05/14/2012

Liberty vs. Sun Match-Up on May 19 Moved to The Garden Due to NHL Playoffs at Prudential Center

NEW YORK, NY - May 14, 2012 - The New York Liberty will return to Madison Square Garden for their 2012 season home opener against the Connecticut Sun on Saturday, May 19 at 4 p.m. The game was moved from Prudential Center due to a scheduling conflict with the NHL's Eastern Conference Finals matchup between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils. The Liberty's 2012 season will mark the second of three seasons the team will call Prudential Center home court while Madison Square Garden continues a historic, top-to-bottom Transformation.

''We are pleased to be playing in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Rangers. However, we are sorry that we will not have the 2012 New York Liberty Home Opener at Prudential Center,'' said Robert Sommer, president of Rock Entertainment Management. ''We are thrilled to have the Liberty back with us this summer and look forward to hosting the remainder of their 18-game home schedule at Prudential Center.''

''From the Garden State to The Garden and back again, this will be fun. The Rangers-Devils playoff series presents a great opportunity for the Liberty to play their home opener at The World's Most Famous Arena on May 19,'' said Scott O'Neil, president of MSG Sports. ''The Rock has been a home away from home for the Liberty as The Garden is undergoing a historic Transformation that will continue through the team's 2013 season. We appreciate the partnership, their continued professionalism and cooperation, and the way we have been graciously welcomed. Saturday will be a great day with a Rangers playoff game at 1pm, then the 15 minute train ride to The Garden for the Liberty opener at 4pm.''

Added Kristin Bernert, Liberty vice president of marketing and operations: ''We will be in contact with all ticket holders to ensure the transition is smooth, and look forward to having Liberty fans experience the new amenities at The Garden that are part of the completed first phase of the Transformation.''

Season ticket holders and additional fans who have purchased tickets to the Liberty's home opener will be contacted directly with information on how to receive their new tickets for the game. Fans can also visit NYLiberty.com or call (212) 465-6766 for more detailed information.

Liberty head coach and general manager, John Whisenant said: ''With a strong returning core and new additions that have created exceptional depth across our team, we are focused and ready to start the season. Getting to play the home opener at The Garden with our great fans cheering the team on will provide an additional boost to tip-off our season.''

Added Liberty guard, Cappie Pondexter: ''Our fans have been incredible at the Prudential Center, but there is nothing like playing at The Garden. This will be a great way to start our season and we hope all our loyal fans will be there to cheer us on from the first game to the last.''

Liberty fans can purchase individual tickets for the May 19 game at Madison Square Garden starting Monday, May 14 at 4:00 p.m. The team will host a free Fan Fest prior to the home opener beginning at 2:00 p.m. in front of Madison Square Garden featuring a sport court for fans to shoot hoops and appearances by Liberty mascot Maddie and team alumni. Every fan in attendance at the game will also receive a foam Liberty torch courtesy of Foxwoods and 2012 roster cards will also be given away at the door.

The Liberty wrap up the preseason on Monday, May 14, with their annual ''School Day'' game against the Chicago Sky at the Prudential Center at 10:30 a.m. Single game tickets, season tickets and partial plans for the remaining Liberty home games at Prudential Center can be purchased by calling 212-465-6766 or by visiting NYLiberty.com.