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Parks & Public Spaces
Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation application for two NY Rangers viewing events and two NY Knicks viewing events for playoff away games at Bryant Park
At the regularly scheduled monthly Community Board Five meeting on Thursday, May 11, 2023, the following resolution passed with a vote of 27 in favor; 0 opposed; 1 abstaining; 1 present not entitled to vote:
WHEREAS, The Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation (“Applicant”) has submitted an application for up to two New York Rangers (“NYR”) viewing events and up to two New York Knicks (“NYK”) viewing events for potential NHL and NBA playoff away games, respectively, at Bryant Park (the “Events”); and
WHEREAS, The application is for Events that will take place in the second half of May if NYR and/or NYK advance to Round 3 of their respective playoffs; and
WHEREAS, The application for the Events is similar to and in keeping with the NY Rangers viewing events application approved by Community Board Five in May 2022; and
WHEREAS, The purpose of the Events is to celebrate the success of NYR and NYK and to provide the New York community with a gathering place to watch the playoff games together with family, friends and other fans outdoors; and
WHEREAS, The Events will utilize a setup including the screen and sound system that is similar to and in keeping with the setup in the NY Rangers viewing events application approved by Community Board Five for May 2022; and
WHEREAS, The setup will be the day before the respective Events starting at 6pm, with cleanup to conclude the same night following the Events; and
WHEREAS, The Events will be comprised of a fan fest and public viewing at Bryant Park; and
WHEREAS, The fan fest will run from approximately 4pm–8pm and feature photo opportunities and autographs with NYR or NYK alumni; and
WHEREAS, The public viewing will feature a live feed of a NYR or NYK playoff game which will begin about 90 minutes before game time and run until the end of the game; and
WHEREAS, To address community concerns, the sound system for the live feed will be shut off at 10pm and thereafter the sound will have to be accessed by personal devices/apps; and
WHEREAS, In response to community concerns, if a limited VIP area is planned for the Events, it will take place at the Bryant Park Grill or in a restricted area of Bryant Park at the front of the viewing area; and
WHEREAS, No alcohol or food will be sold or permitted at the Events; and
WHEREAS, Applicant has committed to have sufficient staffing for security, crowd control and sanitation at the Events that will total about 100 individuals; and
WHEREAS, Applicant will be providing significant compensation to Bryant Park for the Events; and
WHEREAS, Applicant has agreed that any signage, co-sponsors, giveaways and merchandise sales for the Events will be similar to and in keeping with those in the NYR viewing events application approved by Community Board Five in May 2022; and
WHEREAS, Applicant has agreed to submit another application to Community Board Five for any additional viewing events if the NYR and/or NYK advance to the NHL or NBA finals round, respectively; therefore be it
RESOLVED, Community Board Five recommends approval of the application from Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation for two New York Rangers viewing events and two New York Knicks viewing events for potential NHL and NBA playoff away games, respectively, at Bryant Park in the second half of May.