dozen" by adding a Phish-themed banner to the rafters.{{cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/live-reviews/phishs-bakers-dozen-residency-our-recap-w496328 |title=Phish's 'Baker's Dozen' Residency: Breaking Down All 13 Blissful Nights |work=Digiday |last1=Jarnow |first1=Jesse |date=August 7, 2017 |access-date=August 9, 2017 |archive-date=August 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808170305/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/live-reviews/phishs-bakers-dozen-residency-our-recap-w496328 |url-status=dead}} With their first MSG show taking place on December 30, 1994, Phish has regularly played annual multi-night runs, typically around New Year's Eve.{{Cite web|url=https://phish.net/venue/157/Madison_Square_Garden|title=Madison Square Garden- Phish.net|website=phish.net}} As of January 2025, Phish has performed 87 times at MSG.{{cite web |title=Phish Perform Longest "Mike's Song" Equipped with Second Jam for Penultimate Show of MSG Summer Run |url=https://jambands.com/news/2023/08/05/phish-perform-longest-mike-song-equipped-with-second-jam-for-penultimate-show-of-msg-summer-run/ |website=Jambands |access-date=August 18, 2023 |date=August 5, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Iuzzolino |first1=Nicole |title=Phish to play 7 shows at MSG during 2023 tour |url=https://www.nj.com/live-entertainment/2023/02/phish-to-perform-7-shows-at-msg-dates-schedules-where-to-buy-tickets.html |website=NJ Advance Media |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en |date=February 22, 2023}}

File:Eric Clapton 01May2015.jpg at the Garden in 2015; Clapton has played 45 concerts at the venue since 1968.{{cite magazine |title=Eric Clapton to Celebrate 70th Birthday With Two Shows at Madison Square Garden |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6501911/eric-clapton-70-birthday-madison-square-garden-shows |magazine=Billboard |date=April 23, 2016 |access-date=April 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513101700/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/6501911/eric-clapton-70-birthday-madison-square-garden-shows |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |url-status=live}}]]

Elton John once held the all-time record for the greatest number of appearances at the Garden with 64 shows. In a 2009 press release, John was quoted as saying "Madison Square Garden is my favorite venue in the whole world. I chose to have my 60th birthday concert there, because of all the incredible memories I've had playing the venue."{{Cite web |title=Top 10 Rock N' Roll Sites in NYC That You Can Visit Today |url=https://untappedcities.com/2022/08/05/rock-n-roll-sites-nyc/10/ |access-date=January 24, 2024 |website=Untapped Cities |date=August 5, 2022}} A DVD recording was released as Elton 60—Live at Madison Square Garden.{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/elton-john/27292 |title=NME article on 60th birthday concert at Madison Square Gardens |work=NME |location=UK |date=March 25, 2007 |access-date=February 25, 2009}}

The current record-holder for most appearances is Billy Joel, who as of July 2024 had played the Garden 150 times. That figure includes a "residency" of monthly concerts that he started in 2014 and played nearly continuously for a decade.{{cite web |last=Dresdale |first=Andrea |date=July 26, 2024 |title=Billy Joel ends historic Madison Square Garden residency with epic show |url=https://www.https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/billy-joel-ends-historic-madison-square-garden-residency-112301643 |url-status=live |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=January 16, 2025 |website=abcnewsgo.com}} Joel has stated that the site "has the best acoustics, the best audiences, the best reputation, and the best history of great artists who have played there. It is the iconic, holy temple of rock and roll for most touring acts."

File:Lady Gaga performing 2011 cropped.jpg performing at the Garden in 2011]]

The Grateful Dead performed in the venue 53 times from 1979 to 1994, with the first show being held on January 7, 1979, and the last being on October 19, 1994; their longest run was in September 1991.[http://www.dead.net/search-deadnet?title=madison%20square%20garden&taxonomy=madison%20square%20garden] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628234153/http://www.dead.net/search-deadnet?title=madison%20square%20garden&taxonomy=madison%20square%20garden|date=June 28, 2018}}, dead.net the official site of the grateful dead

The Who have headlined at the venue 32 times, including a four-night stand in 1974, a five-night stand in 1979, a six-night stand in 1996, and four-night stands in 2000 and 2002. They also performed at The Concert for New York City in 2001.{{cite web |url=http://www.thewholive.net/venues/show-venue.php?id=3 |title=The Who Concert Guide – Madison Square Garden |access-date=January 11, 2019}}

