Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans are creating a little March magic once again.
The seventh-seeded Spartans have advanced to this week’s East Regional semifinals at Madison Square Garden.
If making the plan to head to NYC for the Sweet 16 — and hopefully the Elite 8? — there’s definitely a lot you should know.
NCAA Tournament East Regional in New York
Michigan State is the No. 7 seed in the East Region and actually gets the third round of the NCAA Tournament started on Thursday.
Here’s a look at the weekend schedule at MSG.
Thursday, March 23
- 6:30 p.m.: No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 3 Kansas State
- 9 p.m.: No. 9 Florida Atlantic vs. No. 4 Tennessee
Saturday, March 25
- 6 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.: Semifinal winners
The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to the Final Four in Houston the following weekend.
Michigan State Sweet 16 tickets
Tickets for Thursday’s game are part of a two-game session. Saturday’s game is an individual contest.
Ticketmaster has Thursday tickets ranging from $221 in the 400 sections to $2,500 for the 100 sections.
Saturday’s regional final has slightly cheaper prices, but are likely to increase by the time the participants are decided.
StubHub is currently offering ticket sales as a package for all three games that will take place this weekend at Madison Square Garden.
Currently, the cheapest seats on StubHub (section 416/417) are running at $346 per ticket. The 200-level tickets are running in range of $417-900 per ticket.
The 100 level is running at a low of $512, with tickets running up to nearly $1,200.
Floor/Riser seats start at $650 and will run well into the thousands.
Flying to New York from Detroit
Unlike last week in Columbus, it’s not recommended that you to drive to Madison Square Garden.
The drive will be more than 10 hours, and navigating New York City in your own vehicle is a risky choice, at best.
Good news for Michiganders is that flights to New York are a little more affordable than getting inside MSG.
According to Expedia, if leaving on Wednesday, March 22 from Detroit, you can find flights to one of the three airports near MSG for the following prices:
- Spirit: $246
- JetBlue: $340
- United: $337
- American Airlines: $337
- Delta: $337
Flying out of other cities like Lansing, Grand Rapids, or Flint likely require a layover. Grand Rapids has limited non-stop options that are running for $613 and up.
Getting to Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden does have a helpful guide about how to get to the venue using public transit.
The arena itself is located at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza in New York.
Option No. 1 to get to the arena is taking the subway.
The 1, 2 and 3 trains, as well as the A, C and E trains stop at 34-Penn station, directly below the arena. From there, just follow the signs within each station to get to MSG.
You can also take the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R and W trains to 34 St-Herald Square. That stops at 34th Street and Sixth Avenue. Exit the station, walk one block west to Seventh Avenue and Madison Square Garden.
Fare for the subway is $2.75 for most riders.
Your second travel option is the Long Island Rail Road.
All of the branches of the LIRR connect to Penn Station. The fare depends on the starting point, but should range from $5-28.
Your third PTA option is the bus.
The M5, M7, M11, M20, M34-SBS, M34A-SBS, M55, and Q32 all make stops near Madison Square Garden. Cost will be $2.75 for most riders.
Obviously you also have the options of cab services or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Does New York have legal sports betting?
Yes, there is legal online sports betting in New York.
Since launching in January of 2022, New York has quickly become the top sports betting state in the country.
For its opening year, New York recorded $16.2 billion in sports betting handle. With its 51% tax rate, it generated nearly $700 million in tax revenue for the state in 2022.
Michigan residents will find some unique sportsbook options in New York that aren’t available as Michigan sportsbooks. That includes Resorts WorldBet and Bally Bet.
Inside of Madison Square Garden, you can find the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge. It is a premium club experience that features premium food and beverages included.
What to know when visiting Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden utilizes digital ticketing. Use the MSG Venue App or Ticketmaster App to get your tickets onto your phone prior to entry.
Madison Square Garden is now a cashless venue. All transactions for food, beverages and merchandise need to be done through credit card or debut cards. Mobile payments like Google Pay and Apple Pay are also accepted. Reverse ATMs that convert cash into a debit card, are located throughout the venue as well.
MSG does allow bags into the venue. Bags don’t have to be clear, but they can’t be larger than 22”x 14”x 9”. There is not a bag or coat check at the arena.
Alcohol is sold at MSG, while the food options around the venue also include gluten friendly and vegan friendly options.
MSU-friendly bars to visit in New York
If visiting New York this weekend, the Greater NYC Spartans recommend two locations that regularly host MSU watch events.
So, if looking for a place to unwind when not at MSG, or you can’t get game tickets and want a Spartan-friendly location to watch the game, these places are for you.
Blondies Sports: Located between Broadway and Amsterdam at 212 w 79th Street. You can get here with the No. 1 train, which makes a stop at 79th and Broadway.
Slainte Bar and Lounge: Located at 304 Bowery in New York. It is connected to Houston Street.
