HOME > Madison Square Garden Name Origin
Introduction
Madison Square Garden is one of the most famous sports and entertainment venues in the world. Located in the heart of New York City, it has hosted countless historic events, from championship boxing matches to sold-out concerts. But where did the name Madison Square Garden come from? In this article, we'll explore the history and origin of this iconic name.
The Original Madison Square Garden
The first Madison Square Garden was built in 1879 on the site of the old Madison Square Park. It was designed by architect Stanford White and was a massive structure, with a seating capacity of over 10,000 people. The original Garden was primarily used for sporting events, including boxing matches, wrestling matches, and bicycle races. It also hosted political rallies and other public gatherings.
The Second Madison Square Garden
The original Madison Square Garden was demolished in 1889 to make way for a new, even larger arena. The second Madison Square Garden was designed by the same architect, Stanford White, and was completed in 1890. This new Garden was even more impressive than the first, with a seating capacity of over 18,000 people. It was also the first indoor arena to have electric lighting.
The Move to 8th Avenue
In 1925, the owners of Madison Square Garden decided to move the arena to a new location on 8th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. The new Garden was designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb and was completed in 1927. It had a seating capacity of over 18,000 people and was the largest indoor arena in the world at the time.
The Name Madison Square Garden
So where did the name Madison Square Garden come from? The original Garden was built on the site of Madison Square Park, which was named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. The name Madison Square Garden was a nod to the park's namesake and its location in the Madison Square neighborhood of New York City. The name stuck even after the arena moved to its current location on 8th Avenue.
The Modern Madison Square Garden
The current Madison Square Garden was opened in 1968 and is the fourth arena to bear the name. It was designed by architect Charles Luckman and has a seating capacity of over 20,000 people. The modern Garden has hosted countless historic events, including championship boxing matches, NBA Finals games, and concerts by some of the biggest names in music.
Conclusion
Madison Square Garden is an iconic sports and entertainment venue that has played a major role in the history of New York City. Its name is a nod to the park on which the original arena was built and its location in the Madison Square neighborhood. Today, Madison Square Garden continues to be a beloved institution and a symbol of the city's rich history and culture.