On March 10, 2020, a 50th-anniversary celebration of The Allman Brothers Band titled 'The Brothers' took place, featuring the five surviving members of the final Allman Brothers lineup and Chuck Leavell. Dickey Betts was invited to participate but his health precluded him from traveling.{{cite magazine |last1=Browne |first1=David |title=Derek Trucks on Playing Live Before and After the Coronavirus Shutdown |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/derek-trucks-allman-brothers-tribute-new-york-coronavirus-969359/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 30, 2020 |date=March 19, 2020}} This was the final concert at the venue before the COVID-19 pandemic forced its closure. Live shows returned to The Garden when the Foo Fighters headlined a show there on June 20, 2021. The show was for a vaccinated audience only and was the first 100 percent capacity concert in a New York arena since the start of the pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/06/20/1008449093/foo-fighters-to-perform-at-madison-square-gardens-first-full-capacity-concert |title=Foo Fighters To Perform At Madison Square Garden's First Full-Capacity Concert |publisher=NPR |date=June 20, 2021 |access-date=July 21, 2021}}

File:MSG Messier Night.jpg" on January 12, 2006]]

It hosted the 1976 Democratic National Convention{{Cite web |last=Barrow |first=Bill |date=August 5, 2020 |title=Biden Won't Travel to Milwaukee to Accept Party's Nomination for President, Source Says |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/national/biden-wont-travel-to-milwaukee-to-accept-partys-nomination-for-president-source-says/article_31625991-083f-5ca7-ae6f-0dabca46165d.html |website=The Buffalo News |access-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807045142/https://buffalonews.com/news/national/biden-wont-travel-to-milwaukee-to-accept-partys-nomination-for-president-source-says/article_31625991-083f-5ca7-ae6f-0dabca46165d.html |url-status=dead}} and 1980 Democratic National Convention with Carter, the 1992 Democratic National Convention{{Cite web |last1=Cronin |first1=Tom |last2=Loevy |first2=Bob |author2-link=Robert D. Loevy|date=August 1, 2020 |title=Do national conventions even matter anymore? |url=https://gazette.com/election-coverage/do-national-conventions-even-matter-anymore/article_79aa41ae-d1f6-11ea-ad4b-ef7abaafc6ad.html |access-date=August 6, 2020 |website=Colorado Springs Gazette |language=en}} with Clinton, and the 2004 Republican National Convention{{Cite web |last=Chung |first=Jen |date=August 30, 2019 |title=15 Years Ago, Protesters Took Over NYC During 2004 Republican National Convention |url=http://gothamist.com/news/15-years-ago-protesters-took-over-nyc-during-2004-republican-national-convention |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914103204/https://gothamist.com/news/15-years-ago-protesters-took-over-nyc-during-2004-republican-national-convention |archive-date=September 14, 2019 |access-date=August 6, 2020 |website=Gothamist |language=en}} with Bush, and hosted the NFL draft for many years (later held at Garden-leased Radio City Music Hall, now shared between cities of NFL franchises).{{Cite web |last=Levy |first=Dan |title=NFL Draft Is Moving in Wrong Direction |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1646145-nfl-draft-is-moving-in-wrong-direction |access-date=August 6, 2020 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Future NFL Draft locations: Host cities for 2020 NFL Draft and beyond |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/future-nfl-draft-locations-host-cities/1lnc951fyd6yy1vg3g9iwsiugq |access-date=August 6, 2020 |website=www.sportingnews.com |date=May 24, 2019 |language=en}} The Jeopardy! Teen Tournament and several installments of Celebrity Jeopardy! were filmed at MSG in 1999,{{Cite news |last=Kaplan |first=Don |date=October 11, 1999 |title='JEOPARDY!' HITS NYC; GAME SHOW CHALLENGES 'MILLIONAIRE' ON ITS OWN TURF |url=https://nypost.com/1999/10/11/jeopardy-hits-nyc-game-show-challenges-millionaire-on-its-own-turf/ |access-date=August 6, 2020 |work=New York Post |language=en-US}} as well as several episodes of Wheel of Fortune in 1999 and 2013.{{Cite news |last=Weinstein |first=Farrah |date=September 26, 1999 |title=STYLE & SUBSTANCE V-NN- WH-T- |url=https://nypost.com/1999/09/26/style-substance-v-nn-wh-t/ |access-date=August 6, 2020 |work=New York Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=WHEEL OF FORTUNE to Tape at Madison Square Garden, 3/15-19; Shows Air May 2013 |url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/WHEEL-OF-FORTUNE-to-Tape-at-Madison-Square-Garden-315-19-Shows-Air-May-2013-20120523 |access-date=August 6, 2020 |website=BroadwayWorld.com |language=en}}

