Garden Renovation Update

May 6, 2010

We wanted to share with you some exciting news on the upcoming renovation of the "World's Most Famous Arena." As you know, we are planning a dramatic transformation of Madison Square Garden that will take place in phases. The building will be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility that lives up to its iconic stature, while preserving The Garden's great history and distinctive architecture.

The ultimate goal of the renovation is to dramatically enhance the experience for all of our guests, reinforcing The Garden's place as the leading sports and entertainment venue in the world. Some of the many significant upgrades will include: a brand new 7th Avenue entrance, significantly wider concourses, several new first-class food and entertainment amenities, improved sightlines, more comfortable seating, a dynamic new scoreboard, new suites, clubs and hospitality areas, and views of the city from several areas of the building.

At the conclusion of the Knicks and Rangers 2010-11 seasons, The Garden will be closed for three consecutive summers to complete work on this project. The Arena will be open for the Knicks and Rangers seasons each year, along with our roster of world-class events during this timeframe. While there will be construction-related activity ongoing during the seasons, including work on the concourses, certain suites, concessions and restrooms, we are taking all possible steps to minimize disruption to fans. Below is a description of The Garden transformation phases that are planned to be completed over the next three summers (some areas will debut during the Knicks and Rangers seasons):

2011-12 Season

*Lower Bowl seating area with larger, more comfortable seats
*Expanded Lower Concourse with city views, enhanced concession stands featuring Coca-Cola products, more restrooms and additional retail locations
*20 new Event Level Suites offering a sophisticated atmosphere and the best seats in the house
*New Delta SKY360 Event Level Club offering exclusive dining options and views of athletes entering and exiting the locker room area

2012-13 Season
*Upper Bowl seating area with larger, more comfortable seats and significantly improved sightlines
*Expanded Upper Concourse with city views, enhanced concession stands featuring Coca-Cola products, more restrooms and additional retail locations
*58 new Lower Level Suites that are larger and half the distance to the court/ice with bowl seating
*New all-inclusive Super Club with seating in the arena and exclusive club space available for corporations and individuals looking to entertain at Knicks and Rangers games

2013-14 Season
*New 7th Avenue Entrance featuring interactive kiosks, retail locations and a broadcast area
*Two spectacular new Bridges that will be suspended above the court/ice for a one-of-a-kind view of the action
*New 10th floor Party Decks offering a selection of new food and beverage options and a unique social gathering space with direct views into the arena bowl
*New state-of-the-art GardenVision center-hung scoreboard
*18 completely remodeled 9th floor Suites

We are dedicated to providing you, our most loyal customers, with a transformed Garden that will meet your greatest expectations for the "World's Most Famous Arena." We hope that you share our excitement for the new Madison Square Garden and the role it will play in creating defining moments and great traditions for New Yorkers and fans around the world. This transformation is important to New York given that The Garden, much like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Central Park, is part of the fabric of New York. We are pleased that our construction manager, Turner Construction, has advised us that the renovation will involve more than 2.6 million man hours of union labor, the equivalent of at least 1,300 full-time equivalent jobs, and will create as many as 3,700 union construction jobs.

Moving forward we will offer you a host of resources, including regular communications, informational events and interactive online tools regarding the highly anticipated renovation of The Garden to ensure that you are fully informed as progress continues. If you go to MSG.com/transformation, select renderings of the transformed Garden are available to view.

Thank you for your support and commitment to the New York Rangers, we look forward to seeing you at The Garden in the fall.

Sincerely,

Hank Ratner
President & CEO
Madison Square Garden

Quick analysis: Garden brass doesn't realize that the best way to maximize revenues is to improve the performance of the teams that are the main attraction. Those teams are the main attraction, NOT the building they play in - no matter how much you tout how famous it is. Most fans would come down to watch the Rangers play in a barn or the Knicks play in a cage - location doesn't matter, the team does. Typical corporate thinking by them, missing the big picture as always.

 "Madison Square Garden Renovation Update: A Transformative Journey"

Madison Square Garden, often referred to as "The World's Most Famous Arena," has been an iconic fixture of the New York City skyline for generations. The Garden has hosted countless historic events, from legendary concerts and memorable sporting events to political rallies and award ceremonies. Over the years, the venue has undergone several renovations to enhance the fan experience and modernize its facilities. In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive update on the latest Madison Square Garden renovation, highlighting the improvements, innovations, and the impact on both sports and entertainment. We'll also address frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the renovation project.

Chapter 1: A Brief History of Madison Square Garden

Before delving into the renovation details, it's essential to understand the rich history of Madison Square Garden. The Garden, as we know it today, is actually the fourth incarnation of this iconic venue. The first Madison Square Garden opened in 1879, and each subsequent version has played a pivotal role in shaping New York City's cultural landscape.

Chapter 2: The Need for Renovation

By the early 21st century, it became evident that Madison Square Garden required a comprehensive renovation to meet modern standards and ensure it remained a premier venue for both sports and entertainment. This section will explore the key factors that necessitated the renovation, including outdated facilities, limited fan amenities, and the need for increased sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: When did the latest Madison Square Garden renovation project officially begin?

A1: The renovation project commenced in [insert start date], with a phased approach to minimize disruptions to events and patrons.

Chapter 3: Renovation Highlights

The heart of this article will focus on the major renovation highlights. This section will cover several key areas, including:

3.1 Seating and Viewing Experience

Discuss the improvements made to seating, sightlines, and overall comfort for fans attending events at Madison Square Garden.

3.2 Technological Upgrades

Highlight the incorporation of state-of-the-art technology, including enhanced scoreboard displays, Wi-Fi connectivity, and interactive fan experiences.

3.3 Sustainability Initiatives

Discuss the Garden's commitment to sustainability, including energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

3.4 Enhanced Premium Areas

Explore the renovation of premium seating and hospitality areas, including luxury suites, lounges, and premium dining options.

3.5 Accessibility Improvements

Highlight the efforts made to enhance accessibility for all patrons, including those with disabilities, through upgraded ramps, elevators, and seating options.

3.6 Entertainment Enhancements

Discuss how the renovation has improved the Garden's capabilities as a world-class entertainment venue, with updated acoustics, stage equipment, and backstage facilities.

Chapter 4: Impact on Sports

Examine the impact of the renovation on sports events hosted at Madison Square Garden. This section will include insights from athletes, coaches, and sports fans regarding the improved facilities and fan experience.

Chapter 5: Impact on Entertainment

Explore how the renovation has affected the world of entertainment, from concerts and award shows to cultural events. Include commentary from performers and artists who have graced the Garden's stage.

Chapter 6: Fan Reactions

Share feedback and reactions from fans who have experienced events at the renovated Madison Square Garden. Include personal anecdotes and quotes from patrons to highlight the positive changes.

Chapter 7: Future Plans

Provide insight into any upcoming phases or plans for the ongoing renovation project. Discuss how Madison Square Garden continues to adapt to evolving industry standards.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Are there any plans to renovate the exterior of Madison Square Garden to reflect the interior upgrades?

A1: As of [insert date], there are no immediate plans to renovate the exterior of the Garden. The focus has primarily been on interior improvements.

Madison Square Garden's latest renovation represents a commitment to preserving its storied legacy while ensuring it remains a modern, world-class venue. The upgrades made to seating, technology, sustainability, and premium amenities have transformed the Garden into an even more vibrant hub for sports and entertainment. As fans continue to enjoy events at this iconic arena, they can do so with the knowledge that Madison Square Garden's legacy will endure for generations to come.