Madison Square Garden Bag Policy: Everything You Need to Know - The Stadiums Guide (2024)

Madison Square Garden, known as the world’s most famous arena, attracts millions of visitors each year for concerts, sporting events, and other live performances.

As with any major venue, ensuring the safety and security of its attendees is a top priority.

One way MSG achieves this is through its bag policy, which regulates the types and sizes of bags allowed inside the venue.

The bag policy at Madison Square Garden allows for bags that don’t exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″, including backpacks, fanny packs, as well as medical and diaper bags.

This policy ensures a smooth entry process and minimizes potential risks associated with larger or unregulated items.

Visitors should be aware of the specific restrictions in place for their event and abide by these rules to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience at MSG.

Madison Square Garden Bag Policy

Allowed Bags

Madison Square Garden permits bags that don’t exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″ in size.

This includes backpacks, fanny packs, and medical and diaper bags. It is recommended to bring a bag that can fit under your seat to avoid any inconvenience.

Keep in mind that all bags entering the venue will be subject to a thorough search by the security personnel.

Prohibited Bags

There are no specific size restrictions for prohibited bags, but it is generally advised not to bring any bags inside the venue if possible.

In addition to bag restrictions, certain items are strictly prohibited within Madison Square Garden, such as:

• Video Recording equipment
• Weapons and knives
• Lasers
• Pepper Spray/Mace
• Signs and Banners
• Alcohol
• Outside Food & Beverages

It’s essential to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at Madison Square Garden.

Bag Inspection Procedure

At Madison Square Garden, the safety and enjoyment of guests is a top priority. To ensure this, a well-defined bag inspection procedure is in place.

Upon arrival, all bags will be thoroughly checked by security personnel before guests can enter the venue.

This is done to maintain a secure environment and to prevent any prohibited items from being brought inside.

Bags that are allowed into Madison Square Garden must not exceed the size limit of 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

This includes backpacks, fanny packs, and medical bags. Keep in mind that it is strongly discouraged to bring unnecessary bags, particularly backpacks, to the venue.

Travel light and only bring essential items to avoid any potential delays and complications during the inspection process.

It is important to note that Madison Square Garden does not have any bag storage options or lockers available inside the venue.

If you need to store your luggage near the venue, you might want to consider using external luggage storage services, such as Stasher.

Outside food and beverages, as well as glass containers, cans, and aluminum bottles, are not allowed within the venue.

Also, items like hoverboards and skateboards are strictly prohibited.

Avoid bringing these items to ensure a smooth inspection process and entry to the venue.

By respecting and adhering to Madison Square Garden’s bag policy and inspection procedure, you will contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Exceptions to Bag Policy

Although Madison Square Garden discourages guests from bringing bags into the venue, they do allow bags, provided they do not exceed the dimensions of 22″ x 14″ x 9″.

Backpacks are generally prohibited, and all bags undergo careful screening before entry. However, there are some special exceptions to this policy.

For guests with medical needs or those utilizing the venue’s disabled services, alternate accommodations can be made.

In such cases, it is advisable to contact the Guest Relations Department at 212-465-6225 or via email at [emailprotected].

They will assist you in making the necessary arrangements and inform you of any specific guidelines you need to follow.

It is worth mentioning that certain events at Madison Square Garden may be labeled as “device-free” events. In these instances, smartphones are not permitted, and guests must print their tickets at home.

To confirm if your event falls under this category, please check the event detail page on the Madison Square Garden website or contact Guest Relations for additional assistance.

In summary, while the standard Madison Square Garden bag policy applies to most guests, exceptions can be made based on medical needs, disabilities, or specific event requirements.

Make sure to contact the Guest Relations Department if you have any concerns or require special accommodations regarding the bag policy.

Tips for a Smooth Entry

When attending an event at Madison Square Garden, it’s essential to be aware of their bag policy to ensure hassle-free entry. Keep these tips in mind for a smooth visit.

Travel Light: The smaller the bag, the easier the entry process. Madison Square Garden encourages patrons to bring minimal belongings, even offering ‘No Bag’ express lines for quicker entry if you don’t bring a bag.

Stick to Size Limits: Any bags that exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″ are not allowed inside the venue. Adhering to these size restrictions will help you avoid any issues at the entrance.

Avoid Backpacks: Backpacks are strictly prohibited at Madison Square Garden, even if they fit within the size limitations.

Expect Screening: All bags will be thoroughly screened before entry. This includes security checks and limitations on the type of items that can be brought inside.

Some items that should not be brought into Madison Square Garden include:

• Video recording equipment (monopods, tripods, selfie sticks, audio recording devices, and professional cameras with telephoto or zoom lenses)
• Weapons/Firearms/Knives
• Laser Pens
• Pepper Spray/Mace
• Signs and Banners
• Alcohol

Print Tickets for Device-Free Events: If the event you’re attending is ‘device free,’ be sure to print your tickets at home. This will help ensure a smooth entry into the venue.

By following these tips and being mindful of Madison Square Garden’s bag policy, you’ll be better prepared for a hassle-free and enjoyable event experience.