Madison Square Garden opened its door yesterday, giving the media a glimpse of the changes that are part of the first phase of the world’s most famous arena’s $850 million renovation project that will continue through the 2013-14 season.

Though the Knicks basketball floor was in place yesterday, the Rangers will christen the refurbished building when they play host to the Maple Leafs on Oct. 27 in their 2011-12 home opener.

The Knicks and Rangers will have new locker rooms, and visitors to the Garden will see a new lower bowl seating area with larger, more comfortable seats and improved sightlines as well as an expanded sixth floor concourse with city views and enhanced concession stands.

PHOTOS: MSG UNDER RENOVATION