MADISON SQUARE GARDEN -- The Greatest Arena in the World

"Madison Square Garden is more a state of mind than a building"

Madison Square Garden

4 Penn Plaza is the 4th location of this storied arena… Known as "The Greatest Arena in the World" that has hosted some of the most amazing events in history. Heck, in 1962 this is where Marilyn Monroe sang her "infamous" Happy Birthday to JFK! From sporting events that wowed it's fans to concerts that rocked the world.., and humanitarian efforts that touched the people. Even Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis spoke at the Garden.

Pope John Paul II Visits The Garden
October 3, 1979

But before it was actually called Madison Square Garden it was nothing more than a converted railroad station that stood east of the present building on 26th St and Madison Ave., and had an open roof that PT Barnum called The Great Roman Hippodrome -- the circus, in 1871. The first ever Westminster Dog Show took place there in 1876, when it was known as Gilmore's Garden. It would go on to be the greatest arena on the planet. Where excellence shined and was worn with great pride and honor.

BOXING GREATNESS BEGINS

It wasn't until 1879 that it would be named Madison Square Garden.., by it's then owner (a Vanderbilt). But in 1890 after a new structure was built (the second MSG) with a roof. It hosted great fighters such as Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney.., who either won or defended their titles at the beginning of this boxing mecca. And it would become famous, for not a sporting event or concert.., but a murder. The architect of the building was having an affair with some millionaires wife and he killed him. The husband actually shot hime during a performance of the musical revue Mam’zelle Champagne. It was so widely publicized that it became known as "The Murder of the Century."

But by 1925 it was not to be.., and it was demolished and moved uptown to 8th ave., between 49th and 50th St. This would be the third MSG and one where history would be made many times over… From FDR political rallies in 1932 to a massive "Boycott Nazi Germany" in 1936. In 1940 the held a rodeo with Gene Autry. For true boxing fans this was the "heyday" of the Garden… So many great fighters would come through those doors and step into that ring displaying, not only excellence at their craft.., but courage and heart.

Sugar Ray Robinson won his first world title at there.., and heavyweight great, Joe Louis, defended his title seven times at The Garden. This is the arena, the boxing ring where Sugar Ray Robinson would battle Jake La Motta (Raging Bull). And then, in 1951 Rocky Marciano would knock-out former world champ Joe Louis. "Never have you seen so many grown men cry in one building."

The "Fight of the Century"
March 8, 1971

But in 1968 the current MSG at 4 Penn Plaza would be built… Just in time for "The Fight of the Century"-- Ali vs. Frazier, March 8th 1971. almost every seat in The Garden was taken by a celebrity, gangster or politician for this bout… And to be completely honest -- the crowd was for Smokin' Joe Frazier. For the first time ever.., 2 undefeated fighters would step into the ring the heavyweight title. 15 hard fought rounds later, Joe Frazier would be the unanimous decision of the judges.., in the first of a rivalry that went down in history. All the great fighters to come.., would walk in the shadows of excellence. From Mike Tyson to Bernard Hopkins. Roberto Duran to Lennox Lewis.

ELVIS COMES TO TOWN

Beyond all the great sporting events that would take place at The Garden.., the history made -- whether it be by knock-out, a goal in over-time.., or a 3-pointer from the top of the key at the buzzer. Some of the best concerts in history have taken place here…

John Lennon and Elton John Perform
"I Saw Her Standing There"

From Led Zeppelin (The Song Remains the Same) in 1973 to George Harrison's The Concert for Bangladesh… U2 has played there 25 times and it was John Lennon's last time on stage, before being murdered. The Rolling Stones wrapped up there S.T.P tour in in 1972 and it was so out of hand, 2 police officers had to be treated for injuries. Heck, it's practically Billy Joel's second home.., and for 4 nights only Elvis packed it to the rafters.

No matter what you were coming to Madison Square Garden for -- Ranger or Knick game. Boxing match or Dog show… Whether you were a fan or a fighter.., walking into this "space" Madison Square Garden -- was like walking into church. There was a reverence it demanded by all those that experienced it. Because, make no mistake about it.., going to The Garden -- was an experience.

Because beyond all the greatness you knew would be going on, right before your eyes -- the moment you stepped onto that hallowed ground.., you could feel the greatness that came before… Like it was a living part of this storied structure, pumping it's heart full of life. If you have ever been to The Garden for an event -- you remember it! I know I do… From seeing Joe Frazier taking out Jerry Quarry with a shot to the ribs with my Dad.., to sneaking into the Rolling Stones a few years later.

Today Madison Square Garden stands as.., the oldest sporting arena in the whole New York area. It recently under went a 3 year, 1 billion dollar -- yes, 1 billion dollar renovation… There are now 2 bridges spanning the length of the floor (pretty cool, I guess), giant video screen on the ceiling of the entrance -- they really went "state of the art" with this impressive renovation. But even all spruced-up.., there is no mistaken that feeling you get, that brush with greatness -- every time your are lucky enough to go!


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