The NCAA announced today that Madison Square Garden will be the East Regional site in the 2014 NCAA tournament.
This will be the first time in 53 years that the worlds most famous arena has been apart of the tournament. The venue hosted 71 tournament games between 1943 and 1961.
“We are excited about the tournament returning to the world’s most famous arena. Only three arenas have hosted more tournament games than Madison Square Garden, despite it being more than five decades since the last time it hosted.” NCAA Vice President of mens basketball Dan Gavitt said. “That gives you a great sense of the historical significance of bringing the tournament back there.”
Despite the half century since any tournament games have been played at the Garden, New York City is no stranger to postseason college basketball. The Big East Tournament has been played at Madison Square Garden since 1983, making it the longest running conference tournament site in all of the NCAA.
St. John’s, who plays many of their major home games at MSG, will be considered the host school of the event. The last time the school took part in hosting the NCAA tournament was in the early 70’s, when Carnesecca Arena housed first round games.
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