Madison Square Garden – Home of the New York Knicks | Arena Guide

Madison Square Garden stands as the most iconic arena in professional basketball — and arguably in all of sports — serving as the legendary home of the New York Knicks since 1968 while embodying the electric energy and cultural significance of New York City. This hallowed venue at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza opened on February 14, 1968, as the fourth arena to bear the famous Madison Square Garden name, becoming the longest-active major sporting facility in the New York Metropolitan area. With a basketball capacity of 19,812, MSG creates an unparalleled atmosphere that has witnessed countless historic moments, from championship battles to career-defining performances that have shaped NBA history. The arena's unique single-level bowl design provides intimate sightlines and exceptional acoustics — enhanced by the world's only concave arena ceiling — that amplify the passionate energy of Knicks fans, creating one of the league's most coveted home-court advantages. Madison Square Garden holds the distinction of being the only NBA and NHL venue not named after a corporate sponsor, preserving its authentic identity and storied tradition in an era of commercial naming rights. The venue's strategic location directly above Pennsylvania Station places it at the crossroads of Manhattan's transportation network, making it accessible to millions. The arena's 89 luxury suites, 1,100 club seats, and 5 seating levels cater to New York's diverse and demanding audience. Beyond basketball, Madison Square Garden hosts approximately 320 events annually, from world-class concerts — including Billy Joel's record 150 sold-out shows — to championship boxing, cementing its reputation as "The World's Most Famous Arena."

The name Madison Square Garden stretches back to 1879, when the first venue opened at the corner of Madison Avenue and 26th Street in New York City. A second iteration opened at the same location in 1891 and was designed by architect Stanford White. The third version opened in 1925 on 50th Street and 8th Avenue. The current, fourth Madison Square Garden opened on February 14, 1968, at its present location above Penn Station at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, designed by Charles Luckman Associates. The Knicks played their first game at the current building on February 18, 1968 — a 114–102 victory over the San Diego Rockets. The arena hosted the Knicks' two NBA Championships, in 1970 and 1973. It has been the site of some of the most famous moments in sports history: The Fight of the Century between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971; the 1994 FIFA World Cup games; WrestleMania I in 1985; and countless major boxing bouts and sporting events. The arena underwent multiple renovations, including a $200 million renovation in the early 1990s and a landmark $1 billion renovation completed in 2013 that completely modernised the interior while preserving the distinctive circular exterior. The 2013 renovation introduced the Chase Bridge hanging seating concept, the Delta Sky360° Club, and the world's most advanced arena scoreboard and LED lighting system. MSG remains the only major professional sports venue not named after a corporate sponsor — it has retained the Madison Square Garden name through multiple generations.

A Knicks game at Madison Square Garden is one of the premier atmospheric experiences in professional basketball. The combination of the arena's compact circular design, the famous concave ceiling that traps and amplifies sound, and the passionate New York fanbase creates an environment that visiting teams consistently cite as one of the hardest road environments in the NBA. Pre-game, fans gather at Tir Na Nog, Mustang Harry's, and the dozens of restaurants and bars on 7th and 8th Avenues. The atmosphere inside the building is defined by the banners in the rafters — two Knicks championships, Rangers Stanley Cups, Liberty WNBA titles, and the unique performers' banners (Phish, Harry Styles, Billy Joel) that reflect MSG's cultural significance beyond sport. For the most electric atmosphere, attend playoff games or the annual rivalry matchups against the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. The Chase Bridge offers an unparalleled overhead perspective of the action.

The MSG Tour Experience is one of New York City's most popular attractions, rated among the top things to do in Manhattan. Tours run daily from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (12:15 PM–3:00 PM on game days) and last approximately 60 minutes. Admission is approximately $35 for adults and $25 for children. Highlights include the Hyundai Bridge view of the unique concave ceiling, luxury suite access, backstage corridors, and Knicks and Rangers locker rooms when available. Advance booking is recommended — purchase via Ticketmaster at msg.com/guided-tours. Group tours (minimum 9 tickets) are available at a discounted rate.