Quick Answer
No, vapes and other electronic cigarettes are not allowed inside TD Garden. The arena’s policy prohibits all kinds of smoking, including vaping, at events. Fans trying to enter with a vape will be asked to dispose of it before entering the venue.
Vaping Policy at TD Garden
TD Garden, home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins, does not allow vaping or any kind of smoking within the arena. Their official policy states:
For the comfort and enjoyment of all guests, smoking, including vaping and electronic cigarettes, is only permitted in the designated outdoor smoking locations. Guests must fully extinguish all cigarettes, vapes and electronic cigarettes before returning to the arena bowl.
This policy was established in accordance with Massachusetts state law, which prohibits smoking in any public spaces, including indoor sports arenas like TD Garden. Under the law, vaping and use of electronic cigarettes is considered smoking and is banned in the same public spaces.
TD Garden started including vapes and e-cigarettes in its smoking ban policy a few years ago, as these devices grew in popularity. Arena security will stop any guest trying to enter with a vape pen or e-cigarette and ask them to dispose of it before allowing entry. There are no exceptions made, even if the vape contains only 0% nicotine.
Why Vaping is Banned
There are a few reasons why vaping and e-cigarette use is completely prohibited inside TD Garden:
Secondhand vapor concerns
While some argue that vaping Doesn’t produce harmful secondhand “smoke” like traditional cigarettes, health authorities actually say the vapor exhaled from vaping can expose people nearby to chemicals that may be harmful. The substances in vape liquid, like nicotine, metals, and other compounds can linger in the air and be breathed in by those around the person vaping. Many public venues would rather completely restrict vaping instead of risking any secondhand health effects.
Fire and explosion risk
The lithium-ion batteries that power vapes and e-cigs have been known to catch fire or explode on rare occasions. This poses a safety issue for crowded indoor arenas like TD Garden. An overheated vape battery releasing toxic fumes or even exploding in the stands could endanger patrons seated nearby. Venues conclude it’s safer to ban vaping devices altogether rather than allow this fire and explosion risk.
Difficult to police moderate use
TD Garden and other indoor venues find it challenging to regulate vaping compared to traditional smoking. With traditional cigarettes, security can clearly see when someone lights up and takes a puff. But vaping is designed for quick, discrete inhalations that are harder to detect. This makes it almost impossible to moderate or restrict the frequency of vaping. A complete ban is easier to enforce than trying to police moderate vape usage.
Must comply with city and state laws
As mentioned above, Massachusetts law dictates that vaping is prohibited in public indoor spaces along with traditional smoking. TD Garden could actually face fines or penalties for not enforcing this regulation on arena property. A complete ban helps them comply with the letter of the law.
Where You Can Vape Outside the Arena
While vaping or using electronic cigarettes inside TD Garden is prohibited, patrons can vape outside the arena in designated locations. There are a few outdoor spaces for event-goers to vape before entering the arena:
- The Altitude Rooftop Observation Deck – This outdoor deck faces the Zakim Bridge and is located above the box office by Gate D. Vaping is allowed on the patio space.
- The Top of Hub on Causeway – The rooftop beer garden across from the arena along the West End garage also has an outdoor area where vaping is permitted.
- Schrafft’s City Center Plaza – Outside the plaza entrance near Causeway Street, vaping is allowed in the courtyard spaces.
Security guards will be stationed near the entrance gates to prevent any indoor vaping and redirect people toward the designated outdoor vaping areas. Fans can vape in these locations before entering the arena, but will still need to dispose of vapes and e-cigs before passing through security screening.
Getting Back In With a Vape
If patrons leave the arena to vape outside in one of the designated locations, they will go through security screening again upon re-entry. This means they will either need to dispose of their vape before returning inside, or store it somewhere outside until the event ends.
Options for storing vapes outside TD Garden include:
- cars parked in nearby lots and garages
- nearby bars or restaurants that allow vaping on premises
- vape storage cases or small lockers available to rent in some nearby hotels
- coat check or locker rental inside TD Garden (vape devices prohibited but could store them)
Because the battery-powered devices are prohibited inside the arena, fans can’t bring their vapes in then expect to take them back out after the event. The only way to vape inside TD Garden is to smuggle a small vape pen or e-cig past security, which comes with the risk of getting caught and ejected from the venue if discovered. All in all, vaping fans will need to plan ahead and be prepared to go without their vapes inside the arena.
Consequences of Vaping Inside
Trying to sneak a vape pen or e-cig into TD Garden or using them inside the arena can have serious repercussions:
- Security will likely confiscate the vaping device if discovered.
- First offense may result in ejection from the arena without refund.
- Repeat offenses could lead to being banned from future events.
- The arena could pursue legal action for violating their clear vaping ban policy.
Even in the seating area, vape smoke can be visible when the arena lights are on and security or other fans will notice. The consequences make it clear that vaping inside TD Garden really isn’t worth the risk.
Other Banned Smoking Products
Along with vapes and e-cigs, TD Garden also prohibits all other tobacco products and smoking devices:
- Cigarettes
- Cigars
- Pipes
- Marijuana
- Smokeless tobacco (dip, snuff, chew)
- Hookah pens
- Herbal vaporizers
These items cannot be used or brought inside the arena. Fans will be asked to dispose of all tobacco, nicotine, cannabis and smoking products before entry, no exceptions.
FAQ About Vaping at TD Garden
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about vaping or using electronic cigarettes at events in TD Garden:
Can I vape in the seating area inside TD Garden?
No, vaping is strictly prohibited in all interior areas of the arena, including your seats. You will be asked to stop or be ejected if caught vaping inside.
What if my vape doesn’t have any nicotine, just flavored vapor?
The ingredients don’t matter – all vapes and e-cigs are banned inside TD Garden. Even non-nicotine vapes are prohibited.
Can I hide my vape and take quick hits in secret?
You can try, but this is risky. Vape smoke is visible and security is vigilant in spotting vaping. Getting caught means ejection or a ban from the arena.
What if I have a medical marijuana vape prescription?
There are no exemptions for medical cannabis vapes. All vaping is banned inside the arena bowl.
Where can I smoke or vape outside the arena?
You can smoke in designated locations outside TD Garden like the Altitude Deck, Top of Hub beer garden, and the Schrafft’s City Center Plaza courtyard.
Can I store my vape somewhere outside and come back to get it?
Yes, you can store it in your car, nearby bars, coat check, or locker rentals and retrieve it after exiting the event.
Conclusion
TD Garden maintains a strict no-smoking policy that includes vaping and use of all electronic cigarette devices. Vapes cannot be used inside the arena or brought through security screening at entry gates. Event attendees will need to find a place outside to store their vapes then dispose of them to gain entry without issue. Those caught trying to sneak a vape inside or use them in seating areas face ejection and even bans from the venue for violating the clear policy. While vaping is growing in popularity nationwide, fans will simply have to go without their vapes for a few hours during events at TD Garden.