Madison Square Garden, often referred to as “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” is home to the New York Knicks NBA team and the New York Rangers NHL team. With a capacity of around 20,000 for basketball games and 18,000 for hockey games, Madison Square Garden offers fans a unique and electric atmosphere right in the heart of Manhattan.
When attending an event at MSG, fans want to make sure they get seats that provide great views of the action while also offering proximity and access to amenities. For many, the 200 level seats provide an ideal balance of vantage point, comfort, and value.
An Overview of the 200 Level at MSG
The 200 level at Madison Square Garden wraps around the entire arena and is known as the “Bridge” level. This level bridges the lower 100 level seats with the upper 300 level seats. The 200s place spectators right in the action with excellent sightlines to see game play unfold clearly.
There are a few key things to know about the 200 level seats at MSG:
- The 200 level contains around 8,800 seats total.
- The rows are numbered from 1 to 27, with Row 1 being closest to the arena floor.
- Seats are numbered from 1 to 20 or more per row going outward from the center court/ice.
- There are main 200 level sideline sections, corner sections, and end zone sections.
- The 200 level seats have backs for comfort and cupholders for holding refreshments.
- Concourses at the 200 level provide convenient restrooms and concession stands for food and drinks.
When choosing seats in the 200s at Madison Square Garden, there are a few factors to consider like location, row, and specific section.
Best 200 Level Sideline and Baseline Sections
For basketball games, the 200 level sideline and baseline sections that are typically most desirable are:
Sideline Sections
- Sections 209-210
- Sections 218-219
- Sections 223-224
- Sections 231-232
Baseline Sections
- Sections 204-208
- Sections 227-230
These 200 level sections place you directly beside or behind the team benches and scorer’s table, providing up close views of coaches, players, and in-game action. For Knicks games, Sections 209-210 behind the Knicks bench and Sections 218-219 behind the visitor’s bench are especially desirable.
Best 200 Level Sections for Hockey
For New York Rangers NHL games, recommended 200 level seating sections are:
Sideline Sections
- Sections 209-210
- Sections 218-219
Endzone Sections
- Sections 201-202
- Sections 232-233
These vantage points let you view plays developing down the ice and watch shots on goal up close. Sections 209-210 and 218-219 parallel the team benches for optimal viewing.
Best Rows in the 200 Level
When choosing a specific row in the 200 level sections at Madison Square Garden, rows around the middle of the sections tend to be ideal. Here are recommended rows for basketball and hockey:
Sport | Best Rows in 200 Level |
---|---|
Basketball (Knicks games) | Rows 10-20 |
Hockey (Rangers games) | Rows 8-16 |
Sitting in these middle rows gives you an elevated perspective over lower rows, while still keeping you low enough to feel part of the action. The views are excellent goal line to goal line for hockey and baseline to baseline for basketball.
Pros of 200 Level Seating
There are many benefits to sitting in the 200 level sections at Madison Square Garden:
- You have an elevated sightline over lower level seats for better viewing over spectators in front.
- The 200 level puts you closer to the action compared to the upper 300 level.
- You’ll pay less for 200 level seats than lower 100 level seats right beside the floor or ice.
- The 200 level provides a comfortable balance of distance and proximity – not too low and not too high up.
- You are close enough to see facial expressions on players and coaches.
- The 200s offer a vibrant, energetic atmosphere surrounded by passionate fans.
- Concourses are easily accessible for food, drinks, restrooms, and retail shops.
Fans who sit in the 200 level get tremendous value out of their seats while still enjoying an immersive, closeup experience perfect for sports.
Cons of 200 Level Seating
There are a few minor drawbacks to consider when choosing 200 level seats:
- You may have obscured views in certain rows behind media and broadcast personnel sitting courtside or rinkside.
- Players will look slightly smaller than they would from front row seats.
- You won’t get the prestige of sitting courtside or at glass-side like some 100 level season ticket holders.
- 200 level concession stands can get crowded during intermissions and halftimes.
- Some fans prefer sitting lower in the 100 level despite the higher cost.
However, for most fans these are acceptable tradeoffs in order to get great seats at a more affordable price point.
Average 200 Level Ticket Prices
Pricing for 200 level seating at Madison Square Garden varies depending on factors like:
- Opponent/game matchup
- Day of week
- Time of year
- Section location
- Row number
- Purchase source (season ticket holder, team/arena, reseller, etc.)
Here are some average resale ticket price ranges for 200 level seats:
Event | Average Ticket Price Range |
---|---|
New York Knicks Game | $80 – $350+ per ticket |
New York Rangers Game | $60 – $250+ per ticket |
Concert | $100 – $500+ per ticket |
Knicks and Rangers season ticket holders in the 200s may pay a bit less for their seats if purchasing a full season package. Overall, the 200 level offers an affordable way to experience major events at MSG while still getting prime seats for the action.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key tips to summarize how to get the best seats in Madison Square Garden’s 200 level:
- Aim for sideline or central baseline/endzone sections like 209-210 or 218-219 to be near team benches.
- Choose row numbers in the middle of the sections, such as rows 10-20 for optimal viewing.
- The 200 level provides a great balance of value, comfort, and proximity for sports and concerts.
- Shop early for the best pricing, as demand drives up ticket costs closer to events.
- Use seat views from ticketing websites to confirm sightlines before purchasing.
Madison Square Garden’s 200 level seats are a fantastic option for fans who want an electric, engaging experience at New York’s most iconic arena. By choosing the right sections and rows, you’ll be set up to enjoy all the action that MSG has to offer.