History of Madison Square Garden

Located in the heart of New York city, Madison Square Garden is known as The Garden. The arena is used to organize sport events, entertainment programs as well as concerts. An interesting fact about today's Madison Square Garden is, that it is neither located near the Madison Square, nor is it a garden. The first two buildings of this arena were however, constructed on the 26th street, near Madison Square. The Madison Square Garden history can be divided into following sections.

The First Garden
It was built in 1879 and had a seating capacity of 10,000 people. Different activities like boxing matches and circus were held at this arena. The Madison Square Garden I, had a velodrome, a track cycling arena, in its premises. Track cycling, a popular sport, drew huge response at that time. With the velodrome arena in the Madison Square Garden becoming popular, a large number of track cycling arena mushroomed throughout the United States. Madison, a team sport in cycling, is played in the Olympics. It is named after the Madison Square Garden I. The first indoor rink in the United States for ice hockey too, was introduced in this arena. In 1890, however, the Madison Square Garden I was closed.

Madison Square Garden II
It was designed by Mr. Stanford White and had a seating capacity of 8,000 people. The Democratic National Convention of 1924 was held in this arena. It was constructed in lines with the Moorish architecture, and was the second tallest building in the New York city. The building had 32 stories and a statue of Diana, the 'goddess of hunt', was installed at the top, by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, an American sculptor. As the statue was too large, it was removed and moved to The Chicago's World Fai. In the year 1925, the Madison Square Garden II was replaced by Madison Square Garden III.

Madison Square Garden III
The third garden was in focus, primarily for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Although ice hockey was played in the garden, the circus was allotted more time for their acts. The arena also hosted basketball and ice hockey, featuring the 'New York Knicks' and the New York Rangers, respectively. The third garden, which had a seating capacity of 18,496 people, was constructed in mere 249 days.

The Madison Square Garden III also hosted several boxing matches and different events. 17th January, 1941 witnessed a record of 23,190 people attending the garden to watch Henry Armstrong, contesting Fritzie Zivic in a boxing match. In 1954, the garden hosted the All-Star Game started by the NBA. The NBA were the first to start the All-Star Game on 2nd March, 1951 in Boston.

The third garden, however, had some problems, such as poor sight lines and ventilation. It was closed in the year 1967. After the Madison Square Garden III was closed, the place was used as a parking space till 1989; after which the Worldwide Plaza was constructed there.

Madison Square Garden IV
This garden was built on 14th February, 1968. The Madison Square Garden IV is a unique piece of architecture, since it was built above Pennsylvania Station, which operates in the underground. The construction of the building was headed by R.E. Mckee from Texas. The garden is popularly known as Penn Plaza.

The Madison Square Garden IV hosts different teams from various sports. The football teams, 'New York Giants' and 'NewYork Jets' play in this arena. The garden also hosts the basketball and hockey teams, 'The New Jersey Nets' and the 'New Jersey Devils', respectively. In 1991, renovation of the garden was done and $200 million were spent for the purpose.

The New York Titans' lacrosse match, was organized at the Madison Square Garden IV in 2007. 13,000 people attended the match.

With all the concerts, events and sports activities buzzing the arena, The Madison Square Garden continues to provide great entertainment, for the people of New York.