The MSG experience, Part 1
This MSG is not about monosodium glutamate, that fine white substance we use to add flavor to our cooking but that world-famous 76,000 square meter arena located at Midtown Manhattan between 7th and 8th Avenues from 31st to 33rd Streets.
Opened on February 1968, Madison Square Garden is the oldest major sporting venue in the New York metropolitan area and is home to the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers of the NHL. It is the NBA’s oldest basketball arena and is the last among league arenas not named after a corporate sponsor. It ranks among the top 10 most expensive stadiums ever built, which had gone under two major renovations costing $1.1 billion. Aside from sports, it is the second-busiest music venue next to the O2 Arena in London.
Talking about concerts, all four Beatles had performed at MSG but they never performed there together. John Lennon’s second to the last performance ever was at MSG in 1974 when he appeared with Elton John as a surprise guest performer.
MSG has the coolest stadium floor in New York City because during hockey season, teams can play basketball in the afternoon and then a hockey game the very same night. Ice rests beneath the hardwood floor covered by insulating material.
I had marked November 23 as a must because the LA Lakers will be visiting and go up against the Knicks and thru the courtesy of our children Emil and Ana, bought us good seats. I requested for a day shift, so last Tuesday after work, me and my wife Denise had an early dinner and were at MSG before 5:30 pm, hoping to get in earlier.
Passing thru the 7th Av entrance, there were only a few people in line but we were asked if we have pregame tickets. Since we don’t have them, we had to wait till 6pm for the gates to open. Vax cards and IDs were required and we must go thru airport-like metal detectors. Unvaxed people have their separate sections. Knicks Team store greets you after security checks and fans got sucked in.
After three escalator rides, we got to our level, bought some drinks at one of the several food stalls on the hallway. We asked why they removed the caps on our drinks and were told that it is arena policy to take them off because people tend to slip if they step on caps and lids on the floor. Also, if fans get overly excited and throw them towards the court, it will cause less injury compared to a sealed bottle containing some liquid. Makes sense.
Yes, they sell beer in MSG. They serve 33 types of beer in 16-oz plastic cups, including 17 domestic and 16 imported, gluten-free and alcohol-free. I find it impractical to indulge as we do need to have some frequent bathroom breaks. Besides, it sells no less than $9. For 2 or 3 dollars more, I can get a Red Horse 6-pack at Queens.
Ushered to our seats, we had a good view of both teams having their shootaround as it was still about an hour before game time and spectators were just coming in. Looking up, it is the only arena ceiling in the world that curves inward which features sound absorptive insulation that allows superior sound quality ideal for concerts. Suspended from the ceiling are two pedestrian walkways which allow fans to look directly down to the games played below.
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