Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs) Policy

Madison Square Garden (“MSG”) allows the use of certain Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (“OPDMDs”), as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice in its Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, 28 C.F.R § 36.104, by its guests with mobility disabilities who utilize such devices due to their disability (“OPDMD Users”). For the safety of the OPDMD User and all other guests, MSG requires OPDMD Users to comply with the rules set forth below (“OPDMD Policy”).

The OPDMD Policy is meant to work in coordination with MSG’s general policies and MSG’s Disabled Services policies (together, “MSG Existing Policies”), and is not meant to be more restrictive than these policies, except for when genuine safety interests require it, per 28 CFR § 36.311(b) and 28 CFR § 36.301(b). The OPDMD Policy incorporates all terms and restrictions from the MSG Existing Policies.

Use of wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids

Guests with mobility disabilities may use wheelchairs (including electric wheelchairs), mobility scooters, and manually-powered mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, canes, braces or similar devices (as defined in 28 C.F.R § 36.104) in any area open to pedestrian use. Such devices are not considered OPDMDs.

Use of OPDMDs

Use of OPDMDs is restricted to OPDMD users, as defined above. An OPDMD User may be asked to provide a credible assurance that the mobility device is required because of the person’s disability. Event staff shall accept the presentation of a valid, State-issued, disability parking placard or card, or other State-issued proof of disability, when presented by the individual to whom it was issued, as a credible assurance that the use of the OPDMD is for the individual’s mobility disability. In lieu of a valid, State-issued disability parking placard or card, or State-issued proof of disability, event staff shall accept as a credible assurance a verbal representation, not contradicted by observable fact, that the OPDMD is being used for a mobility disability. Notably, observing a person with a disability walking a short distance does not contradict a verbal assurance, as many people with disabilities can walk, but need their mobility device for longer distances. Additionally, event staff cannot ask an OPDMD User about the nature or extent of their disability.

Device Restrictions and Seating Availability

  •  OPDMDs must be electric/battery powered.
  • Devices powered by gasoline or other combustible fuels are not permitted.
  • Usage of OPDMDs is restricted to OPDMD Users and may not be used to transport accompanying guests.
  • Seating in all designated wheelchair accessible areas is available to OPDMDs that are no wider than 36”, no longer than 50” (including any baskets or add-ons), and have a turning radius not exceeding 42”. Designated wheelchair accessible areas are set forth on MSG’s Disabilities Services webpage and MSG’s seating map.
  • For OPDMDs that exceed 36“ in width, 50” in length (including any baskets or add-ons), or 42” in turning radius, limited seating is available. Please contact MSG Disabled Services via email at disabledservices@msg.com or by phone at 888-609-7599 to discuss the specific dimensions of your OPDMD and to inquire about available seating areas. For general reference, you may consult MSG’s Disabled Services webpage and MSG’s seating map.

Operation of Devices

  • When operating an OPDMD in a non-vehicular or pedestrian only/sidewalk area, operation must be limited to walking speed of the ambient pedestrians, not to exceed 3 mph. During periods of high pedestrian volume, such as ingress before and egress following events at MSG, OPDMD Users should exercise heightened caution in operating their devices.
  • MSG reserves the right to limit or restrict use of OPDMDs in certain cases, such as during emergencies or in areas undergoing construction. MSG will not exercise this right unless genuine safety interests require doing so.
  • OPDMDs may not be operated on escalators.
  • MSG’s alcohol policy, which prohibits intoxication or behavior in a reckless manner, applies equally to OPDMD users.
  • MSG’s alcohol policy, requiring responsible consumption by all guests, applies equally to OPDMD users. Anyone found to be operating an OPDMD while intoxicated, in a reckless manner, or in violation of the speed restrictions set forth herein is in violation of this Policy, which may result in the user being prohibited from using the device.
  • MSG reserves the right to limit or restrict any unsafe or non-compliant use of an OPDMD. Failure to abide by the OPDMD Policy may, as stated in MSG’s Existing Policies, result in ejection without refund, and to the extent the OPDMD User’s conduct constitutes a violation of law, they may be subject to arrest. Season ticketholders may also be subject to having their season subscription revoked.
  • If the OPDMD is a device that cannot be screened using the magnetometer devices used at MSG, the OPDMD user must place the device in standby or power-off mode when in the vicinity of the magnetometer and permit alternate security screening of the device.
  • Use and storage of an OPDMD is at the user’s own risk. MSG is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged devices. In accordance with MSG Existing Policies, an OPDMD may not block aisles, access paths or other common areas.
  • OPDMD Users expressly assume any and all risks, including injury, in connection with the operation of their OPDMD, occurring before, during or after the event, and release MSG and its affiliates and representatives from any related claims.

MSG reserves the right to change, modify, or amend the OPDMD Policy at any time.