Review of the Chase Lounge at Madison Square Garden
Updated: August 16, 2026
The Chase Lounge at Madison Square Garden is a 4,300-square-foot lounge in a newly renovated area of the arena.
Chase credit cardholders can enjoy light food and free soft drinks in a very comfortable setting.
The main bar at the Chase Lounge at Madison Square Garden. Photos by John O’Boyle / The Empty Nest Explorers
A few weeks before a recent concert I remembered the Chase Lounge so I tried to get a reservation but was placed on a waiting list. Luckily a few days later I received an email with a QR code for myself, Debbie, and our son.
If you have a Chase debit or credit card you can register at chasegetsyoucloser.com.
You can make reservations for up to four people and each person must have a ticket for the event. Cardholders can make up to 10 reservations each year for Knicks and Rangers games and unlimited reservations for concerts.
| 📍 Location | Lexus Terrace inside Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY. A 4,300 square foot space, renovated in 2023. |
| 🎫 Who Gets In | Chase debit or credit cardholders with a valid ticket for that day's event. |
| 💵 Cost | Free to enter. Complimentary food and soft drinks. Cash bar for alcohol. |
| 🎟️ Reservations | Required. Register and book at chasegetsyoucloser.com/lounges. Up to 4 guests per reservation, each with a ticket. |
| 📅 Reservation Limits | Up to 10 events per team (Knicks and Rangers) each regular season. No limit on concerts. |
| 🚪 Entrance | VIP South Entrance on 31st Street, between 7th and 8th Avenue. Pass security, then take the escalator up. |
| 🕐 Hours | Opens when the arena doors open, often about an hour before showtime. Closes two hours after doors open. |
| 👥 Capacity | 250 people. Busy at peak but rarely overcrowded early. |
| 👑 Sapphire Reserve | An inner lounge with its own bar for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders. |
| ℹ️ Good to Know | Photo ID required. Under 16 must be with an adult. Cancel up to 24 hours before the event. |
The colorful entrance to the Chase Lounge at Madison Square Garden.
The lounge opens at the same time as the general arena doors. For the concert, this was one hour before showtime. I’d highly recommend arriving when the door opens so you can grab a seat in the lounge.
There is a 250-person capacity and we found lots of seating when we entered but it was much more crowded when we left to find our concert seats. I would say that the lounge was busy but not overcrowded.
Guests with confirmation QR codes enter through the VIP South Entrance on 31st Street between 7th and 8th Ave. The entrance is on the right as you walk toward the main arena entrance. After passing through security, you ride an escalator up to the entrance of the Chase Lounge.
After the staff scans your QR code, you’ll pass a display of Knicks and Rangers memorabilia as you enter the colorful and stylish lounge.
On the night of our visit, the lounge was serving Bloody Mary shrimp shooters, cheeseburger sliders, jalapeno poppers, and teriyaki chicken spring rolls. Soft drinks are complimentary, and alcoholic beverages are available for a fee from the swanky bar.
The grab-and-go candy bar is a huge hit. They have plastic bags available so you can bring all the candy you can eat into the arena.
There is a separate section and bar labeled for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders only, but it seemed to be open to everyone.
Pro-tip - this bar seemed to have the quickest service.
Looking for other Chase cardholder benefits? Check out our post: Review of the Chase Sapphire Lounge at JFK Terminal 4
The bar in the Sapphire Reserve section of the Chase Lounge.
The Chase Lounge is really a pre-game thing, it closes two hours after the arena doors open.
There are other benefits at Madison Square Garden for Chase card holders.
If you spend $30 you’ll get $5 off your concession stand purchase when you use a Chase credit or debit card (not valid at bars).
Rangers and Knicks fans can save $20 when you spend $100 at the team store at MSG.
You can also purchase better seats through the Chase Preferred Seating program.
If you are a Chase cardholder and are attending an event at Madison Square Garden, definitely make reservations for the lounge. The food is tasty, the decor is stylish, and it's all free. Plus, don’t forget to fill up a to-go bag full of candy.
Chase Lounge FAQs
Is the Chase Lounge at Madison Square Garden free?
Yes. Entry is free for Chase cardholders who make a reservation. The food and soft drinks are complimentary. The only thing you pay for is alcohol, at a cash bar.
Do you need a ticket to get into the Chase Lounge?
Yes. Everyone in your group needs a valid ticket for that day's event. The lounge is a pre-event perk, not a way into the building on its own.
How do you reserve the Chase Lounge?
Register with your Chase card at chasegetsyoucloser.com/lounges, then book a spot for your event. Popular concerts fill up fast, so book early. If it is full, get on the waitlist. That is how we got in.
Which entrance do you use for the Chase Lounge?
Chase directs confirmed guests to the VIP South Entrance on 31st Street, between 7th and 8th Avenue. You pass through security, ride an escalator up, and staff scan your QR code at the top.
How long can you stay in the Chase Lounge?
The lounge closes two hours after the arena doors open. It really is a pre-show stop. We suggest arriving right when doors open so you can grab a good seat.
Can you drink alcohol in the Chase Lounge?
Yes, from the bar for a fee. Soft drinks are free. You need to be 21 to drink, and anyone under 16 has to have an adult with them.
How many guests can you bring?
Up to four people per reservation, and each one needs an event ticket. We brought Debbie and our son.
Is the Chase Lounge at MSG worth it?
For us, yes. The food was tasty, the space was stylish, and it was a calm break from the crowded concourse. The grab-and-go candy bar was a hit, and you can fill a bag to take to your seat.
About the Authors
|
John and Debbie O'Boyle are the team behind The Empty Nest Explorers. John is a professional photographer whose work has been published by The New York Times, NBC News, and Getty Images. He is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, has been part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team, and has received two New York Emmy nominations. Debbie is a writer and photographer with 30+ years of experience, formerly with The Star-Ledger and NJ.com. Together, they create in-depth travel guides for couples and empty-nest travelers who want to make the most of every destination. |
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