The New York City Police Academy,{{Cite web |last=Formoso |first=Jessica |date=October 10, 2019 |title=NYPD welcomes new class of graduates |url=https://www.fox5ny.com/news/nypd-welcomes-new-class-of-graduates |access-date=August 6, 2020 |website=FOX 5 NY |language=en-US}} Baruch College/CUNY, and Yeshiva University also hold their annual graduation ceremonies at Madison Square Garden. It hosted the Grammy Awards in 1972, 1997, 2003, and 2018 (which are normally held in Los Angeles) as well as the Latin Grammy Awards of 2006.

The group and Best in Show competitions of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show have been held at MSG every February since 1877. Its original run at MSG through 2020 was the arena's longest continuous tenancy. In 2021, the event moved to Tarrytown, and later the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite magazine |title=Siba the Standard Poodle Wins the 2020 Westminster Dog Show With a Regal Attitude |url=https://time.com/5782524/westminster-dog-show-2020/ |access-date=August 6, 2020 |magazine=Time}}{{Cite web |last=Croke |first=Karen |title=Westminster Kennel Club moves its annual dog show to Tarrytown in 2021 |url=https://www.lohud.com/story/life/2020/10/22/westminster-kennel-club-dog-show-2021-lyndhurst-tarrytown/3725951001/ |access-date=November 22, 2020 |website=The Journal News |language=en-US}} The show returned to MSG in 2025 for the first time since 2020.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-12 |title=Westminster Dog Show set to return to New York City and Madison Square Garden |url=https://abc7ny.com/post/westminster-dog-show-2025-nyc-madison-square-garden/14940086/ |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=ABC7 New York |language=en}}

Madison Square Garden was the location of a 1939 Nazi rally sponsored by the German American Bund.{{Cite web |last=Kramer |first=Sarah Kate |date=20 February 2019 |title=When Nazis Took Manhattan |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2019/02/20/695941323/when-nazis-took-manhattan |url-status=live |access-date=16 January 2025 |website=NPR}} According to the World War Two Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, the rally falsely presented itself as a "Pro-American Rally".{{Cite web |title=Episode 2: Nazis at Madison Square Garden |url=https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/podcasts/antisemitism-fight-wwii-america/episode-2-nazis-madison-square-garden |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=The National WWII Museum {{!}} New Orleans |language=en}} According to NPR, the rally had more than 20,000 people in attendance. The rally featured a 30-foot banner of former American president George Washington, featured next to two American flag banners and two banners featuring the Nazi Swastika.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-29 |title=Trump and his allies insist he's 'not a Nazi' |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/trump-allies-insist-s-not-nazi-rcna177774 |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

The Garden hosted the Stanley Cup Finals and NBA Finals simultaneously on two occasions: in 1972 and 1994.

MSG has hosted the following All-Star Games:

• NHL All-Star Game: 1973, 1994
• NBA All-Star Game: 1998, 2015
• WNBA All-Star Game: 1999, 2003, 2006
• All American Karate Championships held in 1968 and 1969, both won by Chuck Norris. The 1970 edition was won by Mitchell Bobrow.
• UFC held its first event in New York City, UFC 205: Alvarez vs. McGregor, at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2016. This was the first event the organization held after New York State lifted the ban on mixed martial arts.

Mike Krzyzewski recorded two notable milestones at the arena. In 2011, he surpassed Bob Knight as the coach with the most wins NCAA Division I men's basketball history when Duke defeated Michigan State. Four years later, a Duke victory over St. John's gave Coach K his 1,000th career win.{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Scott |title=Coach K earns career win No. 1,000 in No. 5 Duke's win over St. John's |url=http://collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/25/coach-k-mike-krzyzewski-career-win-no-1000-no-5-dukes-win-st-johns/ |access-date=May 31, 2024 |agency=NBC Sports |date=January 25, 2015}}

Stephen Curry broke the NBA's all-time three-point scoring record at Madison Square Garden, on December 14, 2021. The Warriors defeated the Knicks 105–96 with Curry recording his 2,977th career three-pointer by the end of the game, eclipsing Ray Allen's 2,973 career total.

