The New York Knickerbockers and New York Rangers today released season ticket information for the 2012-13 seasons when Madison Square Garden will debut the second phase of the building’s historic, three-year top-to-bottom Transformation. The first phase of the Transformation debuted in Fall 2011 and included a completely redone lower bowl and select new areas in the upper levels of the Arena. The second phase will focus on adding new amenities and a completely new seating area with significantly improved sightlines to the upper bowl of the Arena.
For the 2012-13 season, Knicks season ticket prices will increase an average of 4.9%, and Rangers will increase an average of 9.5%. Price increases are primarily focused on upper bowl seats, reflecting the new amenities and improved sightlines in the upper bowl. Knicks and Rangers season ticket holders will be contacted directly by their dedicated experience manager with specific information on their account in the coming weeks.
When fans return to The Garden for the 2012-13 seasons, the seating configuration in the upper bowl of the Arena will be completely transformed. The upper bowl will offer larger, more comfortable seating and significantly improved sightlines as the incline for the upper bowl will increase 17 degrees, moving fans seven to 10 feet, or nearly three rows, closer to the action. Season ticket holders will be relocated to new seats accordingly.
A completely new offering for fans next season will be the new Gallery Seats, providing a premium experience in the upper bowl. The new Gallery Seats will be the front two rows of the upper bowl and feature 25% more legroom, and superior sightlines. The first row will also have a personal television for each seat and a drink rail to rest food and beverages. Current season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase the new Gallery Seats.
For the 2012-13 seasons the new expanded Garden Concourse (8th Floor) will have city views in select areas, additional restrooms and retail locations, and new first-class food and beverage options, including MSG Signature Collection’s exclusive food items from leading chefs Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Andrew Carmellini, renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent and Aquagrill’s chef and owner Jeremy Marshall. Final work will also be completed on the Madison Concourse (6th Floor). In addition, Knicks and Rangers fans will experience the return of the Blue Seats, which was a frequent request from fans during the planning of the Transformation. The Blue Seats will be located in a section on the west side of the building and be authentic to the color of the original Blue Seats.
“With the first phase of the Transformation complete, fans are already starting to discover a state-of-the-art venue that’s as memorable as the moments that happen at The World’s Most Famous Arena,” said Scott O’Neil, president, MSG Sports. “From improved sightlines to expanded concourses with new food and beverage offerings to new social gathering areas, the second phase of the Transformation will offer even more exciting amenities for fans. Our top priority continues to be creating a world-class experience for every person that visits The Garden, and we have a dedicated staff that will ensure that the experience before, during and after fans attend an event is seamless and exceeds their expectations.”
The second phase of the Transformation will also include 58 new Madison Suites that will open throughout the 2012-13 seasons and the Madison Club, both located on the 7th floor approximately 23 rows up for hockey and 30 rows for basketball. The Madison Club will be a new all-inclusive, exclusive membership-only club that will include tickets to Knicks, Rangers, college basketball, boxing, tennis and all other sports events held at The Garden.
