As part of the USD 1 billion renovation, KONE was brought in to modernize the existing elevators and escalators at Madison Square Garden, ensuring optimal people flow for the crowds of 18,000 and more frequently visiting the arena.

KONE installed 45 new eco-efficient escalators to fully replace the old equipment. In addition, the KONE EcoMod™ escalator modernization solution was utilized to upgrade the entire workings of three escalators without removing the existing trusses. KONE also managed the installation of five new elevators.

Transforming a major site in crowded midtown Manhattan poses logistical problems of its own. To further complicate matters, Madison Square Garden is home to the New York Knicks basketball team and New York Rangers ice hockey franchise, and the owners wanted to keep the arena open for the full seasons. As a result, the venue was only available for renovation over the summer off-season with work carried out over three years.

KONE will maintain the equipment at Madison Square Garden and will have two service technicians on site during events to keep the equipment in peak running condition.