Madison Square Garden (MSG), known as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” is a popular and famous place for sports, concerts, and big events. It’s located right in the middle of New York City, above Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. The current Madison Square Garden opened on February 11, 1968, making it the oldest NBA and NHL arena still being used today. It has gone through big renovations, the most recent one in 2013, to make sure it has modern facilities and better seats.
This arena is the home of the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL). It can hold about 18,000–20,000 people, depending on what event is happening. People come here to watch basketball, hockey, boxing, concerts, and other big shows. Madison Square Garden has seen some of the most famous events in history, like Muhammad Ali’s “Fight of the Century” in 1971 and many concerts by famous musicians like Billy Joel, who performed here over 150 times by July 2024. If you go to MSG, you’re visiting a place where history is made.
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Transportation Options for Madison Square Garden
Getting to Madison Square Garden is easy because it’s located right on top of Penn Station at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza. This makes public transportation one of the best ways to reach it. You can take the subway lines 1, 2, or 3 (Seventh Avenue line) or the A, C, or E (Eighth Avenue line) to 34th Street–Penn Station. Also, you can catch the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, and W lines at 34th Street–Herald Square, which is just one block away.
If you’re coming from outside the city, Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit trains end at Penn Station below MSG, and Amtrak trains also arrive here from other cities. So, whether you’re in New York or coming from far away, public transport is super convenient.
Driving to MSG is not recommended because traffic can be heavy and parking is expensive. Parking near MSG can cost $30 or more, and spaces are hard to find. Many visitors avoid the stress of driving by relying on private car services for a smoother experience. A popular choice is Luxury Line Transfers (https://luxurylinetransfers.com/), operating throughout NYC and known for its exceptional service, friendly chauffeurs, and stress-free travel experience. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also good options and drop you right at the entrance on 7th or 8th Avenue.
If you’re staying at a hotel nearby, you can even walk to MSG in 10–15 minutes, while enjoying the city’s energy on your way.
Madison Square Garden’s Seating Guide
Madison Square Garden’s seating is designed to give everyone a good view. The seats are arranged in a circle around the main floor. For sports like basketball and hockey, the action happens at the center with seats arranged in the 100-level (lower bowl), 200-level (upper bowl), and then suites and balconies above. MSG can hold around 19,800 people for basketball games, 18,000 for hockey games, and up to 20,000 for concerts and other events.
In 2013, MSG got a big renovation which added special seating areas like the “Chase Bridges”. These bridges are high above the arena floor and give you a cool bird’s-eye view of the game or show. The renovation also added a better LED scoreboard and improved views in many sections.
For the best seats, go for the 100-level for sports or the areas closest to the stage for concerts. If you’re on a budget, the upper deck’s front row has good legroom and a clear view of the scoreboard.
Tours and Behind-the-Scenes Access
If you want to see behind the scenes at MSG, you can take the All Access Tour. It’s a guided tour that happens almost every day, except when big events are going on. The tour lasts about 60 minutes and usually runs from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. You can buy tickets online or at the MSG box office.
The tour takes you to places that regular visitors don’t usually see, like the locker rooms, court-side views, and even the VIP suites. You also learn how the arena changes from a basketball court to a hockey rink in just a few hours. You’ll get to hear fun stories about the famous events and people who have been there. It’s a great activity if you’re a sports or music fan.
Events and Shows at MSG
Madison Square Garden hosts all kinds of events all year. It’s home to the New York Knicks (NBA) and New York Rangers (NHL). Big college basketball events and championship games also happen here. Boxing and wrestling matches are popular too.
But MSG is just as famous for concerts. Stars like Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, and Billy Joel have performed here. In April 2025, Deftones performed here on April 3, Kylie Minogue had concerts on April 4–5, and Mary J. Blige is scheduled to perform on April 10.
Family shows and special events also take place here. The famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show returned to MSG in February 2025, making it the 137th time it’s been held there.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Arrive Early: Try to arrive 30–60 minutes before the event to avoid long lines.
- Travel Light: Bags should be small and outside food is not allowed.
- Mobile Tickets: Download your ticket to your phone and make sure your battery is charged.
- Check Amenities: Use restrooms and buy food early to avoid lines during breaks.
- Exiting: After the event, waiting a few minutes before leaving can help you avoid crowds.
Dining and Nearby Attractions
You can find plenty of food at MSG, like hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, and even gluten-free and vegan options. Just remember, the food is a bit pricey.
Nearby, you can visit the Empire State Building, Herald Square & Macy’s, or take a walk to Koreatown for some amazing Korean food. Times Square is also just a short walk away.
Accessibility Services at Madison Square Garden
MSG is very accessible for everyone. It has wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, ramps, and special seating areas. The staff can also provide wheelchair escorts if needed.
For people with hearing issues, there are Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) and sections with induction loop systems. You can even request sign language interpreters in advance. Service animals are allowed, and the staff is trained to help guests with disabilities.
Overall, visiting Madison Square Garden is an exciting experience whether you’re there for a game, concert, or special event. It’s an amazing place to make memories.
Final Review
Madison Square Garden is one of the most popular places to visit in New York City, hosting amazing sports games, concerts, and interesting tours. Its location above Penn Station makes it easy to reach by public transportation, and other travel options are also convenient. With comfortable seating, modern features, and exciting events happening all year, it’s a great place to visit. Plus, it’s close to famous spots like Times Square and the Empire State Building, making the experience even better.