Rules

Understanding Madison Square Garden’s rules and policies before you arrive ensures a seamless experience at one of New York City’s most iconic venues. Whether you’re attending a concert, basketball game, or live show, knowing what’s allowed and what isn’t helps you avoid unnecessary delays at the entrance and keeps the focus on enjoying your event.

MSG’s security and guest policies are designed to maintain safety, comfort, and fairness for all attendees while preserving the smooth flow of entry and exit throughout the arena.

Bag Policy

To ensure a safe and smooth experience for all guests, Madison Square Garden enforces a strict bag policy. Following these guidelines helps speed up security screening and keeps the venue secure.

• Size restrictions: Bags must fit comfortably under your seat and should not exceed approximately 22″ x 14″ x 9″. Oversized bags, suitcases, or other large items are not permitted.

• Backpacks and large totes: These are strongly discouraged unless they meet the size limits.

• No bag or coat check: The Garden does not offer bag or coat check services, so oversized items must be returned to your vehicle or lodging before entering.

• Clear bags: Clear plastic bags are optional, but they can help speed up the inspection process at security checkpoints.

• Small purses or clutches: Compact purses and clutches are allowed as long as they are easy to screen.

By following these rules, guests can enjoy a faster entry process and a safer experience inside Madison Square Garden.

Photography and Recording

Madison Square Garden permits the use of personal smartphones and small cameras for most events, provided they do not feature detachable lenses or professional-grade capabilities. These rules help ensure that all guests can enjoy unobstructed views of the performance.

To maintain safety, comfort, and compliance with copyright regulations, tripods, monopods, audio recorders, and video cameras are strictly prohibited. Guests are also not allowed to engage in commercial photography, live streaming, or broadcasting any portion of an event without prior written consent from the venue and event organizers.

Some performers or event organizers may set additional restrictions, such as complete no-photo policies or locking smartphones during the show. These rules are clearly communicated to attendees either before the event or upon entry.

Age Restrictions and Conduct

Children are welcome at most events, though age requirements may vary by performance. For certain concerts or adult-themed shows, guests may need to meet a minimum age requirement and present valid identification upon entry.

Parents should check event-specific details before purchasing tickets. During events, all guests must remain in their designated seating areas except when visiting concessions or restrooms. Standing in aisles or obstructing walkways is not permitted due to safety regulations.

The Garden maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward disruptive, abusive, or unsafe behavior. Anyone engaging in such conduct may be removed without refund.

Re-entry policies differ by event, but generally, once guests exit Madison Square Garden, they cannot re-enter without a new ticket. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly to ensure an uninterrupted experience.