Do you know nothing about ice hockey and are you wondering whether you should go and see a New York Rangers match at Madison Square Garden? First of all, you should know that seeing a hockey match at MSG is an incredible experience, whatever your knowledge of the rules. The players have to get a puck into a cage to score a point, which makes it a sport that anyone can understand fairly quickly. The atmosphere at New York Rangers hockey matches is fascinating, as the team has captured the hearts of countless sports fans over the years. Discover the highlights, the exciting calendar, the team’s history and practical information to make the most of this experience.
Hockey match in New York
Nestling in the heart of Manhattan, the emblematic Madison Square Garden is the home of the New York Rangers, the Big Apple’s historic team. It is in this idyllic setting that they challenge the other professional teams of the National Hockey League (NHL), with the unconditional support of New Yorkers. It’s a unique experience that attracts both die-hard fans and the curious. This arena has seen countless memorable moments in the Rangers’ past, such as their four Stanley Cup victories.
As one of the most popular sports in the US, ice hockey fans can look forward to exciting clashes throughout the season and a lively atmosphere during the games.
New York Rangers match schedule
The Rangers play their pre-season games at the beginning of September, generally six pre-season games, including 3 at home. Mid-October sees the start of the NHL regular season, during which the Rangers will play 82 games, including 41 in Manhattan. The regular season ends in mid-April, but it’s not over yet! If the Rangers finish in the top eight places in their conference (Eastern Conference), they qualify for the play-offs to defend their colours and try to win the title of best hockey team in North America.
The play-offs begin in mid-April with the round of 16 and last until early May. Two of the same teams face off in a draw, with the first team to win 4 matches advancing to the next stage. The quarter-finals take place from early to mid-May, the semi-finals during the last 15 days of May and the first two weeks of June.
Summary of an NFL season
| Early September to mid-October | Pre-season |
| Mid-October to mid-April | Regular season |
| Mid-April to May | Play-offs |
| Early June | Final |
If you come to New York between September and April, you can be sure of seeing a Rangers match. For the following months, the schedule depends on the team’s performance.
Hockey match at Madison Square Garden
Rangers’ 2023-2024 season is one of the most successful in terms of performance, with the club currently ranked 2nd in the Eastern Conference at the end of February and already assured of a place in the last 16 of the playoffs. Enthusiasm among die-hard Rangers fans is at an all-time high.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere that can only be found in the heart of New York. Don’t miss your chance to see a hockey match in New York by booking your tickets today. You don’t need to tell you that tickets are going fast, especially those at the best prices.
Useful information
Plan your visit in advance
New York Rangers games are very popular and tickets sell out quickly.
To be sure of a seat at one of these games, it is advisable to buy your tickets in advance. To stay informed about upcoming games, simply consult the calendar above, which we update as soon as the NHL announces the draws.
Planning ahead will help you avoid last-minute disappointments and inflated prices from unauthorised resellers. If your schedule in New York allows, booking your seats in advance against a team considered less competitive can help you save money. Pre-seasons also offer a cheaper alternative for enjoying the electrifying atmosphere of a hockey match, without breaking your budget.
Which seat should I choose?
When it comes to choosing the best seat at Madison Square Garden to watch a Rangers match, sections 200, such as blocks 208, 210, 222 or 225, are recommended for their excellent value for money, offering good visibility without requiring constant effort to follow the puck.
For those looking for more affordable options, although visibility may be reduced, sections 413 to 420 are economical choices, although following the action on the ice may prove more difficult.
How much does a hockey match in New York cost?
For those wishing to see a hockey match in New York, the cost of a ticket varies greatly depending on the location of the seat and the importance of the match. Generally speaking, the cheapest seats cost between $60 and $120, while seats with an uninterrupted view can cost more than $400. The average price to see a New York Rangers game is $145 during the regular season. When they qualify for the play-offs, the average price rises to $350.
It is important to note that ticket prices for American teams, including New York Rangers, are subject to dynamic pricing. This means that costs vary according to demand and the season. Games against long-time rivals such as the New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Islanders (who, despite their name, play in Elmont, a suburb of Hempstead in Nassau County), Pittsburgh Penguins, and Boston Bruins often see a significant rise in prices. These matches are particularly popular because of the historical and regional rivalries, especially that between Boston and New York, two American cities with centuries-old antipathies.
How long does a hockey match last?
For those planning to see a Hockey match in New York and looking to understand more about this exciting sport, here’s a quick guide. Ice hockey is traditionally played with six players per side, although teams can include 20 or more players to allow for frequent rotations. It is a blindingly fast game where players are usually on the ice for periods of about a minute at a time, resulting in many changes during play. Physical confrontations, including ‘fights’, are an accepted part of the action, with five-minute penalties awarded for such lapses, adding an extra dose of adrenaline to the encounters.
A full hockey match lasts 60 minutes, divided into three periods of 20 minutes each, with breaks in between. Despite these defined periods, the actual playing time can extend to around two and a half hours due to stoppages, breaks and substitutions. If the score remains tied at the end of normal time, five minutes of extra time are played. This extra time is decided by the “golden goal” principle, where the first goal scored determines the winner of the match.
How do you get there?
Madison Square Garden is located in a busy part of New York and parking can be expensive and difficult to find. Consider using public transport to get to and from the venue.
The MSG is easily accessible by underground:
- Lines A, C, E: get off at 34th Street-Penn Station. These lines serve the western part of the station and drop you off right next to the entrance to Madison Square Garden.
- Lines 1, 2, 3: also get off at 34th Street-Penn Station, but on the east side of the station. These lines provide direct access to the arena from the east.
- B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W lines: for those coming from other parts of the city, you can use these lines and get off at 34th Street-Herald Square station, which is a short walk from Madison Square Garden. From there you can walk one or two blocks west to the arena entrance.
The history of MSG and Rangers
The New York Rangers were founded in 1926. Over the years, they have created a passionate fan base and an electrifying atmosphere at their games. The MSG has been home to the Rangers since it opened in 1968. The team’s presence has contributed to the arena’s reputation as a premier destination for sporting events.
Hockey matches at the MSG are an unforgettable experience. The arena’s capacity for ice hockey matches is 18,006 people, allowing it to accommodate a dynamic crowd during games.
Did you know?
Over the years, Madison Square Garden has undergone several renovations to maintain its status as a world-class sports and entertainment venue. These features have helped to enhance the fan experience at ice hockey matches, ensuring that spectators have the best possible view of the action on the ice.
Some of the most notable renovations include the addition of luxury suites, state-of-the-art video screens and many high-end options for an unforgettable experience while watching your favourite team in action.
Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere
For those planning to see a hockey match in New York, it’s advisable to arrive at the arena at least 30 minutes before the start of the game. Bear in mind that a security check, including passing through a metal detector, is required at the entrance.
Madison Square Garden can accommodate up to 18,006 spectators, which means that the arena can get crowded, especially during popular games. Arriving early will give you plenty of time to move through the crowd, find your seat and settle in before the game starts.
Follow the rules
Don’t forget that you’re sharing space with thousands of other fans. Be respectful of the people around you. Don’t block other people’s view, keep noise to a reasonable level and avoid unnecessary movement during the game.
What else do you need to know?
The neighbouring NHL team, the New Jersey Devils, play nearby in Newark.
