The plan to modernize Madison Square Garden is finally coming to a head, with June 14 set as the start date for the first phase of the 42-year-old arena's $850 million reconstruction project. Expected to take four years and close the site for three consecutive summers, the revamp will add more hospitality suites, overhaul the lower-level concourse, upgrade the concession and retail offerings, and bring a handful of new sections for dining, entertaining, and viewing during games.
The Garden's theater, which is not part of the renovation, will close temporarily following the N.B.A. Draft on June 24 and reopen in the fall.
A regular host to concerts, theatrical shows, and outside events, the multipurpose facility will see significant changes to its amenities. On the books for the redo are improved concourses with views of the street, larger seats angled 17 degrees closer to the action on the floor, 50 percent more space dedicated to restrooms, and 18 remodeled suites on the ninth floor.
The upgrade also calls for a bunch of new construction, most notably two "sky bridges" that will be suspended five stories above the playing floor, span the length of the arena, and hold as many as 1,000 premium seats. Elsewhere, Garden officials will introduce "party decks," common areas for dining and socializing on the 10th floor, a Delta Sky360 lounge, and 78 new suites. For one-off gatherings, planners will be able to book the Super Club, which will offer seating and areas for entertaining.
Construction is expected to be completed by October 2013, in time for the 2013-14 season.
