Madison Square Garden a premier venue for sports, entertainment

New York: Madison Square Garden in the heart of Manhattan, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi captivated nearly 20,000 Indian-Americans with an inspiring can-do address, is the city's premier venue for sports and entertainment, but it has also played a key role in US politics launching three presidents on their way to the White House.

Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush received their presidential nominations at their party conventions held at the indoor arena built in 1968.

In 1971, MSG figured in a major South Asia-related event. Ravi Shankar and former Beatle George Harrison organized the Concert for Bangladesh, which raised $250,000 for UNICEF relief operations. Ali Akbar Khan, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and ex-Beatle Ringo Starr played in the concert.

The primary use for MSG is as a sports arena. It is the home of the New York Rangers ice hockey team and the Knicks basketball team. The first Joe Frazier-Mohammed Ali boxing bout was held here.

Elvis Presley, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, John Lennon, Elton John, Rolling Stone, U2, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Billy Joel, have all performed here.

The arena is build on top a major transportation hub, the Pennsylvania (Penn) Station. The Amtrak long-distance train system, several subway lines and the Long Island Railroad connecting there.