If fans want a chance to see the new-and-improved New York Knicks next season, they're going to have to pay extra.
Madison Square Garden announced that Knicks season ticket prices for the 2011-2012 season will be increasing by 49 percent from this season's prices, ESPN.com reports. Season tickets for the New York Rangers will only go up by 23 percent.
Scott O'Neil, president of Madison Square Garden Sports, said that the increase in prices is mostly due to the ongoing renovations at the Garden. The first part of the reconstruction is set to be unveiled at the beginning of next season and will feature new seating and suites and an expansion of the lower concourse area.
O'Neil also denied claims that the addition of all-star Carmelo Anthony played a part in the price change.
"The [arena's three-year] transformation is the dominant reason why prices are where they are. There are several different factors," O'Neil said. "But these prices were made before Carmelo came."
The new season ticket prices will have seats going for $35 per game. Individual game prices have yet to be released.
"I hope there's not sticker shock here," O'Neil added. "We believe that it's a fair value here — with the increased amenities that you're going to get in the new building."
