Chase Square at Madison Square Garden Explained (Simply)

If you've ever stood on 7th Avenue in Manhattan, sandwiched between the chaos of Penn Station and the looming cylinder of the world’s most famous arena, you’ve likely walked through Chase Square without even realizing it had a name. It’s basically the "front door" of Madison Square Garden. But honestly, it’s a bit more than just a lobby. It’s a 20,000-square-foot glass-enclosed breezeway that acts as the primary transition point from the grit of New York City streets to the high-energy world of the Knicks, the Rangers, or a sold-out Billy Joel residency.

For years, entering the Garden was a cramped, somewhat dingy experience. That changed during the massive $1 billion "Transformation" that wrapped up around 2013. They ripped out the old, dark entrance and replaced it with this massive, airy plaza.

Now, when you walk in from 7th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets, you're greeted by those iconic 600-square-foot video screens embedded in the ceiling. It’s a trip. You look up and see highlights of Walt "Clyde" Frazier or Henrik Lundqvist staring back at you.

Why Chase Square Matters for Your Next Event

The first thing you need to know about Chase Square at Madison Square Garden is that it is the main hub for pretty much everything. If you are going to a game or a concert, this is where you'll likely clear security. It’s where the box office lives. It’s also where the retail flagship store is located—which, by the way, is huge.

• The Box Office: Located right inside the 7th Avenue entrance. It’s open Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (and later on event days).
• The Team Store: You can grab a jersey here without even having a ticket to the game, as the store is accessible from the square before you hit the ticket scanners.
• The Ceiling: Seriously, don't forget to look up. Those LED screens show everything from upcoming schedules to "Garden 366," a visual timeline of every single day of the year in MSG history.

The Security Gauntlet

Let’s talk about the vibe. It’s hectic. If you’re arriving 30 minutes before tip-off, Chase Square is a sea of people. Because this is the primary entrance for the 100, 200, and 300 levels, the line can look intimidating. Pro tip: it usually moves faster than it looks, but don't bring a big bag. They are strict. Like, "no bags larger than 22x14x9" strict.

The Chase Cardholder Perk Nobody Talks About

There is a weirdly specific benefit to this area if you carry certain credit cards. While Chase Square itself is open to the public, there are "Chase Entrances" that allow cardholders to skip some of the madness.

Kinda cool, right?

If you have a Chase credit or debit card, you can often find a dedicated line. It’s not always a massive time-saver during a random Tuesday night Knicks game, but for a Harry Styles-level concert? It’s a lifesaver. You just show your card and your ticket, and you’re in.

Is it different from the Chase Lounge?

Yes. Totally different. People get these confused all the time.

1. Chase Square is the public lobby/entrance on 7th Ave.
2. The Chase Lounge is a private, reservation-only space inside the arena (near the Lexus Terrace).

You can walk around Chase Square for free. You cannot get into the Lounge without a pre-booked reservation and a ticket to the event. Honestly, the Lounge is harder to get into than a trendy Soho brunch spot—reservations usually vanish the second they go live on the "Chase Gets You Closer" website.

What Most People Get Wrong About the Entrance

A common mistake is thinking you have to enter through Chase Square. You don't. While it's the most iconic entrance, it’s often the most crowded.

If you have tickets for the "Chase Bridges" (those high-altitude seats that look like they're hanging from the ceiling), or if you’re sitting in certain upper-level sections, you might be better off using the entrances on 8th Avenue.

Expert Insight: If you’re coming from the A, C, or E subway lines, don’t walk all the way around to 7th Avenue. Use the 8th Avenue entrances (Chase A, B, or C). They are often way less congested because everyone naturally gravitates toward the big glass windows of Chase Square.

Planning Your Arrival

If you're meeting friends, Chase Square is the "standard" meeting spot, but it’s a bad one. It’s too loud and too crowded.

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Instead, meet at the "East End Gateway" (the new glass canopy for Penn Station) right outside on 33rd and 7th, then walk into the Square together.

1. Arrive Early: For big concerts, the Square starts filling up 90 minutes before showtime.
2. Download the App: Use the MSG app to find which tower (A, B, C, or D) is closest to your seat.
3. Check the Ceiling: If you’re a history buff, the "Garden 366" display in the Square is actually pretty fascinating. It marks one major event for every day of the calendar year, from the "Fight of the Century" to the 1970 Knicks championship.

Actionable Next Steps

If you’re heading to the Garden soon, here is exactly what you should do to handle the Chase Square experience like a local:

• Check your wallet: If you have a Chase card, look for the "Chase Entrance" signs to bypass the main 7th Avenue scrum.
• Ditch the backpack: Save yourself the "secondary screening" headache. Small clutches or clear bags are the way to go.
• Visit the Garden of Dreams: Inside Chase Square, there’s often a dedicated area for the Garden of Dreams Foundation. It’s a great way to see the charity work the arena does for local kids before you head to your seat.
• Timing is everything: If you want to shop for merch without the crowds, the Team Store in Chase Square is usually open during the day on non-event days. You can browse in peace and then just show up for the game later without any heavy bags.