Madison Square Garden Bag Policy: My Bag Recommendation

Last updated on November 14th, 2023 at 08:27 am

Madison Square Garden (MSG) is home to the New York Knicks NBA team and New York Rangers NHL team at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001. The bag policy at Madison Square Garden is that any bags that don’t exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″ can enter the venue. That includes backpacks, fanny packs, and medical and diaper bags.

 

Here is the complete Madison Square Garden bag policy for your next basketball game, hockey match, or concert! I also share my bag recommendation on what to bring to the game. Finally, there is an affiliate link to Amazon on this page.

 

Approved Bags

While the rules in 2023/ 2024 season state you can bring in any bag that does not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″, chances are that policy will change in the future. Below are the bags that can enter the facility via the venue’s MSG Bag Policy rules.

 

• Laptop bags
• Backpacks
• ADA bags
• Medical bags
• A clear plastic bag
• Bags that don’t exceed the bag size limit of 22″ x 14″ x 9″
• A clear tote bag/drawstring bag that does not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″
• Fanny pack
• A small purse/clutch

 

My Clear Bag Recommendation + My Experience

I’ve been to Madison Square Garden for numerous hockey games over the years. I’ve brought my laptop bag and clear fanny pack to games without any problem. My preference is to bring a clear fanny pack to the game because it is not very big, and it is easy to carry around with me through the venue. Plus, the fanny pack can fit under my jacket around my chest, so I won’t forget it as I’m leaving the venue to take the train back home.

 

Below is a video of me explaining why I recommend a clear fanny pack in more detail. As a note, my clear fanny pack measure 11″ x 6.5″ x 5.9″ in size. I like it because it is easy to wear and is not bulky.

 

 

Consider purchasing a clear single-compartment bag for your next event at MSG!

 

How Does Madison Square Garden Review Your Bag?

Fans coming to MSG for a game or concert will go through a metal detector. If you have a bag with you, the security team will review that separately. As of 2023, MSG officials are ok with most bags that enter the venue and are mainly reviewing the content inside the bag to ensure it follows the prohibited items list.

 

What Items Can’t You Bring into MSG?

Spectators entering MSG for a concert or game should familiarize themselves with the list of prohibited items. Below are some things that fans can’t bring into the world’s most famous arena. However, if you want the complete list, consider checking out this link from MSG.

 

• Weapons of any kind
• Selfie sticks
• Laser pointers
• Bags larger than 22” x 14” x 9”
• Cowbells and other noisemakers
• Outside food and drinks (As a note, there are exemptions that the security staff can make for kid’s food like juice boxes and crackers)

 

What Should You Do If Your Bag Is Too Big to Enter MSG?

If your bag is too big to enter MSG, your best bet is to head to a bar or restaurant near the venue to see if they will hold onto your belongings. Numerous bars and restaurants surround MSG, so you shouldn’t have much of an issue finding a place that will hold onto your stuff. Most sites charge a small fee to hold onto your bag while at the game or concert.

 

Along with bars and restaurants, there are nearby hotels you can visit to see if they can hold onto your stuff. Like bars, hotels charge a small fee to hold onto your belongings. However, this comes on a first come and first served basis.

 

Finally, if you have the ability to leave your bag in your car, you can do that as well. The MSG bag policy tends to be more lenient than other places but be sure to read this guide before heading to the venue to make sure you run into no issues.

 

Additional Helpful Links

Fans looking to secure parking near MSG can visit that link.

 

Check out the Madison Square Garden Food guide to see what is at the venue.