Most Celtics home games tip off at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. Eastern, with a few at 8:00 p.m. and weekend or holiday games earlier. General doors at TD Garden open about 90 minutes before tip-off according to the arena's own guide, though another arena page says one hour, so check your ticket. A game lasts roughly two and a quarter to two and a half hours, parking in the North Station Garage costs about $60 to $65, and all tickets are mobile only.
Compare listings for every home game with our Boston Celtics tickets page, and see what seats cost in our guide to how much Celtics tickets cost. This guide covers game day itself, and it flags where sources disagree, so you know what to confirm.
The most useful tip: take the MBTA to North Station if you can. The station sits next to the arena, which saves the parking fee and the traffic.
What Is the Home Schedule?
The Celtics have 41 home games in 2026-27, and the season opened on the road in Detroit on October 20 before the home opener against the Knicks on Friday, October 23. The table lists the next home games from our schedule, with start times as listed.
| Date | Opponent | Tip-Off (ET) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, Oct. 26 | Chicago Bulls | 7:30 PM | Regular season |
| Tue, Oct. 27 | Brooklyn Nets | 7:30 PM | Regular season |
| Fri, Oct. 30 | Chicago Bulls | 7:30 PM | NBA Cup group game |
| Wed, Nov. 4 | Milwaukee Bucks | 7:30 PM | Regular season |
| Sun, Nov. 15 | Dallas Mavericks | 6:00 PM | Sunday evening game |
| Mon, Nov. 16 | Orlando Magic | 7:00 PM | Regular season |
| Fri, Nov. 27 | Atlanta Hawks | 8:00 PM | NBA Cup group game |
| Wed, Dec. 2 | Charlotte Hornets | 7:30 PM | Regular season |
| Sun, Dec. 6 | TBD (if necessary) | TBD | NBA Cup knockout placeholder |
The December 6 listing is a placeholder that only becomes a game if the Celtics advance in the NBA Cup, so do not buy a ticket for it as if it were confirmed. Times can also change for national TV, so confirm on your ticket.
What Time Do Celtics Games Start?
Weeknight home games usually start at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m., and the later games run at 8:00 p.m., while weekend and holiday games can start earlier. The Sunday, November 15 game against Dallas is a 6:00 p.m. start, and the Christmas Day game against the Miami Heat is at 2:30 p.m.
A sports guide for Celtics fans notes that games usually start at 7:30 p.m., but the NBA's national TV partners can shift times, so the safest habit is to check the time on your ticket the week of the game and again the day of.
Which Games Are on National TV?
The Celtics have 27 nationally televised games in 2026-27, up from 25 last season. The home opener against the Knicks was on Prime Video, Christmas Day against the Heat is on ABC and ESPN, and the Lakers game on February 2 is on NBC and Peacock.
| Date | Game | Network |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct. 23 | Knicks at Celtics (home opener) | Prime Video |
| Fri, Dec. 25 | Heat at Celtics, 2:30 PM | ABC / ESPN |
| Mon, Dec. 28 | Cavaliers at Celtics, 8:00 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Wed, Jan. 13 | Knicks at Celtics, 7:00 PM | ESPN |
| Mon, Jan. 25 | Raptors at Celtics, 7:00 PM | NBCSN / Peacock |
| Tue, Feb. 2 | Lakers at Celtics, 8:00 PM | NBC / Peacock |
These listings come from a season guide, so confirm the broadcast on the league's schedule closer to each game. National TV games are often the ones with the latest tip-offs and the highest ticket prices.
What Time Do TD Garden Doors Open?
General doors for Celtics games open about 90 minutes before tip-off, according to TD Garden's "Know Before You Go" page, and members' doors open two hours before. For a 7:30 p.m. game, that means general doors around 6:00 p.m.
The sources do not fully agree. The NBA.com Celtics arena page and a game-day guide list general doors at one hour before tip-off, while a venue-guide site says 90 minutes. The arena says to call 617-624-1300 or check your ticket for the time on your night, and I recommend treating 90 minutes before tip-off as your plan and confirming it.
How Long Is a Celtics Game?
A Celtics game lasts roughly two and a quarter to two and a half hours from tip-off to the final buzzer, which is my estimate based on typical NBA game lengths, not an official figure. The game itself is four 12-minute quarters, but timeouts, fouls, and a halftime break stretch it.
• Overtime: each overtime period adds five minutes of game time, and roughly 10 to 15 minutes of real time by my estimate.
• Halftime: typically around 15 minutes.
• National TV games: can run longer because of extra commercial breaks.
• Blowouts: can end sooner if the starters sit late.
Counting doors, a typical night at the arena runs about four hours from the time you walk in to the time you leave, so plan dinner and transportation around that.
Full Game Night Timeline at a Glance
Here is how a 7:30 p.m. game is likely to unfold, with each row labeled as confirmed, estimated, or conflicting:
| Time (ET) | What's Happening | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ~5:30 PM | Members' doors open (two hours before) | Per the arena |
| ~6:00 PM | General doors open (about 90 minutes before) | Per the arena; one source says 6:30 PM |
| ~6:15-7:00 PM | Arrive, find your seat, warmups | Recommendation |
| 7:30 PM | Tip-off | Listed |
| ~8:30-8:45 PM | Halftime | Estimated |
| ~9:45-10:00 PM | Game ends in regulation | Estimated |
| ~10:00-10:30 PM | Crowd exits; garage and MBTA fill | Estimated |
Use the tip-off time as your firm anchor and the finish as a range.
