It's a battle of some of the greatest U.S. and international stars, with Marilyn Monroe up against Elvis Presley, boxer Muhammad Ali, former President Bill Clinton and even Pope John Paul II.
U.S. television viewers are being asked to vote on the greatest moment at one of the world's most famous arenas, New York's Madison Square Garden, which has played host to a list of sports stars, musicians, politicians and religious leaders in its 127-year history.
Everybody who has been anybody has had a magical moment at Madison Square Garden, according to producers of a new TV series, "The 50 Greatest Moments at Madison Square Garden," that will be broadcast next week.
"It's based on the 50 most incredible experiences that have occurred in this building," said Michael Bair, president of sports and entertainment network MSG Media, which is airing the 10-part series from next week.
Madison Square Garden has been the name of four arenas in New York City, with the first opening in 1879 and the most recent in 1968 with the capacity to hold 20,000 people.
Throughout its history it has been a top venue for major stars and events.
These include Marilyn Monroe's 1962 birthday serenade to President John F. Kennedy on his 45th birthday, the 1971 fight in which Joe Frazier beat Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title, Elvis Presley's sell-out 1972 shows, and John Lennon's last live performance in 1974.
Pope John Paul II visited Madison Square Garden in 1979 and in 1982 the Rev. and Mrs. Sun Myung Moon held a blessing ceremony there for 2,075 couples which was dubbed a "mass wedding" by media at the time.
Bill Clinton accepted the presidential nomination at Madison Square Garden in 1992.
Elvis Vs. Pope
October 26, 2006 | Other Source:ReutersRelated links
elvisfan1958 wrote on
October 26, 2006
Go to the msg50 website and vote for Elvis, as the top Madison Square Garden event!
Elviz The Pelviz wrote on
October 27, 2006
Thanks Elvis fan 1958, I voted for our Man. However, makesure to highlight all Five stars on your right hand side,when voting. If Elvis could come at least within the first ten it could be a major achievement.
jcorley wrote on
October 27, 2006
Thanks for the addy, elvisfan. And, like Elviz said, once you click on E's image, there will a red box saying Vote Now! Be sure to highlight all 5 stars, they will turn yellow. When I first got there, Elvis was ranked #29. When I left, he was ranked #4, as of 12:15 am CDT. I entered a total of 21 votes :-) and no doubt other votes came in besides mine during that time, so that gives you an idea on how many votes it may take to get him to " # 1 ". Tell all your friends and family and then some. Less than 4 days remaining to vote. TCB.
jcorley wrote on
October 27, 2006
He's now # 1. Of course, he's # 1 to all of us already, but I hope he stays that way on their list. Keep up the voting fellow fans.
ep010835 wrote on
October 27, 2006
I can only vote once, what am I doing wrong?? I tried to follow jcorley's instructions but must have goofed somewhere along the way.
jcorley wrote on
October 27, 2006
Hey EP, you're not doing anything wrong, I just didn't go into detail earlier, sorry. All I did was create 21 different accounts. They are all valid ones, as I used different family members info that gave their okay. I may even add more later. Good luck.
Steve V wrote on
October 27, 2006
I was at at the Ali/Frazier 1971 fight and at all of Elvis' shows the following year. I will vote for Elvis, but I dont think there has been anything close to the excitement of that first fight ever at the Garden. In fact I liked Elvis' shows better at The Nassau Colesium in 1975 (FTD release that one!) where he sang You'll Never Walk Alone. The excitement of seeing Elvis live for the first time in 1972 was unbelievable but I came away less than blown away as did the 10 people I went with. The shows were too slick & rushed and lacked an edge. I dont think the Garden CDs are the nearly the best of the live CDs out there. But I will still vote for Elvis.
Jim Hoff wrote on
October 27, 2006
I'll vote for Elvis, sure enough. I like his jumpsuits better than the Pope's, anyway.
MauriceColgan wrote on
October 29, 2006
LOL Jim. Roman Catholics believe, when discussing religion, the Pope is Infallible. Whereas Elvis fans think Elvis Presley is Unfathomable all the time....even here in Irelandtoo :-)
Getlow wrote on
October 30, 2006
Funny, I just checked an E's at the top of the list and that must be a shock to the Manager of the building! - A couple of years ago I was in there while visiting NY and looking for E's star in the floor (same as Hollywood) they had a star for everyone but Elvis. I asked the manager why Elvis was missing, his answer "Because he was never here" Doh! I of course put him straight but he said confirmation had to come Graceland. I only had a couple of days before Elvis Week in Memphis and as soon as I got there I spoke to Todd Morgan and Patsy and they said they would do something about that. Did they? Hope that's bubble gum dear
Greg Nolan wrote on
November 02, 2006
It's a cute title, but it's not really "Elvis Vs. The Pope." That gets off the subject of Madison Square Garden's 50th anniversary, it seems to me. Elvis' landmark '72 shows have long been ignored but it's great to see fans helping put him in the running not only for the top ten MSG "moments," but even number one! Check out msg50 site. Just add .com "Vote early and often" as they used to say in (I think) Chicago.. People need to know not only on Elvis' shining shows in New York but also that he still rocked the house in the '70s, contrary to stereotypes.
ext_mnx wrote on
November 03, 2006
In first place Elvis Aaron presley. In second place Pope John Paul II. And when finish the vote?