Howard Simpson

Review of TD Garden

The area has come a long way since The Big Dig was...

The area has come a long way since The Big Dig was completed. It looks great inside and out. The parking prices are as ridiculously high as you'd expect. The connection with the T makes it convenient to take the train to North Station and walk into "The Gahden". My biggest gripe is the security check you go through to take your seat for the event you're taking in. They do not provide advanced notice of items that are not permitted in the building. Do yourself a favor and make a note that these items include cigarette lighters, vaping devices, and even brief cases. My experience was attending a family show and waiting in a long line of attendees to go through the security check. Once there was when I was informed I had an item that was not permitted in the building. I could either throw it away or go to a tavern off the premises to have them hold my vaping device for a fee. This after quite a wait to get to that point. Being that we were seeing a matinee, the tavern wasn't open. After going back into the venue and explaining the situation, I was sent off the premises again to find a retail establishment that would allow me to check my device. Eventually I found one willing to do it, but had to go through a long line a second time to get to the security check. I refused to be pat down all over again because my family and I had already done that. We only had to find storage for my vape. Barely made it to our seats before the show started. Ran to the concession stand and learned the cashiers now request a tip. It's been a while since I have been to an event at the Garden, so that was a surprise. It was not a good experience although the show we saw was very well done. If I can avoid The Garden I will, but it's near impossible to do. I will simply be selective and go there even less often.