Madison Square Garden Reopens To Fans Next Week At 10 Percent

MIDTOWN, NEW YORK — The world’s most famous arena is ready to prepared to re-open its doors to fans, which will again start to come through the turnstiles of Madison Square Garden beginning next week.

Garden officials announced on Tuesday that both the New York Knicks and Rangers will host fans at 10 percent for games beginning Feb. 23. The Knicks will be the first to open the doors at MSG with their game against the Golden State Warriors. Three days later, the Rangers will do the same for NHL fans when they welcome the Boston Bruins to town, team officials announced.

In Brooklyn, the Nets will open up Barclays Center on Feb. 23 when the Sacramento Kings pay a visit for the Nets’ first game this season with fans.

“While we’re not where we want to be yet – with every seat filled – this is an important first step,” MSG officials said in a statement on Tuesday. “We can’t wait until we’re able to welcome more people through our doors, and when that day comes, we look forward to sharing in unforgettable moments at The World’s Most Famous Arena with more of our passionate fans – we’ve missed you!”

MSG officials said that season ticket holders for the Knicks and Rangers will have priority when it comes to purchasing tickets, which will begin at $50. Because capacity limits are so low to begin with, officials said they do not expect tickets will be made available to the general public at this time.

The Knicks and Rangers will both honor essential workers at each home game, officials said.

All guests will be required to wear a face-covering inside the arena except when eating or drinking and will only be permitted to sit in their assigned seat,officials announced.

The announcement comes nearly a week after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the state would allow indoor venues to open up at limited capacity for sporting events and concerts. Masks, temperature checks and assigned seating were all part of the requirements under Cuomo’s announcement.

"We want you to know that your health and safety remain our top priority, and we have worked closely with state and health officials to develop the strongest operating protocols with the goal of providing a safe and enjoyable experience," MSG officials said Tuesday.