New York Rangers: Improving the Madison Square Garden Experience
Nearly everyone who walks into the World’s Most Famous Arena is swept off their feet. And with good reason. For some, it’s the bright lights or the cool air that hits you as you make your way to ice level. For others, it’s the enormous (somewhat entrancing) roof overhead. But for most, it’s the atmosphere. When the New York Rangers step out onto the ice, and especially when the team scores, the place explodes with all its built up energy and excitement.
So you ask- What could possibly make going to see the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden any better than it is now?
The answer: Not a lot. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t things than can be fixed to make the overall experience easier… or maybe cheaper. Here are three things that can make the Garden even better!
The Garden as it is Now
Majestic, isn’t it? Its location in the heart of Manhattan is ideal for people who are traveling to New York and want to catch a game for the first time. It’s also ideal for people who already live in or around Manhattan with the Long Island Rail Road in close proximity.
The renovations that were done to the Garden a few seasons ago have made the insides particularly eye-catching, as well. Not to mention, the view from the outside is quite spectacular. With most games starting at seven o’clock, the view is of red, white, and blue decorating the Garden vertically in bright lights.
The following are merely suggestions about how to make the Garden experience better. The Rangers always do well in revenue. Actually, they sell out every game! So these are by no means requirements but certain things that would be nice to see done. Because, let’s be real, Madison Square Garden is pretty perfect to begin with.
Adding Another Entrance/Exit
Getting to the games can be a bit difficult all on their own if the LIRR is backed up, or if you choose another route. However, getting into the actual building is mainly the most difficult part because there’s only one entrance.
Most times, if you get to the games early, it’s not too hard to get in. However, getting out of the Garden is another story all together. Especially on weekdays in the regular season, people tend to want to get out as fast as possible.
When it gets closer to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and during the actual post-season, fans stay the course until the final buzzer sounds. But for the rest of the season, it can be a long while before you finally manage your way out of the building.
That’s why it might be a good idea to add an extra entrance to the Garden. This way, fans might not leave as early because they know it won’t be as difficult getting out. (That means more people sticking around for the three stars of the night when the Rangers win!)
Lowering the Food Prices
This is perhaps the least important of the three things that will be mentioned. However, it’s a suggestion that might help bring in more casual fans. And of course, the reason for doing this is to make the arena louder. (Not that this a necessity.)
Lowering prices all together would be the best way to do that, but the Garden has no reason to. As previously mentioned, the Rangers sell out every single game, so they’re not in any dire position. They don’t need to lower their priced, food or anything else.
However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea considering at other arenas the food prices tend to be a bit cheaper. All in all, they’re doing a great job as they are now. But making a few accommodations never hurt anyone. Besides, I’m sure they would love to see even louder fans decorating the rows of the famous arena.
Enforcing the No Standing During Stoppages of Play Rule
More of a recent rule, this one is actually quite important. Hockey games in general are such that the entire arena is focused on the game and solely on the game. Almost nobody is on their phones while play is in action.
And nobody, absolutely nobody, likes to be blocked while the puck is in play.
Of course, that’s the reason this rule is as important as it is. A lot of times, when people come back from intermission they’re careless in blocking peoples’ views. Mostly this is because they’re coming back from buying food or beer and don’t want to miss any of the game themselves.
This rule being more strictly enforced simply keeps everybody happy and able to watch. The Garden’s management has done a decent job of it so far, but it definitely could be better. Keeping the peace is always priority at these games, especially when the stakes are high.
Probability of Suggestions Happening
Overall, the Rangers bring in a full crowd nearly every night if not actually every single game. There’s nothing major that they need to fix. However, a few things here and there wouldn’t be a bad thing to incorporate.
Lowering prices would bring in more casual fans, making the arena louder. That’s not exactly a problem that the Garden should care too much about, but for the fan experience it would be nice to see.
In terms of another entrance, maybe in the coming seasons they might decide that it’s a good idea. And finally, for the no standing during stoppages of play rule, that’s something every arena can work at reinforcing.
Next: Potential Rangers trades before the season
As of now, the Rangers and MSG are doing a great job. A+ for them.