A Brief History of Madison Square Gardens: From Open Air Arenas to Modern Music Venues

The name Madison Square Garden (MSG) has been synonymous with some of the most famous and influential venues in the world of sports and entertainment. However, it has gone through several iterations over the years, each contributing to its unique legacy.

The Legacy of Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden, or MSG, has had a rich history with three distinct arenas known specifically by this name in New York City. Here is a detailed account of each of these venues:

Madison Square Garden I (1879-1889)

The first venue named Madison Square Garden was an open-air arena located on Madison Avenue between 26th and 27th Streets. Built between 1879 and 1889, it primarily served as a location for boxing matches, concerts, and other events. This early iteration set the foundation for what would become a world-renowned sports and entertainment destination.

Madison Square Garden II (1890-1925)

The second Madison Square Garden was constructed in 1890 and remained open until 1925. This indoor arena was significantly larger than its predecessor and hosted a variety of events, ranging from sports to entertainment. It became a pivotal location for world events, including boxing matches and other large-scale performances.

Madison Square Garden III (1925-present)

The current incarnation of Madison Square Garden, which is still open, was constructed in 1968 and is located at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, on top of Penn Station. This version has hosted an array of events, including basketball games, concerts, and various other sports competitions. The venue has been notorious for its capacity and illustrious past, making it one of the most famous arenas in the world.

Other Venues with the Madison Square Garden Name

While there have been four main venues called Madison Square Garden, there have been several other notable venues in the past and present, including:

Boston Madison Square Garden (1892-1925)

This venue was owned by the same entity as the original Madison Square Garden, leading to the similar name. Located in Boston, it served a similar purpose but closed down in 1925.

Madison Square Garden Bowl (1932-1942)

Also known as the Madison Square Garden Bowl, this outdoor arena was located in Queens. It featured a seating capacity of 72,000 and was primarily used for boxing matches. It is a testament to the reputation of the MSG brand, even in outdoor formats.

The Theater at Madison Square Garden

Compellingly, even within the current MSG building, there is an in-theater venue known as The Theater at Madison Square Garden, which has had several name changes. It started as the Felt Forum, and later was the Paramount Theater, WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, and it is now known as Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. This theater has been a focal point for entertainment and live events in the current MSG complex.

Future Venues: The MSG Sphere in Las Vegas and London

The MSG Sphere is an exciting new development in Las Vegas, set to open in 2023. This 20,000-seat venue is a music and entertainment center, further extending the MSG brand's reach and influence. Additionally, plans are in the works for a similar venue in London, which would bring the MSG name to a new international market. These upcoming venues continue to build on the legacy of Madison Square Garden while also looking to the future of the entertainment industry.

Whether historical or on the horizon, Madison Square Garden has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of sports and entertainment, cementing its position in the annals of cultural iconography.