| | Boston Garden. It was a Beantown institution ever since it opened on November 17, 1928. The Bruins played their first regular-season game at the 150 Causeway Street location on November 20, 1928, and eventually hoisted five Stanley Cup banners to the rafters. The Celtics debuted there on November 16, 1946, and went on to win 16 NBA championships. They’ll always recall the obstructed views, the absence of air conditioning and even the occasional rat. They’ll also remember the legends who called it home and whose numbers eventually hung from the highest heights. Hockey icons like Eddie Shore (2), Lionel Hitchman (3), Bobby Orr (4), Aubrey Clapper (5), Phil Esposito (7), John Bucyk (9) and Milt Schmidt (15). Basketball immortals like original Celtics owner Walter Brown (1), coach Red Auerbach (2) and players Dennis Johnson (3), Bill Russell (6), Jo Jo White (10), Bob Cousy (14), Tommy Heinsohn (15), Tom Sanders (16), John Havlicek (17), Dave Cowens (18), Jim Loscutoff (18), Don Nelson (19), Bill Sharman (21), Ed Macauley (22), Frank Ramsey (23), Sam Jones (24), KC Jones (25), Kevin McHale (32), Larry Bird (33) and Reggie Lewis (35). This truly was a special place. Farewell, and thanks for the memories. |
