NBA

Strong uptick for Knicks tickets

Despite the perception they have slid in the Eastern Conference power rankings, especially behind the Brooklyn Nets, the Knicks maintain business is booming.

According to data that will be announced publicly Wednesday on the Garden’s earnings call, the Knicks’ season-ticket renewal rate skyrocketed to more than 97 percent – the highest renewal rate for the club in more than 10 years. Last year’s renewal rate was 95 percent.

Part of that boost may be the notion this is their last, best crack at legitimately competing for a championship in what could be Carmelo Anthony’s last season as a Knick. The increase occurred despite a 6.4 percent average ticket price hike due to the last stage of the arena’s $1 billion, three-year transformation. The Knicks finished as second seed in the East but some early pundits believe they may be fifth-best in 2013-14.

The Rangers also saw gains — with a season-ticket renewal rate of more than 92 percent — its highest in five years. Two years ago, the Rangers renewal rate was 85 percent. According to new Garden president Dave Howard, season tickets for both franchises will sell out shortly. That will mark the fourth straight year the Knicks season tickets have sold out.

“We are extremely pleased with the rate of our season-ticket renewals, which is even better than the higher renewal rates last year,” Howard said. “We expect it will propel us to another sell-out of season tickets.”

Howard said the renewal rates prove the Garden fans as “passionate and loyal.” The Garden also revealed seating capacity for Knicks games will climb by 800 seats this season following the final transformation stage. It had dropped last season to a capacity of 19,033. That is due to the addition of the hyped Chase Bridge that will be suspended above the Garden court. Six hospitality lounges will be contained on the bridge in addition to providing a unique perspective for fans wanting to walk the new span.

Limited individual tickets will go on sale in September. The Knicks will play their final preseason game to debut the changes Oct. 25 vs. Charlotte and open the season Oct. 30 vs. the Bucks.