Madison Square Garden: The Complete Ticket Guide
Madison Square Garden isn't just a venue - it's "The Mecca of Basketball" and one of the world's most legendary arenas. Here's everything you need to know about getting tickets.
Why MSG Tickets Are Expensive
- Location - Midtown Manhattan, accessible from anywhere
- History - Opened in 1968, hosted countless legendary moments
- Capacity - Only ~20,000 seats means limited supply
- No bad seats - Steep bowl design provides good sightlines everywhere
Seating Overview
Floor/Courtside ($800-$5,000+)
Celebrity row. You'll be close enough to hear players talk.
100 Level ($200-600)
Lower bowl. Sections 101-120 wrap around. Center court (105-108, 117-120) commands premium.
200 Level - The Bridge ($150-400)
Unique to MSG - suspended sections with club access. Great views and amenities.
Chase Bridges ($100-300)
Behind the baskets, elevated perspective. Popular with real basketball fans.
400 Level ($50-200)
Upper bowl. Don't be scared - the steep incline means you still have great sightlines.
Knicks vs Rangers: What's Different?
Knicks Games:
- Generally more expensive due to NBA season length
- Tuesday/Wednesday games are cheapest
- Weekend games against big-market teams are most expensive
Rangers Games:
- Smaller capacity (hockey configuration)
- Weekend games slightly cheaper than weeknight
- Playoff atmosphere even in regular season
When to Buy
| Timing | Typical Savings |
| 3+ weeks out | Face value or slight markup |
| 1-2 weeks out | 10-15% below peak |
| Day before | 15-25% possible |
| Game day | 20-30% if not sold out |
Getting There
Subway: 1/2/3, A/C/E, B/D/F/M, N/Q/R/W to 34th Street. MSG is literally above Penn Station.
No Parking: Street parking is impossible. Use public transit or rideshare.
Entry Tips: Security is thorough. Small bags only. Arrive 45+ minutes early for big events.
Concert Considerations
Concerts at MSG are bucket list events, but seating differs:
- GA Floor - Standing room, arrive early for rail
- Seated Floor - Premium pricing, best for artists you want to watch closely
- Sections 1-20 - Side stage views (fine for concerts, check configuration)
- 400s - Can feel far for intimate acoustic shows
Insider Tips
1. Check Ticketmaster resale first - Often competitive with secondary markets
2. Wednesday games - Consistently the cheapest night
3. SeatGeek Deal Score - Useful for MSG given price variation
4. Rangers weekday - Great value if you're flexible
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