On October 27, 2024, then presidential candidate Donald Trump hosted a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden.{{cite news |last1=Colvin |first1=Jill |last2=Price |first2=Michelle L. |title=Trump's Madison Square Garden event features crude and racist insults |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-madison-square-garden-new-york-election-fcfe75be7f8281fde7bffa3adb3bba5d |work=Associated Press |date=October 28, 2024}}{{Cite news |last1=Gabbatt |first1=Adam |last2=Pilkington |first2=Ed |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Trump fills Madison Square Garden with anger, vitriol and racist threats |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/27/trump-madison-square-garden-rally |access-date=October 28, 2024 |work=The Guardian}} The event was particularly notable for remarks by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who spoke prior to Trump and made jokes widely considered offensive toward Puerto Ricans, which became a significant talking point going into the presidential election.{{Cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |last2=Mason |first2=Jeff |last3=Oliphant |first3=James |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Trump headlines Madison Square Garden rally after vulgar, racist remarks from allies |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-kick-off-final-week-campaign-with-madison-square-garden-rally-2024-10-27/ |access-date=October 28, 2024 |work=Reuters |quote=that began with a series of vulgar and racist remarks by allies of the former president.}}{{Cite news |last1=Haberman |first1=Maggie |author-link=Maggie Haberman |last2=Swan |first2=Jonathan |author-link2=Jonathan Swan |last3=Gold |first3=Michael |date=October 28, 2024 |title=Trump Team Fears Damage From Racist Rally Remarks |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/28/us/politics/trump-msg-rally-backlash.html |access-date=October 28, 2024 |work=The New York Times |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241028-205412/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/28/us/politics/trump-msg-rally-backlash.html |archive-date=October 28, 2024}}

{{main|Madison Square Garden Gold Ticket Award}}

In 1977, Madison Square Garden announced Gold Ticket Awards would be given to performers who had brought in more than 100,000 unit ticket sales to the venue. Since the arena's seating capacity is about 20,000, this would require a minimum of five sold-out shows. Performers who were eligible for the award at the time of its inauguration included Chicago, John Denver, Peter Frampton, the Rolling Stones, the Jackson 5, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Sly Stone, Jethro Tull, the Who, and Yes.{{cite magazine |date=November 5, 1977 |title=WNEW Gets Madison Square Garden Award |magazine=Cash Box |publisher=George Albert |volume=XXXIX |number=25 |page=16 |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Cash-Box/70s/1977/CB-1977-11-05.pdf#page=14 |via=americanradiohistory.com |access-date=March 30, 2019}}{{cite magazine |date=October 29, 1977 |title=Box Office Gold Ticket |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Lee Zhito |volume=89 |number=43 |page=42 |url={{Google books|akUEAAAAMBAJ |page=42 |plainurl=yes}} |via=Google books |access-date=March 30, 2019}} Graeme Edge, who received his award in 1981 as a member of the Moody Blues, said he found his gold ticket to be an interesting piece of memorabilia because he could use it to attend any event at the Garden.{{Cite web |url=http://www.moodybluestoday.com/graeme-edge-interview-glide-magazine/ |title=Graeme Edge Interview with Glide Magazine |date=February 10, 2014 |website=The Moody Blues |access-date=March 30, 2019}} Many other performers received Gold Ticket Awards between 1977 and 1994.

Madison Square Garden also gave Platinum Ticket Awards to performers who sold over 250,000 tickets to their shows throughout the years. Winners of the Platinum Ticket Awards include: the Rolling Stones (1981),{{cite news |title=Rolling Stones inducted into Hall |newspaper=The Central New Jersey Home News |location=New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA |date=June 14, 1984 |page=14, On the Go! section |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30326872/the_central_new_jersey_home_news/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=April 6, 2019}}{{free access}} Elton John (1982),{{cite news |title=Elton gets award |newspaper=Tampa Bay Times |location=St. Petersburg, Florida, USA |date=August 7, 1982 |page=6A |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30327266/tampa_bay_times/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=April 6, 2019}}{{free access}} Yes (1984),{{cite news |title=Yes, that's quite a feat |newspaper=Daily News |location=New York, New York, USA |date=May 16, 1984 |page=83 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30327439/daily_news/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=April 6, 2019}}{{free access}} Billy Joel (1984),{{cite news |title=Hot Ticket |newspaper=The Desert Sun |location=Palm Springs, California, USA |date=July 7, 1984 |page=D12 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30327660/the_desert_sun/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=April 6, 2019}}{{free access}} the Grateful Dead (1987),{{cite news |last=Jaeger |first=Barbara |title=Records, Etc.: The Grateful Dead |newspaper=The Record |location=Hackensack, New Jersey, USA |date=October 1, 1987 |page=E-10 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30304576/the_record/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=April 5, 2019}}{{free access}} and Madonna (2004).{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

