Author Topic: The Old Garden  (Read 3987 times)

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The Old Garden
« on: August 28, 2019, 06:56:24 PM »

Offline celtsrp33

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I find myself reminiscing quite often about my youth and going to the old Boston Garden.  I just have such fond memories of walking up those long ramps, the curtains with an usher next to them to get into the arena, banging on sheet metal to make more noise and the closeness you felt when at the games there - even when in the balcony.  I loved going to that old place regardless of how smelly and crappy it was - I miss it.  The new place has some history now, but, in my opinion, it will never compare. 

Anyone here have any cool, fun, funny stories about the old building? 
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Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2019, 08:58:41 PM »

Offline gpap

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Yup. Went to a Celts game with my father vs Indiana, in January of 1991. I was 10 yrs old. Can’t remember if Larry played but pretty sure McHale, Parish and DJ played. Celts won. The stairs on the lower level were so slippery. Then, we grabbed a bite at the Burger King that used to be across from the Garden. Will never forget.

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #2 on: August 28, 2019, 09:00:56 PM »

Offline W8ting2McHale

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I went just one time as a part of a Cub Scout pack. It’s all pretty hazy, but I remember being excited about seeing Havlicek and Cowens. We sat pretty high up and the noise and the heat made me tired, plus the long drive from Springfield to get there, so I don’t remember the outcome. I know the Celtics won, but I don’t remember if it was a close game or what the final score was because I was really drowsy at the end. The cold January air woke me right back up again though. I remember that the most. The shock of leaving the Garden and that blast of cold air and shivering all the way to the bus.

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #3 on: August 28, 2019, 09:08:02 PM »

Offline Surferdad

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Besides Celtics games, I saw a couple of concerts there: Aerosmith with Rick Derringer opening (1976), Emerson Lake and Palmer (about 1978), Allman Bros (about 1979), probably a few others.  Back in those days, everyone lit up as soon as the lights went down and the band took the stage.  The weed smoke was so thick it formed a cloud in the middle of the arena.

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2019, 09:14:22 PM »

Offline gpap

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Also, though I never went to one, many have told me the crowd at Bruins games at the old Garden was always intense.

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #5 on: August 28, 2019, 11:48:47 PM »

Offline csfansince60s

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I had season tix from ‘79-90. Balcony, Section 77, Row C (third row from the edge) seats 1 and 2. It was in the corner just above the Cs bench.

In retrospect, it is amazing how close to the action it felt (and you actually were).

Best series I experienced there was vs ‘6ers in ‘81.(and this may be the best series I’ve ever seen, period. I think the last 4 games were decided by a total of less than 10 points.

The place literally rocked as you could feel the vibrations underneath you as the balcony unsettlingly but exhilaratingly shook like an earthquake rumbling. DANG!

I never felt more connected to a crowd as I did to the 13909. Great memories, even the physical sensations.

Worst experience in those seats was Magic’s baby hook at the basket just below us. Dagger to the heart of Celtic Nation...it hurt bad.

EDIT: TP to thE OP for the thread! You brought me back some good memories

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #6 on: August 28, 2019, 11:55:07 PM »

Offline Redz

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Oh man
Wish I'd seen this before I was about to fall asleep.

Tons of amazing memories.

One of my favorites was sitting right next to the bench and the glass for a Hingham vs Matignon  state tourney hockey game when I was in 7th grade.
Yup

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #7 on: August 29, 2019, 12:46:15 AM »

Offline trickybilly

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This is great. Keep em coming! Sticky!
"Gimme the ball, gimme the ball". Freddy Quimby, 1994.

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #8 on: August 29, 2019, 08:35:52 AM »

Offline footey

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I had season tix from ‘79-90. Balcony, Section 77, Row C (third row from the edge) seats 1 and 2. It was in the corner just above the Cs bench.

In retrospect, it is amazing how close to the action it felt (and you actually were).

Best series I experienced there was vs ‘6ers in ‘81.(and this may be the best series I’ve ever seen, period. I think the last 4 games were decided by a total of less than 10 points.

The place literally rocked as you could feel the vibrations underneath you as the balcony unsettlingly but exhilaratingly shook like an earthquake rumbling. DANG!

I never felt more connected to a crowd as I did to the 13909. Great memories, even the physical sensations.

Worst experience in those seats was Magic’s baby hook at the basket just below us. Dagger to the heart of Celtic Nation...it hurt bad.

EDIT: TP to thE OP for the thread! You brought me back some good memories

13909!  TP!

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #9 on: August 29, 2019, 08:51:23 AM »

Offline hardlyyardley

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One of my favorites was the 5th game in 84? vs the Lakers...it had to be +100 degrees inside

Also remember live boxing shows and closed circuit broadcast of the Larry Holmes-Gerry Cooney fight

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #10 on: August 29, 2019, 07:58:04 PM »

Offline csfansince60s

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I had season tix from ‘79-90. Balcony, Section 77, Row C (third row from the edge) seats 1 and 2. It was in the corner just above the Cs bench.

In retrospect, it is amazing how close to the action it felt (and you actually were).

Best series I experienced there was vs ‘6ers in ‘81.(and this may be the best series I’ve ever seen, period. I think the last 4 games were decided by a total of less than 10 points.

The place literally rocked as you could feel the vibrations underneath you as the balcony unsettlingly but exhilaratingly shook like an earthquake rumbling. DANG!

I never felt more connected to a crowd as I did to the 13909. Great memories, even the physical sensations.

Worst experience in those seats was Magic’s baby hook at the basket just below us. Dagger to the heart of Celtic Nation...it hurt bad.

EDIT: TP to thE OP for the thread! You brought me back some good memories

13909!  TP!

Back atcha.....GREAT number that meant a lot back then!!!!

Re: The Old Garden
« Reply #11 on: August 29, 2019, 08:53:00 PM »

Online Amonkey

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Never went to the old garden since I had just arrived from Brazil but do remember walking near it and seeing the place half opened as they were demolishing it. I could see the seats and everything. Very interesting. My wife works near North Station and I take nice scenic walks in the area.
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