Exploring the Celtics’ Home Court History- Where the Celtics Played Before TD Garden

Where did the Celtics play before TD Garden?

The Boston Celtics, one of the most storied and successful franchises in the NBA, have a rich history that includes multiple locations before they finally settled in TD Garden. The Celtics were founded in 1946 as part of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA in 1949. Here’s a look at the venues where the Celtics played before the opening of TD Garden in 1995.

1. The Boston Garden (1946-1995)

The Celtics’ first home court was the Boston Garden, which opened in 1928 and served as the home for many Boston sports teams, including the Bruins of the NHL. The Boston Garden was a multipurpose arena that also hosted events like concerts and circuses. It was here that the Celtics played their first NBA game on November 1, 1946, against the New York Knicks. The Boston Garden was the primary home for the Celtics until TD Garden was built.

2. The Boston Arena (1928-1946)

Before moving to the Boston Garden, the Celtics played at the Boston Arena, which was located on the South End of Boston. The Boston Arena was the home for the Celtics during their early years in the BAA and NBL. It was a smaller venue compared to the Boston Garden, and it hosted many of the Celtics’ first games and milestones.

3. Fenway Park (1946)

In an unusual twist of history, the Celtics played their first home game in the legendary Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox. This was a one-game event held on November 2, 1946, against the Chicago Bulls. Fenway Park, known for its baseball games, had to make way for the Celtics, and it marked the beginning of the Celtics’ long-standing relationship with Boston.

4. The Philadelphia Arena (1946-1947)

In their very first season, the Celtics had to play some of their home games in Philadelphia due to the construction of the Boston Garden. The Philadelphia Arena was their temporary home during the 1946-1947 season, where they played against teams from around the league.

The Celtics’ journey from Fenway Park to the TD Garden is a testament to their enduring presence in Boston and the city’s love for its basketball team. TD Garden has become a symbol of the Celtics’ success and a cornerstone of Boston’s sports scene, while the legacy of the venues they played at before TD Garden continues to be celebrated by Celtics fans.