Madison Square Garden Literally Putting Fans On Top of the Game

By Tony Mangia

Madison Square Garden is bridging the gap between fans and the teams they root for.  No, James Dolan isn't stepping down.  If hazardous material falling from the attic last month didn't scare you away from the rafters of the arena MSG has announced, as part of it's four-year, $775 million renovation, it is adding two spectator bridges which pass over the center of the arena and let fans look down onto the court or ice.

 The spans will give a whole new perspective to watching hockey and basketball.  The innovative walkways will be 200 feet long and hover 65 feet above the players below.  They will run the length of the refurbished Garden and be accessible to any ticketholder inside.

The artist's rendering of the cutting-edge design shows table and chairs scattered among strolling fans with a bird's-eye of a Rangers hockey game. MSG said there will be concession stands and fans will be able to spend as much time as they want on the unique attraction.

The "World's Most Famous Arena" will be completely modernized after 42 years at it's current location according to Garden officials.

MSG president, Hank Ratner, compared the revolutionary design to the Green Monster seats at Fenway Park.  "They'll be like no other seats in professional sports or entertainment," he bragged.

The two spans will join New York City's other spectacular bridges and construction is expected to be completed in October 2013, before the Knicks and Rangers seasons begin.