It started with MSG, going back to 1973 on a new premium cable channel called HBO that shows various events from The Garden. Eventually the content moved to the original version of the MSG Network (which became the USA network while a new MSG Network started, taking over the old network's programming while USA still aired some WWF MSG shows). The specials ended in '92 (except for a one-off in '97). I guess that the idea just spread. MSG also aired shows from the Meadowlands & Nassau Coliseum (generally when MSG was being renovated, I think), and USA aired occasional shows from the Cap Centre in Landover, MD as well as Nassau & Meadowlands shows.
I think that the Prism shows started in the late '70s, around '77 maybe and ran through '89.
The NESN shows ran from '85-'89.
LA Sports Arena shows aired on the Z Channel from '88-'89.