New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday joined a long but exclusive list of international singers and film stars among others who have spoken at the iconic Madison Square Garden here in the US.
Also known as MSG or simply 'The Garden', Madison Square Garden is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Midtown Manhattan. Placed between 7th and 8th Avenues from 31st to 33rd Streets, it is situated atop Pennsylvania Station.
The venue has played host to the who's who of the entertainment industry - from the evergreen band 'Beatles' and Elvis Presley to pop king Michael Jackson and Madonna to basketball games.
Modi is perhaps the first international delegate from a country to speak at this venue, which opened on February 11, 1968. Singer-songwriter Billy Joel is set to perform here early next month.
It is considered to be the oldest and most active major sporting facility in the New York City metropolitan area. The Garden is used for professional basketball and ice hockey, as well as boxing, concerts, ice shows, circuses, and other forms of sports and entertainment.
It is close to other midtown Manhattan landmarks, including the Empire State Building. MSG is home to the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League and the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association.
Madison Square Garden is stated to be one of the ten most expensive stadium venues ever built.
