The World’s Most Famous Arena is home to a team that hasn’t won a championship since 1973, but that doesn’t stop the masses from attending New York Knickerbockers (Knicks) games. Madison Square Garden, often referred to as MSG, has undergone significant improvements in recent years with a $1.1 billion renovation. The seating and concessions have been enhanced considerably, making a Knicks game more enjoyable than ever before.

Tickets & Seating Areas

While ticket availability may be limited due to the Knicks’ performance, purchasing options still exist. When tickets are available, you can buy them online at Ticketmaster, via phone, or directly at the Madison Square Garden box office. In most cases, fans may need to turn to the secondary market. Well-known options include StubHub and TicketsNow, or an aggregator like SeatGeek and ‎TicketIQ.

For seating, basketball is best enjoyed from the lower level, particularly the Club seats located in the first eight rows of the center sections. These seats provide not only great views of the game but also access to the Delta SKY360° Club, which offers all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages along with in-seat service.

The newest addition to MSG is the Chase bridges, providing exceptional views from above. Although these seats can be pricey, they offer a unique experience. If these options exceed your budget, the upper-level seats still promise a fun atmosphere.

Getting There

Reaching Madison Square Garden is straightforward due to its location between 31st and 33rd streets and 7th and 8th Avenues in Manhattan. Most visitors opt for public transportation, thanks to its position atop a major train station. Numerous subway lines, including the 1/2/3 and A/C/E, transport fans directly to MSG, while the B/D/F/M and N/R/Q lines arrive only a block away. Buses, such as the M34, M7, and M20, also provide convenient access.

If you’re traveling from outside the city, you can take the Long Island Railroad or New Jersey Transit. Regular trains lead to Penn Station, the main hub for these lines, making it easy to arrive seamlessly.

In addition to public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services are viable options if time is running short, while a leisurely walk can be enjoyable on a pleasant day.

Pregame and Postgame Fun

In the heart of Manhattan, there are numerous dining options before and after the game. For a great steak or their famous mutton chop, visit Keens Steakhouse. Just a few blocks south, The Breslin is renowned for its outstanding gastropub fare and the best lamb burger in the city. Nearby, The John Dory Oyster Bar offers some of New York’s finest seafood. If you’re craving pizza, head to Marta, a delicious option crafted by the celebrated chef Danny Meyer. Lastly, Brother Jimmy’s BBQ serves up wings, nachos, and pulled pork to enhance your game day experience.

For those seeking a drink, many lively bars near the Garden allow fans to unwind and socialize. Stout is notably popular, boasting two bustling floors with Knicks enthusiasts. Next door, Feile offers a calmer atmosphere, while The Thirsty Fan is perfect for imbibing with friends. Local provides outdoor seating, although it can become crowded when the weather is favorable. Alternatively, Pennsylvania 6 presents a more refined ambiance for cocktails, and The Ainsworth creates an upscale sports bar experience with plentiful flat-screen TVs.

At the Game

One of the standout features of the Garden’s renovation in 2013 is the vastly improved concessions. Bringing in some of New York’s best chefs, MSG enhances the culinary experience for all fans. While opinions differ on the best food item, the massive sandwiches from the Carnegie Deli stand are legendary. The pastrami, corned beef, or turkey piled high on rye bread is often regarded as the best value among the expensive offerings. Following closely is the Italian Link Pizzaiola sausage from Andrew Carmellini’s Sausage Boss, with the smoked brisket sandwich from Hill Country also highly praised.

Additional selections include gourmet burgers created by Drew Nieporent at Daily Burger, featuring bacon jam, as well as simple yet satisfying options at Simply Chicken from Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Although these tacos from Cocina Tacos taste great, they may feel insufficient for the price. Aquagrill provides a seafood option, with its lobster and shrimp roll being among the more expensive selections. A personal pizza from Pizzeria Dell’Orto may seem underwhelming compared to other popular choices, but the classic chicken fingers and fries are a reliable favorite. Don’t miss out on indulging in frozen yogurt from 16 Handles to conclude your culinary adventure.

Where to Stay

Hotel prices in New York City can be among the highest globally, which means budget-conscious travelers should be prepared for expenses. The fall season usually showcases peak pricing while a slight decrease occurs in winter before prices rise again in spring. Numerous recognizable hotels are situated around Times Square, yet staying farther away from this crowded area might offer better value. As long as you remain within a subway ride of Penn Station, accommodations should be acceptable. Additionally, consider renting an apartment via AirBNB, HomeAway, or VRBO. Appartment availability is usually reasonable year-round, making it a great alternative to hotel stays.