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On the evening of November 14, 1928, President Calvin Coolidge ushered in a new era for New England and the world. Using a ceremonial key made from nuggets of Yukon gold, Coolidge switched on the lights of the recently constructed Boston Garden from the White House via the newest telegraph technology of the time. Three days later, the Garden opened its doors to the public for the first time and the rest, as they say, is history. At the time of its grand opening, not even creator Tex Rickards could have imagined how legendary the arena on Causeway Street would become. For more than 66 years, the Garden played host to the best and brightest in the world of sports and entertainment. The Celtics, led by names like Auerbach, Russell, Cousy and Bird, built themselves into one of the premier franchises in the NBA, garnering a league-record 16 world titles along the way. The Bruins added another five world championship banners to the Garden rafters with Orr, Esposito, Bucyk and Neely among others leading the way. It was the place where families went to watch their favorite shows, like
the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice, or the Harlem Globetrotters. It also served the city's political needs, featuring speeches from some of the greatest politicians of all-time, including Churchill, FDR and Kennedy. But on September 29, 1995, the old Garden closed its doors to
the public for the last time with a nostalgic evening of entertainment. The following night, a spectacular gala was held at the sparkling FleetCenter tousher in a new era for sports and entertainment in New England. With many of the historical reminders from the old structure having now been moved next
door to the state-of-the-art FleetCenter, the tradition of building memories began again.

Though you may not think you are familiar with Boston's FleetCenter - you probably are. The FleetCenter is New England's premier sports and entertainment facility and is best recognized as home to two of the nation's most storied sports franchises in all the sporting world, the NBA's Boston Celtics and the NHL's Boston Bruins. Priding itself as host to a wide
diversity of events, it also accommodates ice shows, the circus, gymnastics, concerts, Disney shows, pro-wrestling matches, and the famed Beanpot, among others. A variety of private events are also held at the FleetCenter annually, including graduations, sales and marketing seminars, receptions,
charity dinners, annual meetings and conventions.

Occupying almost four acres in the heart of the city, the arena's
impressive facilities and Boston's appeal have helped the FleetCenter attract several national profile events since its opening. The 1998 NCAA Hockey Championship, the WWF's 1998 WrestleMania XIV event, and the first and second
rounds of the 1999 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament are among them. In upcoming years the FleetCenter will host the 2000 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials, 2001 U.S. Figure Skating Championships and the first and second rounds of the 2003 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. At more than 200 public events the FleetCenter hosts an impressive three and a half million people each year. Boston being the country's sixth largest market it's no wonder it quickly earned a reputation as one of the country's top venues. Featuring numerous modern amenities the old "Gah-den" was never able to offer, New England sports and entertainment fans now enjoy modern
conveniences and luxuries of a year-round, 19,600-seat facility. Far exceeding the Garden, the FleetCenter is fully equipped with two restaurants, a private club, air-conditioning, 104 executive suites, 4 promenade suites, more than 2,500 club seats and a multi-million dollar video scoreboard. In addition, it is home to the Sports Museum of New England, featuring exhibits of the great sports traditions of the Boston Garden, FleetCenter, and Celtics, among many others. The Museum's non-profit School Visits and Project TEAM education programs use the Museum as a classroom to teach the values learned through sports. The FleetCenter hosts behind-the-scenes tours of the facility from Memorial Day through Labor Day, where you'll be sure to come across the Pro Shop. A hot spot among fans, it stocks Celtics and Bruins merchandise as well as other NBA and NHL team products and other exclusive items. The use of public transportation is highly recommended for event attendance and the facility is conveniently located adjacent to the MBTA's North Station.


The FleetCenter
617- 624-1000

The Museum Education Department
617- 78-SPORT or 617-624-1234 (information line)

Summer Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.

Museum AdmissionL:
Adults $5
Children 6-17 & Seniors (60+) $4
School visits and group rates available
Hours subject to change due to FleetCenter events.

Facility Tours:
617- 624-1500; summer hours only including some Sundays.

The Pro Shop
617- 624-1500
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority
617- 222-3200
MBTA Stop: North Station