On 10/24/13, the $1 billion renovation of Madison Square Garden was unveiled to the public. Three years of seasonal construction (which resulted in two very long early season road trips for the Rangers) resulted in this eye-widening transformation of immense proportions. Certain state of the art amenities described by privileged onlookers make it seem like the blueprint for change was stolen from the Jerry Jones book of pomp and grander. There are now 600 foot ceiling video screens at the Chase Square 7th Avenue entrance, along with a broadcast location for the MSG network, and an area for the Garden of Dreams Foundation. The most physically impressive additions to MSG are the 327-ton bridges (the “Chase Bridges”) that run parallel to the length of the event floor, suspended from the ceiling of the world’s most famous arena. All MSG patrons can access the bridge from the 10th floor. There is also a revamped and updated GardenVision scoreboard. Ticketholders who have an obstructed view of the new GardenVision scoreboard will have access and close view of a 145 inch monitor located on each bridge. (3 per bridge)
Why Change?
A futuristic approach to the fan experience has hit one of the last places you would expect. And let’s be sensible, this is not just ANY arena. This is the arena that hosted the Fight of the Century between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Inside its hallowed halls of tradition, Hulkamania was born…and with it a legion of pro wrestling disciples. This is where New York’s soul and resilience were on full display after the horrific acts of 9/11-the Concert for New York. So many countless memories-the concert for Bangladesh, the Georgetown/St. Johns sweater game and all those classic Big East battles, a visit from Pope John Paul, Gerry MacNamera taking over NYC in the 2006 Big East Tournament, the 12/12/12 concert for Sandy Relief. Led Zeppelin recorded “The Song Remains the Same” on stage in 1973. Surely hockey fans cannot forget Stephane Matteau’s OT playoff goal in the 1994 playoffs, Mark Messier Night back in 2006, or Gretzkys playoff hat trick against the Panthers in 1997. The arena located on 33rd street and 7th Avenue has seen so many miraculous moments over the years-everything just seemed more important when done inside of the Garden. So its no surprise that some purists draw parallels to the recreation of the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx-tradition getting pushed aside in the name of the all mighty dollar. Rest assured, the new MSG upgrades do pay reverence to the venue’s past. There is still an exhibit called Garden 366-for each day of the calendar year (including February 29th) a Garden moment is on display containing “memorabilia, artifacts and photos.” This display came about during the second phase of renovations and remains intact. Additionally, twenty days were selected for a “20 Defining Moments” Exhibit. The final 10 defining moments are now up for display in the concourse area. This is more than I could have expected, and much better and more detailed than a traditional venue "Hall of Fame." Well done MSG.
What Change?
As expected, the renovated MSG also has more places to get food and drinks, bigger seats, wider concourses and more bathrooms. In addition, there are now three new premium seat products: Lounge Club seats, Group Hospitality Lounges and Chase Bridge Seats. The Chase Bridge Seats are those seats located on the Chase bridge, high above the action. The North Bridge has 355 ticketed seats, with the South Bridge having 75 available for public consumption. Lounge clubs seats consist of 68 cushioned seats in the center of the east balcony. (now the Eighteen76 balcony) These seats feature in-seat beverage service and a lounge area located behind the section.
But if you are traveling with a group, the best option appears to be the Group Hospitality Lounges. Each lounge has 28 fixed seats and 14 bar stool seats, including food and non-alcoholic beverage. This section is ideal for groups, and has a dedicated lounge area for fans to mingle and take in the game. Inside the lounge area there are televisions and a buffet, and the seats come with in-seat wait service.
So Let's Go!
On Sunday 12/8/13, the Rangers take on the Capitals inside the newly renovated Madison Square Garden. Road Ice Travels offers a terrific travel package for fans of the Capitals! In the morning of 12/8, at 6:30am, Road Ice Travels provide bus transportation from the metro DC area for group travel to NYC. Our expected arrival time is 12:30pm, which gives us time to watch the Redskins take on the currently undefeated Kansas City Chiefs at the Australian NYC in midtown. At the Australian, we have an all you can eat (Potato wedges, mozzarella sticks, nachos, wings and vegetable platter) and drink package (including alcohol-Bronze Aussie, Bud Light, Yuengling and house wine, for those of age) during the 1pm game. The Australian NYC is located on 20 W 38th Street b/t 5th and 6th Ave., a quick walk to and from MSG. The bar caters to Redskins fans, and will have the game on the big screen with sound for our group! The Australian has a great layout with two floors, excellent food and ton's of TV's. There are Redskins flags and banners hanging throughout the bar and a Redskins Blowup outside. Support the Redskins as they continue to compete for the NFC East crown! Afterwards, we will head over to MSG, where we have a Group Lounge in the Eighteen76 Balcony for the 7pm Caps vs Rangers contest. As described above, the lounge affords us a private club experience with comfortable seating featuring in-seat wait service. The lounge area has televisions and a buffet for our group. The buffet contains:
- Popcorn
- Nachos and Dip
- Fruit Platter
- Salad
- Spring Rolls
- Hot Dogs
- Chicken Fingers
- Vegetable Crudité
- Coke/Diet Coke/Sprite/water
