Madison Square Garden: All You Need to Know

Thumbnail: Madison Square Garden (MSG) - Full (48124330357) by Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA (CC BY 2.0)

All About Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden (MSG), located smack in the middle of Manhattan, is the grand ol’ man of North American arenas these days as the longest-serving venue in both the NBA and NHL.

Since it opened in 1968, the Garden has hosted some of the Big Apple’s most memorable sporting events, including the legendary first Muhammad Ali -Joe Frazier boxing match, the NHL’s New York Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup victory (their first since 1940), and (believe it or not) two NBA Championships for the New York Knicks way back in the early 1970s.

Currently, Madison Square Garden hosts all regular season and playoff Knicks and Rangers home games, as well as numerous concerts, cultural festivals, and other sporting competitions. The St. John’s Red Storm men's college basketball team of the NCAA also play some of their home games at MSG. Anyone who’s anyone has performed at least once at the Garden.

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MSG Bag Policy

Unlike most arena’s you do not need a clear bag to enter MSG, here are some things you should take note:

• Bags must fit under your seat

• Does NOT need to be clear

• No larger than 22” x 14” x 9”

• Laptops and tablets permitted as long as they fit into your bag (policy may differ)

• Onsite storage NOT available

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MSG Laptop Policy

Can I bring my laptop into MSG? Madison Square Garden generally allows guests to bring laptops and tablets. However, events labeled as “device free” DO NOT allow any devices. Guests are advised to check the device policy for the event before visiting. For events that allow devices, below are some rules guests must abide to bring their laptop or tablet:

• The bag storing the laptops and tablet must fit comfortably under the seat

• Said bag should not be larger than 22” x 14” x 9”

Device Free Events

These events strictly ban any devices, including but not limited to: cellphones, smart watches, bluetooth headphones, and so on. Upon arrival all devices will be place in Yondr bags. Guests will be allowed to open the Yondr bags at designated areas.

• As phones will be stored, guests are advised to print out their tickets

If guests bring large devices such as laptops, MSG will store the device onsite during the event.

Read more about MSG’s device policy

MSG Seating Chart

Madison Square Garden has many different seating options available to visitors for games and events. Premium seating areas like floor seats or luxury boxes cater to those in search of an exclusive experience, while plentiful mid-range and cheaper general seating offers the chance to be a part of the crowd. All seats have excellent views of the action.

Search for available tickets for your game or event at Madison Square Garden on TicketX along with our handy seating chart that outlines different seating options.

Remember, different events have different seating configurations so be sure to confirm the location of your seats beforehand!

🏟️Official MSG Seating Chart🏟️

Accessibility at MSG

MSG is committed to meet the needs of all guests so make sure to communicate your needs in advance. Check out the MSG accessibility page here. Here are a few important points you should know:

• Service animals are permitted

• Accessible entrances:

  • 8 Penn on 33rd Street and 8th Avenue

  • Chase Square on 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets

• Guest mobility issues are allowed to use certain Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs)

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Best Restaurants Near MSG

Given that MSG is located in the middle of Manhattan there are certainly no shortage in choices. Check out the best food and beverage options such as on OpenTable.

Outside food and beverages are not allowed in venue but there is a range of food available in MSG. Taste the flavors of New York while you enjoy the game. There are eateries at various spots in The Garden, find them here on the official MSG website.

Hotels Near MSG

A variety of hotels are available within walking distance to MSG. Prices depend on your budget preferences but make sure to book well in advanced to get the best prices and your preferred choice! Check our the best hotels near MSG here.

MSG Upcoming Schedule

For the full list of upcoming events please visit the Madison Square Garden page.