In celebration of the reconstructed Madison Square Garden and to tip-off the 2013-14 NBA season, the New York Knicks held the Blue Carpet Event presented by Chase Bank.
Knicks' legends, professional boxers, and many more stars filled the Chase Blue Carpet as they entered the revamped arena for the Knicks' home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Blue Carpet celebrants, as well as, fans weighed in on their prospects for the Knicks' 2013-14 season.
Former Knicks players, Larry Johnson, John Wallace, and John Starks, as well as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, Damaris Lewis, believe the versatility and attitude of newly acquired players, Andrea Bargnani and Metta World Peace, along with the strong qualities of rookie Tim Hardaway Jr., are fitting additions to the championship caliber team.
Former professional heavyweight boxer, Gerry Cooney, gushed over the beauty of the new MSG interior, in particular, the spacious Chase Bank Seventh Avenue entrance lobby filled with memorabilia and two 600-square-foot screens on the ceiling. Wallace and others raved over the transformed arena and phenomenal view from the Chase Bridges, which contain glass walls to provide a clear view of the court. The Chase Bridges seat up to 430 fans and are accompanied by a total of six scoreboard monitors. Finally, not to be forgotten, there was endless praise over the newly installed HD scoreboard above center court with mini scoreboards embedded underneath for players and fans to view conveniently from courtside and the lower bowl.
After three years and $1 billion worth of renovations, MSG has heightened the experience of what is known as "The Mecca" to an unprecedented level. Let's see if the metamorphic arena will reflect in a highly successful season for the Knicks.
Videography: Alexis Williams