The Madison Square Garden Hall of Fame honors those who have demonstrated excellence in their fields at the Garden. Most of the inductees have been sports figures, however, some performers have been inducted as well. Elton John was reported to be the first non-sports figure inducted into the MSG Hall of Fame in 1977 for "record attendance of 140,000" in June of that year.{{cite magazine |date=October 29, 1977 |title=Elton in Manhattan |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Lee Zhito |volume=89 |number=43 |page=3 |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/70s/1977/Billboard%201977-10-29.pdf#page=3 |via=AmericanRadioHistory.com |access-date=April 2, 2019}} For their accomplishment of "13 sell-out concerts" at the venue, the Rolling Stones were inducted into the MSG Hall of Fame in 1984, along with nine sports figures icons, bringing the hall's membership to 107.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/05/07/sports/sports-world-specials-173930.html |title=Sports World Specials |last=Thomas |first=Robert MCG. Jr. |date=May 7, 1984 |work=The New York Times |access-date=April 2, 2019 |issn=0362-4331}}

{{main|List of Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame Inductees}}

The walkway leading to the arena of Madison Square Garden was designated as the "Walk of Fame" in 1992.{{Cite web |url=https://newyork.cbslocal.com/guide/madison-square-garden-guide/ |title=Madison Square Garden Guide |date=October 19, 2010 |website=CBS New York |language=en |access-date=May 23, 2019}} It was established "to recognize athletes, artists, announcers and coaches for their extraordinary achievements and memorable performances at the venue."{{cite web |url=https://www.jambase.com/article/grateful-dead-inducted-into-msg-walk-of-fame/ |title=Grateful Dead Inducted into MSG Walk of Fame |last=Bernstein |first=Scott |date=May 11, 2015 |website=JamBase |access-date=April 16, 2019}} Each inductee is commemorated with a plaque that lists the performance category in which his or her contributions have been made.

Twenty-five athletes were inducted into the MSG Walk of Fame at its inaugural ceremony in 1992, a black-tie dinner to raise money to fight multiple sclerosis.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=September 12, 1992 |title=Madison Square Garden Gets Walk of Fame |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19920912&slug=1512564/ |work=The Seattle Times |location=Seattle, Washington, USA |access-date=April 16, 2019}}

Elton John was the first entertainer to be inducted into the MSG Walk of Fame in 1992.{{cite news |date=October 9, 2010 |title=This Day in History: October 9: Also on this date in: 1992 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/canada/cape-breton-post/20101009/282883727073282/ |work=Cape Breton Post |location=Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada |access-date=April 16, 2019 |via=PressReader}}{{cite book |editor=Gregory, Andy |date=2002 |title=International Who's Who in Popular Music 2002 |location=London, England |publisher=Europa Publications |isbn=9781857431612 |page=260 See entry "John Elton (Sir)"}}

Billy Joel was inducted at a date after Elton John,{{cite news |last=Biese |first=Alex |date=May 15, 2015 |title=Long, strange trip to NYC |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/30667628/the_couriernews/ |work=The Courier-News |location=Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA |page=2, Kicks section |access-date=April 16, 2019 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{free access}}

and the Rolling Stones were inducted in 1998.{{cite magazine |date=February 14, 1998 |title=Artists & Music: Walk This Way |url=https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/90s/1998/BB-1998-02-14.pdf#page=12/ |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Howard Lander |page=12 |access-date=April 16, 2019 |via=AmericanRadioHistory}} In 2015, the Grateful Dead were inducted into the MSG Walk of Fame along with at least three sports-related figures.

