OT: New MSG Relocation Plan

[ElGuapo]

Sorry if this is cross-posted but I did my due diligence to search and see it it was previously mentioned.

Pretty interesthing stuff going on in here for a new MSG site/building and some ideas for Penn Station.

Kathy Hochul is preparing to relocate Madison Square Garden

buffalochronicle.com

This has my phellow Phish phans abuzz with the future of our MSG NYE's and possible residencies.

 

[Hey Adrien!]

The only downside is that the walk from Grand Central to DeWitt Clinton park is about 3/4 miles longer than the walk from Grand Central to Penn Station/MSG.

That'll obviously be mitigated w/ subway lines, but I've always enjoyed the walk from Grand Central to MSG and back to Grand Central (even after Phish shows ).

The one obvious plus is that its more uptown location and proximity to the Henry Hudson would make for a much easier drive in.

 

[McLovin]

You can’t move MSG. It’s the worlds most famous arena.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

You can’t move MSG. It’s the worlds most famous arena.

It was the world's most famous arena long before the current version (I believe this is #4) was built.

 

[pepband99]

It was the world's most famous arena long before the current version (I believe this is #4) was built.

Bingo, and the current one is the worst of the lot.

 

[nadav]

Do we name the new station for Harriet Tubman, Susan B Anthony or Billy Joel!!! Lol. What a disaster

 

[XLCenterFan]

You can’t move MSG. It’s the worlds most famous arena.

If they knocked down Yankee Stadium, nothing is safe.

 

[McLovin]

If they knocked down Yankee Stadium, nothing is safe.

I know, but that decision was led by the yankees not the state of NY.

Is MSG the nicest arena I've been in? No. But It's certainly not the worst. I've sat lower bowl, upper bowl, box seats, chase bridge, etc. No bad seats in the house. Fine amenities. Very convenient from coming outside the city. Lots of history in that building.

 

[brasssbonanzaa]

Why the hell would they do this? They just finished a super expensive complete remodel of the arena.

 

[businesslawyer]

Shouldn't Madison Square Garden host the Big Ten Tournament? That way, a conference not named after the actual number of teams they have in it could play their championship at an arena named for a part of their city that it is not located in.

 

[XLCenterFan]

I know, but that decision was led by the yankees not the state of NY.

Is MSG the nicest arena I've been in? No. But It's certainly not the worst. I've sat lower bowl, upper bowl, box seats, chase bridge, etc. No bad seats in the house. Fine amenities. Very convenient from coming outside the city. Lots of history in that building.

I love the garden as well, but the more stadiums that go up looking like those in LA/Vegas, makes cities, states, and teams feel inferior with “old” arenas/stadiums. Gimme the XL, UConn hoops, and some Two Roads and let’s go! I find that fans generally could care less what the stadium looks like. We’re there for the game, not shiny floors and gimmicky hang-out spots.

 

[McLovin]

I love the garden as well, but the more stadiums that go up looking like those in LA/Vegas, makes cities, states, and teams feel inferior with “old” arenas/stadiums. Gimme the XL, UConn hoops, and some Two Roads and let’s go! I find that fans generally could care less what the stadium looks like. We’re there for the game, not shiny floors and gimmicky hang-out spots.

Agreed. As long as they have beer, I'm good.

 

[CL82]

Sorry if this is cross-posted but I did my due diligence to search and see it it was previously mentioned.

Pretty interesthing stuff going on in here for a new MSG site/building and some ideas for Penn Station.

Kathy Hochul is preparing to relocate Madison Square Garden

buffalochronicle.com

This has my phellow Phish phans abuzz with the future of our MSG NYE's and possible residencies.

This article is a must read and has so much info hidden in the crevices.

While the cost of building a new garden is “only“ $800 million, the cost of using eminent domain to acquire the old MSG space is also $800 million and Dolan has indicated he is reluctant to go along with the plan unless there is a 1.5 mile subway extension to the new site, which is estimated to cost another $300-$400 million. So we are at $2 billion, roughly, before pesky little items like demolition or repurposing costs.

And I say “we“ because she is looking to get this money from the funds set aside for federal infrastructure projects. I don’t blame her for that, it’s “free money.“ I do however blame Connecticut for not saddling up to the government teat to get money for the I-84 renovation for Hartford. Seriously, there is an obscene amount of money available and Hartford has as good in argument as anyone. It’s a huge failure if we don’t take advantage of that.

One final thought, at least one of the plans is to move MSG to a park so that they can build a park where MSG currently is. You can’t argue with logic like that. I mean I really can’t think of a better way to spend minimally, $2 billion.

 

[uconnfan68]

Shouldn't Madison Square Garden host the Big Ten Tournament? That way, a conference not named after the actual number of teams they have in it could play their championship at an arena named for a part of their city that it is not located in.

Now you're just being cruel to Rutgers. The B1G tournament should be Nebraska every year.

