Inaugurated on February 11, 1968, the Madison Square Garden, funnily abbreviated as MSG and mnemonically known as The Garden, is the longest-operating sports facility in New York City. It is a multi-use indoor stadium and the third busiest in the world when it comes to ticket sales following M.E.N Arena and the O2 Arena both located in the United Kingdom. Madison Square Garden is also the most antiquated arena used in the NHL and third oldest in the NBA and currently the home of five sports teams of New York City.

When it opened in 1968, it was considered an engineering wonder as it is the first structure of its kind to sit on top of an active railroad system, the Pennsylvania Station. Madison Square Garden hosts more than 320 events annually including the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, the NBA draft and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show just to name a few. The significant role it plays in the world of sports is also evident in boxing as it was the venue to many of the most popular fights in history including the Frazier-Muhammad Ali bouts.

Aside from sports, the Madison Square Garden is also a famous venue for several concerts and entertainment events involving the world?s most popular artists. Elton John had the most number of shows held in MSG with 60 performances, the 60th performance held during his 60th birthday. The legendary musician event cited The Garden as his ?favourite venue in the world.? It still remains as a favorite venue among young artists including Justin Bieber?s concert held on September 1, 2010 (sold out in 22 minutes) and Taylor Swift?s concert on August 27, 2009 (sold out in 60 seconds).

At present, other notable venues can be found within Madison Square Garden including the concert place The Theatre, the tradeshow site Expo Center and restaurants Play-by-Play and Garden Club. Plans of renovation are already in place to modernize this landmark venue in New York City.