File:Madison Square Garden court.jpg

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{{Main|The Theater at Madison Square Garden}}

The Theater at Madison Square Garden seats between 2,000 and 5,600 for concerts and can also be used for meetings, stage shows, and graduation ceremonies. It was the home of the NFL draft until 2005, when it moved to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center after MSG management opposed a new arena for the New York Jets. It also hosted the NBA draft from 2001 to 2010. The theater also occasionally hosts boxing matches.

The fall 1999 Jeopardy! Teen Tournament as well as Celebrity Jeopardy! competitions were held at the theater. Wheel of Fortune taped at the theater twice in 1999 and 2013. In 2004, it was the venue of the Survivor: All-Stars finale. No seat is more than {{convert|177|ft|m}} from the 30' × 64' stage. The theater has a relatively low {{convert|20|ft|m|adj=on}} ceiling at stage level[http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/NR/rdonlyres/ev5qhbpo72cywqlemcpzwpdry4lg5cjh3wsanshe3kvn3d3egsugdb2kdxq2edhqa2h2n5k24z2qu27nnymz3qdj7jc/PressRelease7nov_EN.pdf "Wintuk created exclusively for Wamu Theater at Madison Square Garden"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327112136/http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/NR/rdonlyres/ev5qhbpo72cywqlemcpzwpdry4lg5cjh3wsanshe3kvn3d3egsugdb2kdxq2edhqa2h2n5k24z2qu27nnymz3qdj7jc/PressRelease7nov_EN.pdf |date=March 27, 2009 }}, cirquedusoleil.com, November 7, 2007 and all of its seating except for boxes on the two side walls is on one level slanted back from the stage. There is an {{convert|8000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} lobby at the theater.

File:Madison Square Garden Penn Station 7th Ave Entrance 2024.jpg entrance to Madison Square Garden and Penn Station in 2024]]

Madison Square Garden sits directly atop a major transportation hub, New York Penn Station, which is served by Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit commuter rail, as well as Amtrak. The Garden is also accessible via the New York City Subway at the 34th Street–Penn Station ({{NYCS trains|Eighth south}}) and the 34th Street–Penn Station ({{NYCS trains|Broadway-Seventh}}) stations.{{NYCS const|map}}

• List of indoor arenas by capacity
• List of NCAA Division I basketball arenas
• Madison Square Garden Bowl, a former outdoor boxing venue in Queens operated by the Garden company
• Royal Albert Hall

{{reflist}}

• {{cite web |first=Larry |last=McShane |url=http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=1255 |title=Looking Back at 125 Years of Madison Square Garden |publisher=New York City |access-date=August 7, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050830054157/http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=1255 |archive-date=August 30, 2005}}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.thegarden.com/inandaroundgarden_corporate.html |title=MSG: Corporate Information |access-date=August 7, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050806081452/http://www.thegarden.com/inandaroundgarden_corporate.html |archive-date=August 6, 2005}}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.thegarden.com/Rentthegarden/general_venue_capacity.html |title=Rent The Garden |access-date=August 7, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050305025746/http://www.thegarden.com/Rentthegarden/general_venue_capacity.html |archive-date=March 5, 2005}}
• {{cite news |first=Charles V. |last=Bagli |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/12/nyregion/12garden.html |title=Madison Square Garden's Owners Are in Talks to Replace It, a Block West |newspaper=The New York Times |date=September 12, 2005}}
• {{cite news |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2006/08/08/arenas-the-star-of-msg-revamp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240902144255/https://www.nydailynews.com/2006/08/08/arenas-the-star-of-msg-revamp/ |archive-date=September 2, 2024 |title=Arena's the Star of MSG Revamp |last=Huff |first=Richard |work=New York Daily News |date=August 8, 2006 |access-date=September 2, 2024}}
• {{cite news |title=Sports of the Times; Dues for the City |first=Dave |last=Anderson |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/02/19/sports/no-headline-011498.html |newspaper=The New York Times |date=February 19, 1981}}
• [https://archive.today/20121206014649/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1135433/index.htm "A Garden Built For Tomorrow," Sports Illustrated, January 2, 1967.]
• [http://digital.hagley.org/islandora/search/madison%20square%20garden?type=dismax Madison Square Garden under construction] from the Hagley Digital Archives

{{Commons category|Madison Square Garden}}

• {{official website|https://www.msg.com/madison-square-garden/}}
• [https://www.msgentertainment.com/ Madison Square Garden Entertainment corporate website]

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