Rockettes to Stop Traffic on Sixth Avenue with Return of CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST

The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) announced today the official kick-off to the holiday season with the annual Christmas in August event, celebrating the 2017 edition of the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, presented by Chase.

The excitement begins when Santa Claus makes his yearly summertime trip from the North Pole to Radio City Music Hall. The Radio City Rockettes will stop traffic in front of the iconic marquee when the double decker Gray Line City Sightseeing New York bus from the show-stopping number "New York at Christmas" drives off the stage for the first time ever and onto 6th avenue.

Additionally, as part of the Christmas in August event, the Radio City Rockettes and The Madison Square Garden Company will announce a season-long giving initiative that will bring the joy of the holidays to those who deserve some extra cheer.

Tickets for the 2017 Christmas Spectacular go on sale to the general public on Thursday, August 17 at 10:00 a.m. Chase cardholders will have special access to purchase tickets from Wednesday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m. through Wednesday, August 9 at 11:59 p.m.

Christmas in August will take place on Thursday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m. The event is free and open to the public and will be hosted by 95.5 PLJ on-air host John Foxx, alongside Santa Claus.

The Radio City Rockettes are a legendary dance company and have been a part of the fabric of New York City for decades. Since their debut in the Christmas Spectacular in 1933, The Rockettes have danced into the hearts of millions and spread Christmas cheer to people of all ages. Their precision technique continues to inspire fans of all ages and their talent and athleticism is unrivaled.

Embraced by generations of families, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is a one-of-a-kind tradition where the magic of Christmas in New York comes alive. The 2017 production features stunning Rockettes dance numbers, magnificent costumes and state-of-the-art technology. The Christmas Spectacular recently re-introduced the re-imagined "Rag Dolls," a classic dance number that originally debuted in 1940. Santa's enchanted workshop in the North Pole serves as the backdrop for this high-energy tap routine, featuring The Rockettes as rag dolls. "Rag Dolls" joins other classic numbers, including "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers," which sets the standard for the Radio City Rockettes style of precision dance, and "Living Nativity," an awe-inspiring celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.

In addition to the Christmas Spectacular, the Radio City Rockettes have appeared in some of the most prominent events in the entertainment landscape including the 2017 Tony Awards, the 2015 NBA All-Star Game, the 2013 Super Bowl numeral unveil, the 2013 MLB Home Run Derby, NBC's hit show, "America's Got Talent," and various other special events including award shows, national television appearances and sporting events. Additionally, the Radio City Rockettes and the United Service Organizations (USO) recently re-energized a more than 70-year association between the two historic organizations. The Radio City Rockettes have been making various appearances across the country to honor the courage and dedication of the service men and women and their families who have devoted their lives to serving their country.

The Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes is proud to be presented by Chase. Chase's commitment to the Christmas Spectacular supports this unparalleled production, which continues to entertain millions of families year after year.

Performances of the 2017 Christmas Spectacular begin November 10, 2017 and run through January 1, 2018 at Radio City Music Hall. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, August 17 at 10:00 a.m. Chase cardholders will have special access to purchase tickets starting on Wednesday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.rockettes.com/christmas.

Performances of the 2017 Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes begin November 10, 2017 and run through January 1, 2018 at Radio City Music Hall. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, August 17 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased online at www.rockettes.com/christmas, Ticketmaster at 1-866-858-0007 or Radio City's Box Office (50th St. & Avenue of the Americas). For Groups 20+, please call 212-465-6080. Accessible and companion seats are available via the Disabled Services Department at 212-465-6115. Guided tours of Radio City Music Hall are available daily. For more information, visit StageDoorTour.com or call 212-247-4777.

The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment experiences. The company presents or hosts a broad array of premier events in its diverse collection of iconic venues: New York's Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; The Chicago Theatre; and the Wang Theatre in Boston. Other MSG properties include legendary sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA), the New York Rangers (NHL) and the New York Liberty (WNBA), along with two development league teams -- the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL). In addition, the Company features popular original entertainmeNT Productions -- the Christmas Spectacular and New York Spectacular - both starring the Radio City Rockettes, and through Boston Calling Events, produces outdoor festivals, including New England's preeminent Boston Calling Music Festival. Also under the MSG umbrella is TAO Group, a world-class hospitality group with globally-recognized entertainment dining and nightlife brands: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Avenue, The Stanton Social, Beauty & Essex and Vandal. More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com.