Boston is a renowned sports town, and no team has a legacy quite like the Boston Celtics. With championships spanning the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 00s, and the latest victory in 2010, the Celtics represent a proud tradition. The recent hiring of coach Brad Stevens has revitalized interest in the team, as he emphasizes hard work and teamwork. As a result, the atmosphere at TD Garden during Celtics games is vibrant, fueled by the knowledge and enthusiasm of Boston’s basketball fans. Here’s what you need to consider when you’re heading downtown to support the Celtics.

Tickets & Seating Areas

While the Celtics have enjoyed a successful history, their ticket sales have not always matched the highs of teams like the Knicks or Lakers. Tickets can be procured directly from the primary market via Ticketmaster, by phone, or at the TD Garden box office. Occasionally, you may need to explore secondary markets. Options include well-known platforms like Stubhub and TicketsNow, the latter being Ticketmaster’s secondary ticket distributor favored by season ticket holders. For a broader selection, ticket aggregators like SeatGeek and TiqIQ can be beneficial.

When choosing where to sit, lower-level seats are ideal for enjoying the game. Purchasing tickets in the first three rows grants access to the Sun Life Courtside Club, featuring a 55-foot media wall showcasing scores and games from around the league. If you have access to season tickets that include Legends Club, indulge in offerings such as brick oven pizza, charcuterie, and a raw bar. The SportsDeck, located between the lower and upper bowls, offers a unique club experience with complimentary appetizers available during the game.

Getting There

Reaching TD Garden is convenient, as it sits atop North Station, a major transportation hub. All Green Line routes of Boston’s subway system connect with North Station, offering easy access to the arena. However, anticipate busy trains and long lines as events conclude. Alternatives include using the Orange Line to Haymarket, the Blue Line to Bowdoin, or the Red Line to Charles/MGH, all of which allow for a brisk walk to TD Garden. Commuters from suburban areas can take the commuter rail to North Station, while those traveling from the south or west can connect via South Station and then take the T or a taxi.

Bus routes also serve the vicinity of TD Garden—visit the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority website for detailed schedules. It’s also feasible to take a taxi or Uber if you’re pressed for time, or consider walking on pleasant days. For those choosing to drive, parking is available at the North Station Garage or nearby lots, though parking there can be steep at $42 on event nights.

Pregame & Postgame Fun

Boston offers a variety of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained before and after the game. Near TD Garden, you can savor delicious fast food Mexican at Anna’s Taqueria, known for its exceptional burritos. For those craving Boston’s renowned seafood, Neptune Oyster and Union Oyster House make excellent choices, though be prepared for longer wait times. The North End, with its rich Italian heritage, offers favorite dining spots like Regina’s Pizzeria for authentic pizzas, as well as Italian eateries such as Dolce Vita, Giacomo’s, Lucca, and Mamma Maria. Don’t forget dessert; enjoy cannolis at Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry, both favorites among locals.

For bar options, The Harp is a well-liked spot with a lively atmosphere before games. A short distance away, West End Johnnie’s and the Grand Canal provide great experiences, though expect a bustling crowd after the game, especially at Johnnie’s on weekends. Additionally, Tavern in the Square has recently joined the neighborhood, offering around 40 beers on tap. If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, Boston Beer Works provides an impressive selection of micro-brews.

At the Game

TD Garden has recently completed major renovations of its concourse areas. The initial phase focused on the lower level, with an upper-level renovation set for this summer. New food offerings include burgers with innovative “Gooey Sauce” from Big Bad Burger, large pizza slices and arancini from Sal’s Pizza, shaved steak sandwiches from Garden Grill, and an assortment of tacos at Taqueria. Despite changes, beloved chicken fingers continue to be available under the new moniker, Lucky’s Chicken. However, the overall improvements to concessions may not compare favorably with offerings at other NBA arenas. Additionally, TD Garden has upgraded its Wi-Fi for enhanced social media connectivity, though speed may diminish during peak attendance.

Where to Stay

Should you be traveling from out of town for a Celtics game, there are numerous hotels in downtown Boston. Consider accommodations near Boston Common or Boylston Street to maximize your city experience. The area boasts major hotel brands including Four Seasons, Hyatt Regency, Marriott, Ritz Carlton, and Westin. For those wanting proximity to TD Garden, options including Holiday Inn Express, Wyndham, and the upscale Liberty Hotel, which is part of a Luxury Collection formerly serving as a prison, are excellent choices. The Seaport district has also seen a surge in hotel development, presenting additional brand-name options. For a unique stay, consider renting an apartment through platforms like AirBNB, HomeAway, or VRBO.