Madison Square Garden Bag Policy 2024 - Key Details
Known simply as "MSG" to native New Yorkers, Madison Square Garden is located in the heart of New York City. The massive indoor arena was built to host different kinds of events and has managed to become an iconic venue in the Big Apple. Visitors can catch popular concert tours, sporting events, family-friendly events, and even comedy shows.
Located at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, right between Seventh and Eight Avenue and from 31st to 33rd streets, the midtown Manhattan address means it's just above Pennsylvania Station, which is known for being an extremely busy and exciting area of the city. And it's not just the venue that is iconic, but so is the list of acts, shows, and events that have taken place over the years.
Looking at the history of MSG, some of the biggest events to take place here have included "The Fight of the Century" in 1971 between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, visits from Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis, benefit concerts such as "The Concert for New York City" after the events of 9/11, and it was also the venue that actress Marilyn Monroe sang her now iconic version of "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy back in 1962.
Some of the music industry's biggest names have also played at Madison Square Garden such as Elton John, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Rolling Stones, U2, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift to name a few.
Besides this rotating lineup of special events, Madison Square Garden is the home arena to the NHL's New York Rangers and the NBA's New York Knicks, both of which have loyal and massive fan bases.
And if you're going to visit MSG for a concert, event, or sports game, you'll want to include time for sightseeing and exploring. Some of the highlights within walking distance of the venue include Chelsea Market, the Empire State Building, Macy's Herald Square, and Bryant Park. There are also endless shops and restaurants to choose from.
Before you get too caught up about the live event you have tickets for at Madison Square Garden you'll want to get the details on the bag policy and other rules in place. Knowing these details will help you make your way through the gates faster and smoother so you don't miss a single moment of the show or event.
Bag Policy at Madison Square Garden: What You Need to Know Before You Visit
Let's go over the details of the bag policy at Madison Square Garden so you don't have any surprises on the day of your event. A good rule of thumb is to travel light. The maximum bag allowance is 22" x 14" x 9" and must be able to fit under your seat. The bag doesn't need to be clear, it just can't be bigger than the maximum allowance.
Also included under the bag policy are strollers. If you've got a young child you can bring the stroller with you, but it has to be collapsible so you can fit it under your seat.
If you've got bags that are larger than the maximum allowed and you plan to check them at Madison Square Garden in storage lockers, be advised there aren't any. You'll have no place on-site to store items, so what you bring with you to the gates needs to stay with you.
So what happens if you've just arrived in the city and have luggage, a heavy knapsack, or other bags with you that will be considered too big? No worries, as we can provide a simple solution.
Store Your Bags with Bounce and Make the Most of Your Time at Madison Square Garden
With locations throughout New York City, including the area Madison Square Garden is located in, you can store your items with us and go about your plans worry-free. Just download our app to find the most convenient storage location, book it, and then you're all set to enjoy the event without any issues at the gate. Because we have locations near Madison Square Garden, you won't have to drag your items around with you as you try to find luggage storage.
And it's not just luggage storage during your event, you can leave your belongings with us while you trek through the city, exploring all its hidden gems. It will make exploring much more enjoyable and you won't have to worry about bag policies at other venues.
Bags will be kept in areas off-limits to the public providing you with a safe and secure solution. Our bag storage is also affordable, starting at $4.60 per bag, per day. And with our 24-hour flat rate fee, you won't have to worry about the game or event running late since the price won't go up. All our bookings also include protection of $10,000.
If you run into any questions while booking storage, or while you're out and about in New York City, our 24/7 support is here to help! What happens if your trip gets canceled and you've already made a booking with us? Not to worry, we offer free cancellation!
Policies to Keep In Mind When Going to Madison Square Garden
Outside of the baggage policy, Madison Square Garden has some additional policies in place that you'll want to be aware of.
Looking at the Prohibited Items at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden has a few items that are prohibited, this list includes:
- Video cameras
- Audio recording devices
- Selfie sticks
- Monopods
- Tripods
- Professional cameras
- Pets (unless they are a service animal)
Any outside food or drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are not allowed inside. There are places to purchase food and drinks inside the arena instead. If you're going to be purchasing anything, this is a cashless venue. This means you need to use a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. There are also reverse ATMs on-site that will convert your cash into a debit card.
Be Aware of the Madison Square Garden Ticket Policy for Kids
Be advised that most events allow kids under the age of two to attend without a ticket. If you've got a child under the age of two, just know they'll need to sit on your lap throughout the game or event. If you want them to have a seat, you'll need to purchase a ticket.
Digital Tickets Are Accepted at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden does allow you to show your ticket on your smartphone, which can be a lot more convenient for tourists. This is one less piece of paper that you need to keep track of and bring with you. Just remember to download the tickets in advance to speed up the process at the gates.
There may be an exception to digital tickets since some events are "device-free". This information will be listed on the arena's event page, so be sure to check it out.
Always Enter the Correct Gate at Madison Square Garden
And while you're looking at your tickets, take a look at which gate is listed. This is the only gate you'll be able to enter through at the venue.
Visiting the Madison Square Garden Fan Store Before the Event
For those who want to buy fan gear and officially licensed merchandise, the Madison Square Garden Store is located at the 7th Ave entrance. If you plan to do some shopping, arrive early so you have a chance to browse the stores before heading to your gate.
Final Useful Tips When Visiting Madison Square Garden
Thanks to its convenient Midtown Manhattan location you'll be able to get to the venue by public transit, cab, rideshare, or even walking if you're staying at a nearby hotel. The arena is just above Penn Station, which several trains feed into. The 34th Street/Herald Square stop is only one block away if that's more convenient for you.
If you plan to drive to Madison Square Garden, be warned parking is extremely limited and very expensive. For these reasons, it's not usually wise to drive to the venue.
For those who need accessible seating, make sure you contact the venue before you arrive either by phone or email at guestrelations@msg.com. They will be able to go over all the accommodations available.
Be Aware of the Bag Policy So You Can Have a Great Time at Madison Square Garden
Just like with any large arena, Madison Square Garden has a strict bag policy, but there is no need to let it stop you from having a great time. Booking luggage storage with us means you can enter the gates without any issues, enjoy your event, and then explore New York City without your belongings weighing you down and getting in the way.