The World’s Most Famous Arena hosts the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals this week. Game 2 vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers tips Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET with doors at 7:00 PM ET. Home Game 4 follows Sunday, May 31 at 8:00 PM ET. Here is the verified game-day logistics walkthrough for the next few weeks of MSG playoff nights — entrances, transit, accessibility, bag rules, and where to eat nearby.
Venue Address & Entrances
Madison Square Garden sits at 4 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001, occupying the block bounded by 7th and 8th Avenues between 31st and 33rd Streets, directly above Penn Station.
MSG operates entrances on all four sides: north, south, east, and west. Your ticket lists the recommended entrance for your seat location — that recommendation matters more on playoff nights when crowds back up at the security pinch point. The Chase Entrances B and C on 8th Avenue host the CLEAR expedited lane if you have CLEAR membership.
Best Transit Route & Final Walking Time
The fastest, cheapest, most reliable approach is the subway. MSG sits directly above the 34 St-Penn Station complex, served by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E lines. Walking time from any 34 St-Penn Station turnstile to the closest MSG entrance is under three minutes — you literally surface inside the arena’s footprint.
Two-block walkers can also use 34 St-Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W) one block east, or the 34 St-Penn Station stop on the 1/2/3 line.
MTA bus options serving Penn Station include the M34-SBS, M7, M20, and Q32.
If you are coming from Long Island, LIRR drops you inside the same complex (Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall, open daily 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM). NJ TRANSIT, Amtrak, and PATH connect at Penn Station as well.
Last Train After a Knicks Playoff Game
Knicks playoff tips at 8:00 PM ET typically finish between 10:30 and 11:00 PM ET. The NYC Subway runs 24 hours, so you can ride the 1/2/3 or A/C/E out of Penn Station at any hour. For LIRR riders, check your branch’s outbound schedule on the official MTA TrainTime app before tip — eastbound late-night service runs less frequently. Moynihan Train Hall closes at 1:00 AM; the LIRR concourse stays open 24 hours.
Parking
Madison Square Garden’s official parking partner is SpotHero, the official parking app of MSG. Book through SpotHero before you leave home — walk-up rates near the arena spike sharply on playoff nights, and the closest garages sell out. Pre-booking through the official partner locks in your rate and a guaranteed spot.
Subway is faster than driving on a playoff night. The four-block radius around MSG is choked by event traffic from kickoff through final whistle and for 60-plus minutes after.
Bag Policy
Bags must fit comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags larger than 22″ x 14″ x 9″ are prohibited. MSG is not a clear-bag-only venue, but security screens every bag at entry. Leave large backpacks, hard-sided cases, and oversized totes at home or in your hotel. The full prohibited-items list is on the MSG FAQ page.
Accessibility
Every public level of Madison Square Garden is accessible via elevator. Wheelchair and companion seating are available on multiple price levels. Accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, and ASL interpretation are available on request.
For accommodations, contact the MSG Accessibility Services Department at 888-609-7599, Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM ET, Saturday and Sunday between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM ET. The full accessibility services page is on msg.com.
Penn Station itself was upgraded in May 2025 with two newly modernized subway elevators as part of broader station accessibility work — making the subway-to-arena handoff smoother for wheelchair users than it was a year ago.
Inside the Garden: MSG Eats
If you eat inside, MSG’s confirmed concession partners include Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, Fuku, and Paulie Gee’s Pizza. The full MSG Eats roster is on the official venue food and drink page.
Where Locals Eat Nearby Before Tip
The five-block radius around Penn Station has an outsized share of tourist-grade slice shops. For a real pre-game meal, walk slightly farther. Suggested directions — confirm hours and pricing on each restaurant’s site before you go:
- West on 33rd Street toward 9th Avenue puts you in Hell’s Kitchen south, where sit-down options open by 5:00 PM are plentiful.
- South on 7th Avenue into the West 20s drops you into Chelsea, with denser non-chain options.
- East to Koreatown (32nd Street between 5th Ave and Broadway) is a four-block walk and one of the best concentrations of late-open kitchens in midtown — useful for post-game too.
Plan to be seated by 6:00 PM if you want a hot meal and the security line. Kitchens in the immediate Penn Station block back up 90 minutes before tip.
Re-Entry
MSG does not permit re-entry once you have scanned in. Plan your meal, restroom, and any outdoor breaks before you cross the security line.
Quick Reference
- Address: 4 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001
- Best subway: 34 St-Penn Station (1, 2, 3, A, C, E) — under 3 minutes to the arena
- Bag limit: 22″ x 14″ x 9″, must fit under seat
- Accessibility line: 888-609-7599
- Official parking: SpotHero
- CLEAR lane: Chase Entrances B & C on 8th Avenue
- Re-entry: Not permitted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive at MSG for an 8 PM Knicks playoff game?
Doors open at 7:00 PM ET for an 8:00 PM tip. Arrive by 7:00 PM if you want a relaxed walk to your seat and time to grab food inside. Security lines back up most heavily between 7:15 and 7:45 PM.
Can I bring a backpack into Madison Square Garden?
Yes, as long as it is no larger than 22″ x 14″ x 9″ and fits comfortably under your seat. Oversized bags will be turned away at security.
Which subway stop is closest to MSG?
34 St-Penn Station, served by the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E lines, is directly beneath the arena. 34 St-Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W) is one block east.
Is re-entry allowed at Madison Square Garden?
No. Once you scan in, leaving the venue ends your access for the event.
How do I request accessibility accommodations at MSG?
Call MSG Accessibility Services at 888-609-7599 (Mon-Fri 9 AM-8 PM ET, Sat-Sun 10 AM-8 PM ET) or visit the MSG Accessibility Services page on msg.com.
Sources verified May 20, 2026 from msg.com (venue address, entrances, bag policy, accessibility, MSG Eats, Knicks Eastern Conference Finals home game schedule) and mta.info (Penn Station subway connections, bus routes, accessibility upgrades).
