Oct. 15: The New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs line up for the singing of the each team's national anthems during opening night of the Rangers' NHL hockey season at Madison Square Garden in New York. (AP)
NEW YORK -- The Orlando Magic-New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden was postponed Tuesday because of safety concerns after debris fell into the arena during overnight cleaning of asbestos-related materials.
The work was done by maintenance staff in the attic above the ceiling following the New York Rangers' game.
Saying it was using "an abundance of caution," MSG released a statement saying it consulted with the NBA and decided to postpone the game, and wouldn't reopen the building until it was assured the arena was safe.
"We will be working with the city and independent experts, ATC Associates and GCI Environmental Advisory, to evaluate and determine the most appropriate course of action," the statement said.
"As the safety of our customers and employees are our top priority, we will not reopen the Garden until we are absolutely assured the arena is safe."
No makeup date has been announced. MSG said it would announce information about future events once they have been determined.
It's the second recent arena-related postponement for the Magic. The exhibition game against Miami that was scheduled for the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., was canceled because of slippery court conditions after arena officials said an oil-based cleaning solution was mistakenly applied.
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