Madison Square Garden is a 20,000-seat arena in Midtown Manhattan that hosts concerts, sports, and other events year-round

Madison Square Garden (MSG) sits at 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue in New York City. It is home to the New York Knicks (NBA), New York Rangers (NHL), and New York Liberty (WNBA). The building also hosts concerts, wrestling, boxing, and other events. If you are planning to attend an event there, you need to know how to buy tickets, what the venue rules are, and what to expect when you arrive.

The arena opened in its current location in 1968. It has been renovated multiple times, most recently between 2011 and 2019. The building holds roughly 20,000 people depending on the event setup. Parking, seating, and entry procedures differ based on what kind of event you are attending and which entrance you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, StubHub, and other resellers, and prices vary widely depending on the event and how close the date is.
  • You must bring a valid photo ID to enter, and bags are subject to search — the venue has specific rules about what you can bring inside.
  • Parking near MSG is expensive and limited; public transit (subway A, C, E lines) is usually faster and cheaper than driving.
  • Event start times, door opening times, and seating sections are printed on your ticket or confirmation email, so check those details before you arrive.

How to buy tickets and what prices typically look like

Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, which is the official vendor for most MSG events. You can also buy from resale sites like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or Facebook Marketplace, though prices on resale sites are often higher than face value. Ticketmaster charges a fee on top of the ticket price — this fee varies but is usually 15 to 30 percent of the ticket cost.

Prices depend entirely on the event. A regular-season Knicks game might cost $50 to $200 per seat. A major concert or playoff game can cost $100 to $500 or more. Seats closer to the court or stage cost more than seats in the upper levels. If you buy from Ticketmaster, you receive a confirmation email with a barcode or digital ticket that you scan at the gate. If you buy from a reseller, make sure the seller is reputable and that you receive the ticket before the event date.

Some events sell out weeks in advance. Others have tickets available the day of the show. Checking Ticketmaster directly tells you whether tickets are still available and what the current price is.

What to bring and what the venue will not allow

You must bring a valid photo ID to enter Madison Square Garden. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Without ID, you will not be admitted, even if someone else bought your ticket.

The venue allows small bags, but they are subject to search. MSG follows the Clear Bag Policy, which means bags must be clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC and no larger than 14 inches wide by 14 inches tall by 6 inches deep. A small clutch or crossbody bag that is not clear is allowed if it is smaller than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Backpacks, large purses, and luggage are not allowed. You cannot bring weapons of any kind, including pocket knives. Outside food and beverages are not allowed, though you can buy food and drinks inside the arena.

Cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed at most events, though small personal cameras and phones are fine. Check your ticket confirmation or the MSG website for the specific event, because rules vary by event type.

Getting to Madison Square Garden and where to park

Madison Square Garden is located at 33rd Street and Seventh Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The easiest way to get there is by subway. The A, C, and E trains all stop at 34th Street–Penn Station, which is one block away from MSG. The 1, 2, and 3 trains also stop at 34th Street–Penn Station. If you are coming from outside the city, you can take the Long Island Rail Road or New Jersey Transit to Penn Station, which is directly below MSG.

Parking in Midtown Manhattan is expensive and hard to find. Parking garages near MSG charge $20 to $50 or more depending on how long you stay and the time of day. Street parking is limited and often requires a permit. For most people, taking the subway is faster and cheaper than driving. If you do drive, use a parking app like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to reserve a spot in advance.

If you are taking a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, expect surge pricing during peak times (right before an event starts or right after it ends). Arriving 30 to 60 minutes early gives you time to park, walk to the arena, and find your seat before the event begins.

What happens when you arrive and how early to get there

Arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes before the event start time listed on your ticket. This gives you time to find the right entrance, go through security, and locate your seat. During major events like playoffs or popular concerts, the arena can be very crowded, and security lines can be long.

When you arrive, look for the entrance that matches your ticket section. MSG has multiple entrances on different sides of the building. Your ticket or confirmation email will tell you which entrance to use. At the entrance, a staff member will scan your barcode or check your digital ticket. You will then go through a security screening, where staff may search your bag and use a metal detector. This process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how busy it is.

Once you are inside, find your section number on your ticket. Ushers can point you to the right staircase or elevator. If you cannot find your seat, ask an usher — they know the building and can help you quickly. Most events have a concourse with food, drinks, and merchandise for sale.

Seating sections and what different price levels mean

Madison Square Garden has three levels: the lower bowl, the middle level, and the upper level. Lower bowl seats (sections 101–124) are closest to the court or stage and cost the most. Middle level seats (sections 201–224) are in the middle of the building. Upper level seats (sections 301–324) are farthest from the action and usually cost less.

Within each section, seats are numbered from left to right when you face the court or stage. Your ticket shows your section, row, and seat number. If you are sitting in the upper level, you will have a good view of the entire court or stage, though the action will look smaller. Lower bowl seats give you a closer view but a narrower angle.

Some sections have obstructed views because of pillars or the building's structure. Ticketmaster usually marks these as "obstructed view" when you buy, and they cost less than unobstructed seats. If you buy a ticket without checking the view, you may end up with a pillar in your way.

Event cancellations, refunds, and what to do if plans change

If an event is cancelled, Ticketmaster will issue a refund to the original payment method. This can take 5 to 10 business days. If an event is postponed to a new date, your ticket is usually valid for the new date. Check your confirmation email for details about what happens to your specific ticket.

If you need to sell your ticket because your plans changed, you can list it on StubHub, Vivid Seats, or Ticketmaster's resale platform. You will receive less money than you paid because resale sites take a commission. Some tickets are non-transferable, which means you cannot sell them — check your ticket terms before you buy.

If you have questions about a specific event, call the MSG box office at 212-465-6741 or visit the MSG website. They can answer questions about parking, seating, bag policy, or event details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into Madison Square Garden?

No. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the arena. You can buy food and drinks at concession stands throughout the building, though prices are higher than outside restaurants. If you have dietary restrictions, some concession stands offer specific options — ask an usher where to find them.

What if I lose my ticket or my phone dies before I get to the gate?

If you bought through Ticketmaster, call their customer service line or visit the Ticketmaster website to retrieve your ticket information. You can show a printed confirmation email or a photo of your barcode on another device. If your phone dies, ask an usher or box office staff to help you — they can look up your ticket using your name and confirmation number.

Are there accessible entrances and seating for people with disabilities?

Yes. Madison Square Garden has wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and seating areas. If you need accessible seating, contact the MSG box office at 212-465-6741 when you buy your ticket or before you arrive. Staff can direct you to the right entrance and seating area.

Can I bring a child to an event at Madison Square Garden?

Yes, children are allowed at most events. Some events have age restrictions or require children to have their own ticket — check the event details on Ticketmaster. Children must follow the same bag and ID rules as adults, though they do not need a photo ID if they are very young.

What is the best time to buy tickets to get the lowest price?

Prices are usually lowest when tickets first go on sale, then rise as the event date gets closer. However, prices sometimes drop in the final days or hours before an event if the venue is not selling well. Checking Ticketmaster regularly in the weeks before an event can help you spot price changes.