Madison Square Garden is an icon of sporting history. MSG was the site of Ali vs. Frazier in 1971, hosted the first WrestleMania in 1985, and is the current home of the New York Knicks.
Photo: Ajay Suresh via Flickr/CC BY 2.0
The New York Knicks play in NBA’s Eastern Conference and are one of five teams in the Atlantic Division. The Knickerbockers have made the playoffs 42 times since their start in 1946 and are one of only two original NBA teams still located in their original city. They have won the NBA championship twice in the 1970s. The Brooklyn Nets serve as cross-town rivals for the Knicks and the Celtics vs. Knicks enmity stems from the long-standing rivalry between Boston and New York.
The Garden was constructed in 1968 and is the oldest major sporting venue in the New York metro area and the history of performance in the Manhattan space goes back to 1879 and the famous entertainer P. T. Barnum. In 1984, the streets surrounding the Garden became known as Joe Louis Plaza, honoring boxer Joe Louis. Promoted as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” it is one of the most popular music venues in the world. But the biggest attraction is basketball, and the venue allows 19,812 fans to view a game. In 2013, The Garden underwent a three-year, top-to-bottom renovation incorporating modern amenities and improving sightlines. Fans who want seats to a 2021 – 2022 game have options ranging from discount tickets to luxury suites.
Single Game Tickets
The Knicks ticketing experience is powered by Ticketmaster with connections for ticket buying for each upcoming game leading to Ticketmaster. Browsing for available tickets is made simple by using the venue map, which shows available tickets as highlighted dots, or by selecting a desired price range. Fans can search for single or multiple tickets to every game. After finding a seat and confirming the selection the timed checkout process begins. Using mobile ticketing sends tickets to a phone via text or an app. New user to Ticketmaster will need to sign up for an account by creating a username and password and entering a valid email; register a cell phone number; and enter payment and confirm any financial institution security measures. After finalization the anticipation for game time begins. Using digital tickets requires access to the Ticketmaster website or mobile app. From the account pull down menu select My Tickets. Click on the event for further details. Once the event is selected holders can view the ticket barcode. Ticketmaster recommends using the app. When viewed in the app, tickets are instantly saved to the phone. This is the best way to avoid delays if network connections are busy at the stadium.
How much are Knicks tickets? Cost depends on how you want to view the game. The most affordable tickets at Madison Square Garden are in the 300 level and depending on the caliber of opponent can start around $30 but escalate to a couple hundred dollars apiece. Searching the 200 level for available seats can also lead to discounted tickets and great sightlines for the game. Special offers like family night provide specially priced tickets to select single games; details can be found on the team website. Courtside seats are the most expensive seats at the Garden and to save a little more money try sitting behind one of the nets.
Special and Group Tickets
Rates and options for special and group tickets are found on the official team website. The preferred group pricing offers savings for groups of 10 or more and the bigger the group, the bigger the discount. Group tickets include a unique fan experience including an on-court walk through, participation in the high five tunnel, and post-game free throws. Groups also get a welcome on the Gardenvision monitor. Group lounges can host up to 42 people, includes a preset menu, and are great for birthday parties and business gatherings.
Arriving at the venue
Parking in Midtown Manhattan can be challenging. Streets around the Garden are primarily designated for individuals with disabilities who possess a New York City Special Parking Permit. Off premise parking lots near the arena start around $27. The most affordable and easy mode of transportation to the game is subway or train as Madison Square Garden is located directly above Penn Station.