 

[John]

I love the garden as well, but the more stadiums that go up looking like those in LA/Vegas, makes cities, states, and teams feel inferior with “old” arenas/stadiums. Gimme the XL, UConn hoops, and some Two Roads and let’s go! I find that fans generally could care less what the stadium looks like. We’re there for the game, not shiny floors and gimmicky hang-out spots.

maybe it's gimmicky, but I'd like restrooms that can handle a crowd and don't have the people going to the sinks colliding into people waiting to hit the urinals.

 

[elmcityboy]

haven't read this article yet, but i have heard some speculation about a new msg ever since ubs arena opened up -- these billionaire guys are really competitive.

i love the garden, but as a huge proponent of public transportation, any move is worthwhile that allows NY to finally fix up penn station.

 

[XLCenterFan]

maybe it's gimmicky, but I'd like restrooms that can handle a crowd and don't have the people going to the sinks colliding into people waiting to hit the urinals.

I could care less. I'm there for the game and the beer.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Remember these conversations and price tags when CT and Hartford eventually do the same on a smaller scale with HCC/XL.

 

[McLovin]

Remember these conversations and price tags when CT and Hartford eventually do the same on a smaller scale with HCC/XL.

But CT has no need for a new arena. The state doesn't need to invest millions into an arena for a minor league hockey team and college basketball program (especially when the basketball program already has another arena on campus).

Great memories my entire life from the HCC/XL, but they could demolish the arena, never replace it and it would have 0 impact on the tenants. It would suck for Hartford and kill what ever little economic activity remains downtown. But even the most beautiful and modern arena won't save the city at this point. It's pointless to invest in a new building without a professional anchor tenant (NBA or NHL team). Especially since all of the prime concerts go through the casinos when on tour between Boston & New York.

 

[gampelcrazies]

Would be a travesty if the knocked down the current MSG. Of the dozens of arenas I've been to across the country it's my favorite of the bunch. Just has a special feel when you walk in the place. Similar to Fenway.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Do we name the new station for Harriet Tubman, Susan B Anthony or Billy Joel!!! Lol. What a disaster

Maybe put a plaque up to commemorate all of Billy's DUI's???

 

[August_West]

This article is a must read and has so much info hidden in the crevices.

While the cost of building a new garden is “only“ $800 million, the cost of using eminent domain to acquire the old MSG space is also $800 million and Dolan has indicated he is reluctant to go along with the plan unless there is a 1.5 mile subway extension to the new site, which is estimated to cost another $300-$400 million. So we are at $2 billion, roughly, before pesky little items like demolition or repurposing costs.

And I say “we“ because she is looking to get this money from the funds set aside for federal infrastructure projects. I don’t blame her for that, it’s “free money.“ I do however blame Connecticut for not saddling up to the government teat to get money for the I-84 renovation for Hartford. Seriously, there is an obscene amount of money available and Hartford has as good in argument as anyone. It’s a huge failure if we don’t take advantage of that.

One final thought, at least one of the plans is to move MSG to a park so that they can build a park where MSG currently is. You can’t argue with logic like that. I mean I really can’t think of a better way to spend minimally, $2 billion.

I'm pretty against moving MSG........................................ UNLESS (and this fits in with infrastructure money) its for a total Penn station overhaul/upgrade. It's needed. NY needs it, America actually needs it when you frame it as getting people in an out of city. I'm glad to see that is a sticking point with Dolan. I would support a move under that auspice. Still would be hard. That building is ingrained in my DNA. I grew up there as a young kid who's dad had season tickets to the Rangers and Knicks through the mid 70's until we moved to CT. No exaggeration I've been in that building probably over 500 times in 54 years. I saw Willis Reed come out for game 7 in there. I saw Rangers Stanley cup Finals in there with the Ratelle/Gilbert/Hadfield/Giacomin . I was there for the Grateful Dead bustout of St. Stephen in 83. And their legendary Dew on 9/18/87 I was there for Matteau, Matteau, Matteau. I was there for Phish New Years 95, recognized as the greatest concert of 90's. Bob Dylan's 30th anniversary. Ronnie Lane benefit for ARMS. Janes Addiction first performance and sellout there. And since this is the yard I don't think I need to list what the Huskies have done there in last 35 years. I was there for all of them. Seriously, I think all of them (the moments, 90. 96, 99, 02,04, etc....) if you want to tick off the list.


By the way. Im not old enough to say this and I don't remember it, obviously, But I have a ticket stub and a picture of me as a 9 month old at a Rangers game at the old (3rd) MSG in January 68 . Framed Xmas present from my dad. He loved the Garden. Right before it closed and was moved to its current location. I think that might qualify me as one of the youngest people alive who has been in both gardens .

 

[John]

Do we name the new station for Harriet Tubman, Susan B Anthony or Billy Joel!!! Lol. What a disaster

???

 

[dvegas]

I used to play softball in DeWitt Clinton park, at the time (early 90's), walking behind the bleachers was an exercise in avoiding needles and hearing the crack vials break under your feet.

 

[DFW HOYA]

Not so fast...

No, Madison Square Garden Is Not Moving To Hell's Kitchen

A dubious news article said DeWitt Clinton Park would be bulldozed for a sports arena. The governor's office says it's pure fiction.

patch.com