Legendary resident Billy Joel recently stated that Madison Square Garden "has the best acoustics, the best audiences, the best reputation and the best history of great artists who have played there." One of the 10 most expensive stadiums ever built, the Garden is, rightfully so, one of entertainment and sports' biggest venues. Keep reading to learn about all the amazing events you can see there and how you can score epic savings and deals on tickets!
"Madison Square Garden (MSG) - Full (48124330357)" by Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Overview of Madison Square Garden
Home to the New York Rangers and New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden in its current location opened Feb. 11, 1968. Not only is it the second oldest major sporting facility in the New York metropolitan area, but also the oldest arena in the NBA, the second oldest arena in the NHL and the second-busiest music area in the world in terms of ticket sales. Boasting the nickname "The World's Most Famous Arena," the venue hosts professional ice hockey, basketball, wrestling, boxing, mixed martial arts, concerts, ice shows, circuses and so much more.
Location of Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is located in Midtown Manhattan at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza (on 7th Avenue between W. 31st and W. 33rd Streets). Located directly above Penn Station, the Garden is easily accessible by taking the 1/2/3/A/C/E train to 34th Street/Penn Station. You can also take the B/D/F/M/N/Q/R train to the 34th Street/Herald Square stop and walk one block west to the Garden. Additionally, PATH Trains from New Jersey stop at 33rd Street/Avenue of the Americas.
If you're arriving via MetroNorth, you can take the Shuttle or 7 train from Grand Central to Times Square and transfer to the downtown 1/2/3 train to 34th Street/Penn Station. If you'd rather take an MTA Bus, take bus M4, M10, M16 M34 or Q32 7th Avenue/Penn Station. Lastly, the Garden has established two Access-A-Ride stops. The drop-off and pick-up locations are on 7th Avenue southbound just north of 31st Street (preferable for ticket pick-up at the box office) and on 8th Avenue and 33rd Street northbound.
Parking at Madison Square Garden
Parking is available at many different garages and valet lots around Madison Square Garden —some even as close as one block away! You can purchase a spot in advance using SpotHero. Be prepared to spend at least $30 to reserve a spot for any given event.
Event-goers with disabilities who possess a New York City Special Parking Permit have the option to park on streets around the venue. Make sure to pay careful attention to the rules and regulations on the back of your permit which informs you where you may and may not park.
If you have a raised-roof van, opt for an outdoor parking lot over an indoor parking lot. Confirm the parking facility's policies by contacting them directly.
For more information on parking in New York City, contact the Department of Transportation at (718) 433-3100.
Seating at Madison Square Garden
When it comes to sporting events, the best seats at Madison Square Garden are going to be sections 4, 5, 6 and 10. These seats are almost on the court opposite the player benches. If you want to be close to the action, it doesn't get any better. For a great view with a substantially cheaper price tag, however, consider seats in sections 106-108. Additionally, if you want extra legroom with a great view of the scoreboard, the first row in the upper deck has notoriously inexpensive seats. Keep in mind that the lower you go in the bowl, the more expensive your seats will be.
For concerts, floor-level seats obviously offer the most immersive experience. Sections 1, 2, 3 and up into the other levels, such as sections 101-103, are also going to give you a head-on view of the stage. For a cheaper price tag with great views of the stage, consider sections 107 and 117. The cheapest tickets (without sacrificing the view) are going to be sections 304-307. If budget's your biggest priority, start there and work your way around the upper deck to find the seats you want. You may also want to consider the SkyBridge for an unobstructed but distant view of the stage for seats that are at a cheaper price point.
For awesome deals and savings on sports and concerts, purchase your tickets to events at Madison Square Garden through Undercover Tourist, which has been a trusted ticket seller for over 20 years and offers a 100% buyer guarantee.
What to Know Before You Go to Madison Square Garden
"Outside Madison Square Garden" by daniel0685 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Here are a few tips and tidbits you should know before visiting Madison Square Garden:
- Food, beverages and merchandise are available for purchase at Madison Square Garden. The venue offers cashless options for transactions, allowing you to use your credit card or mobile payment, including Google and Apple Pay. Reverse ATMs are also located throughout the venue for your convenience. Cash is accepted at several designated locations in the Garden.
- There are many incredible food offerings at the Garden, such as Carnegie Deli, Avenue Cantina, Gluten Free at The Garden, Go Beyond Grill, Paulie Gee's Pizza and Fuku. For a full list of locations, including gluten-free, vegan and kosher offerings, visit the MSG website.
- Outside food and beverages (including sealed cans and bottles) aren't permitted inside. Clear, soft-plastic, empty bottles are permitted and accessible water fountains are located throughout the venue. All guests are asked to arrive early and travel light. Bags don't have to be clear, but they must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags larger than 22" x 14" x 9" are prohibited.
- If you or someone in your party have additional needs, such as a medical condition that requires outside food or beverage, contact Guest Relations at (212) 465-6225 or [email protected] prior to your event.
Upcoming Events at Madison Square Garden
From Knicks and Rangers games to Billy Joel and Olivia Rodrigo concerts, Madison Square Garden has hosted numerous high-profile events, including concerts, sports games and even political rallies! Here's a look at some of the most anticipated events happening at "The World's Most Famous Arena":
- Weezer - Wednesday, Sep. 11, 2024, 7:00pm
- Hans Zimmer - Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024, 8:00pm
- Hablando Huevadas - Friday, Sep. 13, 2024, 8:00pm
- Lake Street Dive - Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, 8:00pm
- Ishay Ribo - Sunday, Sep. 15, 2024, 8:00pm
- Jeff Lynne's ELO - Monday, Sep. 16, 2024, 8:00pm
- Sebastian Maniscalco - Wednesday, Sep. 18, 2024, 7:30pm
- Charli XCX - Monday, Sep. 23, 2024, 7:30pm
- NHL Preseason - Tuesday, Sep. 24, 2024, 7:00pm
- Meghan Trainor - Wednesday, Sep. 25, 2024, 6:30pm
Have you visited Madison Square Garden before? Planning on going to an event there in the future? Share with us in the comments below!
