Five Surprises About Madison Square Garden

A 10-minute walk from Archer New York’s front door, Madison Square Garden is nothing short of a New York institution. Since its opening on February 11, 1968, The Garden has hosted an astounding array of sporting events, concerts, ice shows, beauty contests and other forms of entertainment and schedules more than 300 events every year.

While the typical MSG concert-goer or sports attendee may have a memorable experience visiting the arena, many don’t know these five fun facts about the world’s most famous arena.

1. The New York Knicks’ locker room is round and the Rangers’ locker room is oval, making it easy for every player to look into the eyes of their teammates. It also gives everyone in the room a sense of working together on equal ground — nobody gets stuck in a corner. The design inspiration came from former Rangers captain (and Hall of Famer) Mark Messier.
2. The arena’s ceiling is the world’s only concave (not convex) arena ceiling, with 48 bridge-like steel cables that run between the ceiling panels and connect in a tension ring at the center of the ceiling. This system offers an unobstructed view from any seat in the house. The ceiling also houses absorptive acoustic insulation that greatly improves sound quality — a noteworthy feature for musicians and concert-goers alike.
3. All four members of the Beatles have individually performed at The Garden — just never at the same time. And when John Lennon took the stage alongside Sir Elton John in 1974, it would be Lennon’s last concert performance.
4. The venue has a knack for raising serious funds for charity. Throughout its history in its current location, MSG has raised millions for people in need. Examples include The Concert for Bangladesh in 1971 and a tribute to the victims of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
5. The Garden is now partnering with Charlie Palmer Steak as the new official steakhouse of Madison Square Garden, offering the tender Charlie Palmer Steak Sandwich to its patrons. The sandwich — composed of a whole 5-ounce, medium-rare New York Strip steak, caramelized onions and Charlie Palmer’s signature steak sauce — is a delicious addition to the MSG cuisine lineup. Find it at the Madison Concourse near section 116.

Learn more about Madison Square Garden — “The World’s Most Famous Arena” — and remember to book your stay at nearby Archer Hotel New York. Enjoy pre-event dining at AVA Social and a post-event nightcap at Archer’s Spyglass® Rooftop Bar, with spectacular views of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings, distinctive signature cocktails and shareable bites.