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Madison Square Garden Guide

NBA · New York · 15,925 capacity

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Last updated: 3/4/2026

Madison Square Garden is built directly above Penn Station, making it accessible via Amtrak, two commuter rail systems, and 14 subway lines. Book a hotel in Midtown Manhattan for walkability and avoid driving, as street parking is extremely limited.

At a glance

Cashless
Cashless
Re-entry
All exits are final, and guests are not permitted to le…
Gates open
Gates open 90 min before
Outside food
No outside food
Getting here
Madison Square Garden is situated directly above Penn Station, making it easily accessible by subway (1, 2, 3, A, C, E lines to 34th Street-Penn Station; B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W lines to 34th Street-Herald Square).
Family friendly
Madison Square Garden is Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity.
Capacity
15,925
Home teams:New York KnicksNew York Rangers

No upcoming multi-sport weekend featuring Madison Square Garden on the calendar. See New York home weekends on the city hub →

Where to stay for Madison Square Garden

Midtown Manhattan, particularly the areas around Penn Station and Times Square, are ideal hotel neighborhoods due to their central location and excellent public transit access.

Midtown Manhattan (around Penn Station / Herald Square)

This area offers unparalleled centrality and direct access to Madison Square Garden, making it ideal for events there. It boasts excellent subway connections, facilitating travel to nearly all other major sports venues and attractions across New York City. A wide range of accommodation options are available.

Direct access to Penn Station (LIRR, NJ Transit, Amtrak). Subway lines 1, 2, 3, A, C, E stop at 34 St-Penn Station. The B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W trains are available at 34 St-Herald Square.

Chelsea / NoMad

These combined areas are trendy and bustling with diverse dining and nightlife options. They offer the significant advantage of being within walking distance of Madison Square Garden. Their central Manhattan location also provides easy access to other attractions and sports venues across the city.

Proximity to Penn Station (serviced by subway lines 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, and LIRR) ensures excellent connections throughout Manhattan and to other boroughs.

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Arrival and exit strategy

Transit and approach

Madison Square Garden is situated directly above Penn Station, making it easily accessible by subway (1, 2, 3, A, C, E lines to 34th Street-Penn Station; B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W lines to 34th Street-Herald Square). Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit), and Amtrak trains also stop directly at Penn Station. Additionally, several MTA bus lines, including M4, M10, M16, M34, Q32, M5, M7, M11, M20, M34A-SBS, and M55, stop nearby.

Rideshare and parking

Rideshare: While there isn't an officially designated rideshare zone directly at Madison Square Garden, guests using services like Lyft (the Official Rideshare Partner) and Uber can be dropped off and picked up conveniently along 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue between 31st and 34th Streets.

Parking: Street parking near Madison Square Garden is extremely limited. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and utilize nearby parking garages and valet lots rather than relying on street parking. Parking closer to the venue may be more expensive.

After the event

Popular late-night spots near MSG include Mustang Harry's, The RagTrader, Tara Mor Irish Bar, The Flatiron Room, and The Hairy Lemon.

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The game-day experience

  • Atmosphere area: Madison Square Garden is located in Midtown Manhattan, specifically on 7th Avenue between West 31st and 33rd Streets, directly above Penn Station, within a bustling urban environment.
  • Signature food: Madison Square Garden offers a variety of food options, including traditional arena snacks like popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, and candy. More substantial offerings include Prime Rib from Pat LaFrieda, Mighty Quinn's Barbeque, SeoulBird Korean BBQ, daily burgers, Carnegie Deli items, Paulie Gee's Pizza, and 7th Street Burger.
  • Fan tradition: New York Knicks and New York Rangers fans contribute to an 'electric atmosphere' at Madison Square Garden. Local bars like The Flying Puck are known as a 'hockey lover's haven' for Rangers fans, while places like Tara Mor Irish Bar offer a dedicated pre-game, in-game, and post-game experience for Knicks fans.
  • Pregame institution: Mustang Harry's (352 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001)

Where to eat and drink nearby

Pregame picks

  • Mustang Harry's
    352 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001 · Midtown Manhattan

    A legendary Irish sports bar and restaurant for over two decades, it's a go-to spot for locals, sports fans, and families, especially New York Knicks and Rangers supporters. It features multiple HDTVs, premium surround sound, comfortable seating, and hosts player meet-and-greets.

    What to order: American favorites, Irish cuisine, handcrafted game-day bites, artisanal cocktails, craft beers, curated wines, fine spirits (over 200 varieties of whiskeys and tequilas), pub fare like wings, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

  • The Football Factory at Legends
    6 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001 · Midtown Manhattan

    Considered one of the best football (soccer) bars in NYC, it has a casual atmosphere and is dedicated to screening numerous international championships, including the Premier League, Champions League, World Cup, Bundesliga, and La Liga. It boasts 3 floors with 20 big-screen TVs and 2 huge screens.

    What to order: Simple but good food, draft beers.

  • Stout NYC Bryant Park
    109 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018 · Midtown Manhattan

    An upbeat alehouse known for fostering warmth, connection, and unforgettable memories since 2005. It welcomes diverse audiences and hosts events like the Six Nations Rugby Championship and Formula 1.

    What to order: Wide range of draft brews, classic pub grub, complimentary appetizers, and premium open bar options for events.

  • American Whiskey Midtown
    247 West 30th St, New York, NY 10001 · Midtown Manhattan

    A stylish, multi-level space with a warm yet modern atmosphere, known for watching sporting events. It's an ultimate bar scene party spot, especially for whiskey aficionados, and perfect for before and after MSG events.

    What to order: Elevated cocktails, house-smoked wings, a large whiskey selection (over 375 globally-sourced bottles), and lite fare.

  • Smithfield Hall NYC
    138 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001 · Chelsea

    A premier destination for watching international sports, especially football (soccer) matches from various leagues, along with NFL, MLB, and NBA games. It offers a vibrant atmosphere with numerous TVs and attracts a local New York crowd.

    What to order: American fare such as Jameson wings, bratwurst, pulled pork sliders, beer-battered fish & chips, and Bavarian pretzels, alongside an extensive beer selection and brunch options.