MSG arena to shutter for revamp effort

New York City’s WNBA fans might have to look elsewhere for games starting in summer 2011, according to the New York Times, when Turner Construction begins a ramped up effort to complete Madison Square Garden’s approximately $800 million arena renovation. MSG plans to completely shut down the arena for three consecutive summers while the accelerated renovation effort, which includes refurbished seats and suites, takes place. Madison Square Garden has been conducting other, non-cosmetic renovations on behind-the-scenes facilities since 2009. Events and other sporting attractions — aside from the Rangers and the Knicks, whose winter schedules won’t be interrupted — are slated to move to alternate locations, including the Prudential Center in Newark. [NYT]