Madison Square Garden
New York, NY · Arena
Madison Square Garden is easygoing on bag size but firm on one thing, no backpacks. Any bag up to 22 by 14 by 9 inches that fits under your seat is fine, and it does not have to be clear, though a clear bag moves you through the x-ray line faster. The Garden sits right on top of Penn Station in the middle of Manhattan, so most people arrive by train. Leave the backpack at home and you are set. Here is exactly what gets in at Madison Square Garden and what stays behind.
Venue details
Need a concert bag for Madison Square Garden?
Stadium-approved clear bags that meet the policy.
What you can bring
- Any bag up to 22 by 14 by 9 inches that fits under your seat, clear or not
- Purses, clutches, and fanny packs within the size limit
- Medical bags and diaper bags, which are subject to search
Not allowed inside
- Backpacks of any size
- Any bag larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches
- Glass and aluminum bottles, cans, and outside alcohol
- Professional cameras, audio recorders, and laptops
Medical bags and diaper bags are allowed but go through screening. There is no bag check, so anything that does not get in has to leave with you or stay home.
Upcoming events
Heading to a show at Madison Square Garden? Here are the next events, with tickets on StubHub and SeatGeek so you can compare before you buy. The bag policy above applies to every one of them.
Browse all upcoming concerts →
No bag that fits? Plan ahead
Madison Square Garden does not offer a bag check or storage. Since most people ride in through Penn Station, plan to travel light, because a backpack or oversized bag has no place to go at the door.
Common questions
Does Madison Square Garden require a clear bag?
No. The Garden does not require clear bags. Any bag up to 22 by 14 by 9 inches that fits under your seat is fine, though a clear bag speeds up the x-ray line.
Are backpacks allowed at Madison Square Garden?
No. Backpacks are not allowed, no matter the size. Bring a bag that fits under your seat instead.
Is there a bag check at MSG?
No. There is no bag check or storage, so a bag that does not meet the policy has to leave with you.
How do most people get to MSG?
By train. The Garden sits directly above Penn Station, with subway, LIRR, and NJ Transit service right below it.
Getting there
Gates open
Doors usually open about an hour to 90 minutes before showtime, with metal detectors and a bag x-ray at entry.
Parking
There is no venue parking. A few commercial garages sit nearby in Midtown, but most people skip driving into the area entirely.
Public transit
Madison Square Garden is directly above Penn Station, so the subway, LIRR, and NJ Transit all drop you right underneath the arena. It is the easiest way in by far.
Rideshare
Rideshare drop-off works the Midtown blocks around the arena, but expect heavy traffic and a slow exit right after the show.
Seating chart
Verified June 2026 against the Madison Square Garden official policy. Rules can change for one-off events, so check your event page too.