SoFi Stadium excels in seating capacity, advanced technology, and accessibility features, making it ideal for large-scale events and a diverse audience. Madison Square Garden, with its prime location and historic ambiance, remains a top choice for events seeking an iconic and accessible venue in the heart of Manhattan.
| Attribute | Madison Square Garden | SoFi Stadium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | Varies depending on the event type. Boxing/MMA: 20,789, Concerts: Around 20,000, Basketball: 19,812, Professional Wrestling: 18,500, Ice Hockey: 18,006, The Theater at Madison Square Garden: 5,600 | 70,240 expandable to over 100,000 |
| Event Types Hosted | Professional ice hockey (New York Rangers), Professional basketball (New York Knicks), Boxing and mixed martial arts, Concerts (rock, pop, and various genres), Ice shows and circuses, Professional wrestling (WWE events), Other sports and entertainment events, Political rallies | NFL games (Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers), college football (LA Bowl), concerts, Super Bowl LVI (2022), College Football Playoff National Championship (2023), CONCACAF Gold Cup Final (2023), WrestleMania 39, 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, Super Bowl LXI (2027), and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and swimming events for the 2028 Summer Olympics. |
| Acoustics Quality | Generally considered good for a large arena. Bowl-shaped design and curved surfaces help distribute sound evenly. High, domed ceiling reflects sound in a controlled manner. Modern sound technologies like speaker arrays, delay towers, and digital signal processing are used. Renovations in 2013 improved acoustics with better materials. | ETFE material was found to be less ideal for seating bowl acoustics during concerts. |
| Food and Beverage Options | Numerous concession stands throughout the venue, including classic options like hot dogs and popcorn, chicken teriyaki rice bowls, fried chicken (Fuku), Carnegie Deli, Mighty Quinn's Barbeque, Mike's Hot Honey, Avenue Cantina (tacos), and gluten-free options. Exclusive spaces: Delta Sky360 Club, Club Bar & Grill, J.P. Morgan Club. | Concessions offer pizza, Italian sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and sandwiches, burritos, nachos, and tacos, as well as snacks and desserts. LA Eats concept with four distinct concession areas inspired by LA neighborhoods: Fairfax Ave, Olvera St., San Vicente Blvd., and Sawtelle Blvd. Craft beers, California wines, and creative cocktails at the Neighborhood Bar. Pop-Up Beer Stands. Non-alcoholic options: Agua Fresca, sodas, juices, and specialty coffee. New food items for the 2024 NFL season include BBQ, Sandwich Stand, Poke & Pho, and Rice & Noodle Bowls. |
| Accessibility Features | Wheelchair accessible. Access-A-Ride stops are available on 7th Avenue southbound (north of 31st Street) and 8th Avenue and 33rd Street northbound. New York City Special Parking Permits are honored for on-street parking, but out-of-state permits are not. | Wheelchair and companion seating with enhanced sight lines on every level and at all price points. Advanced assistive listening system (ALS). Open captioning on lower digital ribbon boards during NFL games. Closed Captioning on smart mobile devices via QR code at Guest Service Centers. Accessible restrooms and family restrooms on every level. Sensory rooms located on Level 3 Northeast and Level 2 Southwest (first-come, first-serve basis in 15-minute increments). Sensory kits with noise-reducing headphones available at Guest Services Centers. Service animals are welcome. Mobility Ambassadors provide wheelchair escorts from entries to seats. Priority elevator access for guests with limited mobility and one companion. |
| Location and Transportation | Located in Midtown Manhattan at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, between 7th and 8th Avenues from 31st to 33rd Streets. Accessible via train (Penn Station), subway (34th Street Penn Station, 34th Street Herald Square), bus (M4, M7, M20, M34 SBS, M34A SBS, Q32, BxM2), and rideshare (designated pickup and drop-off locations on 7th Avenue and 33rd Street). | Located in Inglewood, California. Close to LAX airport. Transportation options include parking, rideshare, and public transit. Metro stations and shuttle services are available. |
| Luxury Suites and Amenities | Suites offer high-end comfortable seating and private spaces, premium decor and good sightlines, and access to five-star catering. Amenities can include double-wide, theater-style seating, wet bar, high-definition flat-screen TVs, VIP entrance, and in-seat service. Different suite levels: Signature Level, Lexus Level, Event Level. | Over 260 luxury suites with various options to fit different needs and budgets. Amenities: Exclusive VIP entrance, comfortable seating, luxurious decor, VIP Club access, HDTVs, and catering available for purchase. Suite options include Field Cabanas, Bungalow Suites, Executive Suites, Perch Suites, and Terrace Suites. Some suites include climate-controlled environment, plush stadium-style seating, in-suite catering, and in-suite restrooms. |
| Technology and AV Capabilities | Cutting-edge sound technology and architectural design for acoustics. Modern sound systems with speaker arrays, delay towers, and digital signal processing. State-of-the-art surveillance systems. | Infinity Screen: A 120-yard long, 2.2 million-pound videoboard with 268 speakers. The Infinity Screen features the most LEDs ever used in a sports or entertainment venue. First and only 4K, end-to-end video production in a stadium. Over 2,500 Wi-Fi 6 access points. |
| Overall Ambiance and Atmosphere | Electric and energetic, especially during playoffs or major events. Historic and iconic venue. Known as 'The World's Most Famous Arena.' | Open-air indoor-outdoor stadium designed with Los Angeles in mind. The spatial layout and open-concept architecture highlight the Southern California climate. |
| Cleanliness and Maintenance | The MSG transformation project included a new entrance, arena bowl changes, and concourses. Concourses are enlarged to give fans views of the outside. | Not available |
| Security Measures | Comprehensive security plan with multiple layers of protection. Metal detectors and bag checks. Trained security personnel. Security cameras throughout the arena. Clear bag policy (only clear bags that do not exceed 12' x 12' x 6' and small clutch bags no larger than 4.5' x 6.5' are allowed). | AI-driven security screening systems by Evolv Technology for faster and more accurate threat detection. Clear bag policy. Prohibited items include weapons, fireworks, laser pointers, and drones. Police and security personnel are stationed throughout the stadium. |
| Parking Availability and Cost | No official on-site parking. Nearby parking garages and lots are available, but they charge a fee. Parking apps like SpotHero and ParkMobile can help locate and reserve spots. Average cost ranges from $30 to $40, but can vary based on the event and location. Street parking is metered and typically costs $8 per hour. | On-site and nearby parking with pre-purchase options. Rideshare drop-off zones and public transit connections. Parking prices are reported as $60 for season ticket holders and $80-$100 for single gameday rates. Off-site lots are available for around $50. |
| Pros | ['Wide variety of food and beverage options', 'Convenient location in Midtown Manhattan with multiple transportation options', 'Wheelchair accessible', 'Cutting-edge sound and lighting systems', 'Comprehensive security measures'] | ['Wider-than-average seats and excellent legroom', 'Well-padded seats with back support', 'Club seats are cushioned for superior comfort', 'Diverse range of food and beverage options, including local favorites and high-quality meals and snacks', 'Wide range of accessibility features', 'Cutting-edge technology, including the Infinity Screen, a massive LED video board, a world-class sound system, and high-speed Wi-Fi', 'Open-air, indoor-outdoor design that highlights the Southern California climate', 'AI-driven security screening systems'] |
| Cons | ['Seating can be cramped with limited legroom', 'Parking can be challenging and expensive', 'No official on-site parking'] | ['ETFE material was found to be less ideal for seating bowl acoustics during concerts', 'Gameday parking rates range from $80-$100'] |