D.C. Might Add a Little MSG
Madison Square Garden LP eyeing D.C. sites
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So what would New York's Madison Square Garden bring to D.C.? If other recent development is an indication, it could be a large-scale music and entertainment venue that would compete with current District staples like the Warner Theatre, the Lincoln Theatre and DAR Constitution Hall.
For those who say the District needs another large entertainment venue, your wish may soon come true.
Madison Square Garden LP, which owns the famous New York City landmark and other entertainment venues in major metro areas, is looking to expand into D.C., according to the Washington Business Journal.
The Journal said MSG has been in contact with the office of D.C.'s deputy mayor for planning and economic development, as well as some major landowners since early summer.
So what would MSG bring to D.C.? If other recent development is an indication, it could be a large-scale music and entertainment venue that would compete with current District staples like the Warner Theatre, the Lincoln Theatre and DAR Constitution Hall.
MSG already runs the 2,800-seat Beacon Theatre in New York, the 3,600-seat Chicago Theatre and has a agreement with the Wang Center in Boston to book national acts.
Here's the rundown on what MSG operates, from their Web site:
Madison Square Garden, L.P. is owned by Cablevision Systems Corporation, and includes the New York Knicks (NBA); the New York Rangers (NHL); the New York Liberty (WNBA); the Hartford Wolf Pack (American Hockey League); MSG Entertainment, which includes concerts and events at Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, the Beacon Theatre, and The Chicago Theatre; MSG Media, which is comprised of MSG and MSG Plus; fuse, the music television network; and the Madison Square Garden arena complex
That's a pretty healthy list.
So where would an MSG-run entertainment venue fit in?
Obviously any new venue would have to be near a Metro station, as well as have access to other nearby shopping and dining options. Nationals Park may be a good fit, considering current development has been slowed due to the down economy. A major player like MSG would give it a good boost. The Journal also said a venue near the Washington Convention Center is an option.
More details are sure to emerge, but music lovers can't go wrong with more concert options.
Now only if we could find someone to compete with TicketMaster...