How Do Mobile Tickets Work?
All TD Garden events are mobile ticket only, so your phone is your ticket. The tickets use Ticketmaster's SafeTix technology, which refreshes a barcode every 15 seconds so it cannot be copied, and screenshots and paper tickets are not accepted.
• Open your ticket before you reach the turnstile: have it ready in the Ticketmaster, Celtics, or TD Garden app.
• Charge your phone: a dead phone at the gate is a common problem.
• If you bought on resale: make sure the seller transfers the ticket to your account before game day.
• Do not buy screenshots: a legitimate ticket moves by transfer, not by image.
How Do You Get to TD Garden?
The best way to get to TD Garden at 100 Legends Way is the MBTA to North Station, which is directly attached to the arena. The Orange Line, Green Line, and commuter rail all stop there, and Amtrak's Downeaster also serves North Station.
From the MBTA entrance, the walk to the arena bowl is under two minutes, according to one arena guide. If you drive from the north, take Interstate 93 South, then Exit 26A toward Leverett Circle and follow signs to North Station.
Planning a longer trip? Browse more events with our Boston tickets page, and see other events at the arena on our TD Garden tickets listings.
Where Do You Park and What Does It Cost?
The North Station Garage sits directly under TD Garden and offers a flat event rate of about $60 to $65 if you enter three hours before the game, according to the arena's guide and other sources. The garage is open 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily.
• Entrances: 121 Nashua Street and 140 Causeway Street.
• Elevators: the garage elevators go directly to the North Station concourse.
• Pre-purchase: parking can be bought ahead on Ticketmaster, and event parking appears as an add-on for Celtics games.
• Accessible parking: designated spaces are available with a valid placard or plate.
The rate figures differ by a few dollars between sources and may change, so check the price when you buy. Parking is a big share of a game night's cost, which is why many fans take the MBTA.
What Is the Bag Policy?
The safest plan is to bring no bag at all, because TD Garden strongly discourages bags and the sources I found disagree on the size limit. One ticketing guide says bags up to 14 by 14 by 6 inches are allowed, while a game-day guide says the limit is a small clutch of about 6 by 4 by 1.5 inches with no exception for clear bags.
| Detail | What Sources Say |
|---|---|
| Bag size limit | Sources conflict: up to 14" x 14" x 6" (one guide) versus about 6" x 4" x 1.5" (another guide) |
| Backpacks | Prohibited, according to one ticketing guide |
| Signs | 8.5 x 11 inches or smaller, and they must follow the code of conduct |
| Bag check | Opens two hours before the event and stays open one hour after; one guide lists a $15 fee |
| Strong advice | The arena discourages bringing bags at all |
Because the sources conflict, check the arena's policy page the day before you go. Exceptions for medical bags and diaper bags are commonly listed, and they are subject to search.
What About Accessibility?
TD Garden has wheelchair-accessible seating on all levels with companion seats, two public elevators, accessible restrooms, assistive listening devices, and designated accessible parking in the North Station Garage, according to one venue guide. The arena says to contact it directly with specific needs.
If you need accessible seating, buy through an official channel or confirm the seat type with the seller, since resale listings do not always flag accessible sections. Call the arena at 617-624-1300 for help.
How Early Should You Arrive?
Arrive about 60 to 90 minutes before tip-off if you want to see warmups, get food, and settle in, and at least 45 minutes if you only care about the game. For a 7:30 p.m. game, aim to be in line around 6:15 to 6:30 p.m.
• Drivers: enter the garage at least three hours early to get the flat rate, and expect a slow exit after the game.
• MBTA riders: the station is attached to the arena, so you can arrive closer to doors.
• Fans with bags: allow time for the bag check, which opens two hours before.
• Marquee games: arrive earlier, since entry lines are longer.
What Games Should You Circle?
The most-watched home dates include the Christmas Day game against the Heat, the Knicks on January 13, the Lakers on February 2, and the 76ers on January 21 and March 7. The April 11 regular-season finale against the Bucks closes the home schedule.
| Date | Opponent | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 15 | Dallas Mavericks | Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks in town |
| Dec. 25 | Miami Heat | Christmas Day, 2:30 PM, with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Heat |
| Jan. 11 | Houston Rockets | Kevin Durant and the Rockets |
| Jan. 13 | New York Knicks | A rematch with the defending champions |
| Jan. 21 | Philadelphia 76ers | Jaylen Brown returns to Boston |
| Feb. 2 | Los Angeles Lakers | The historic rivalry, national TV |
| Mar. 7 | Philadelphia 76ers | A second Jaylen Brown return game |
| Apr. 11 | Milwaukee Bucks | Regular-season finale at TD Garden |
The notes come from NBC Sports Boston and Yahoo Sports season coverage. High-profile games draw the highest prices, as covered in our ticket price guide.
What Should You Know About the Jaylen Brown Games?
According to NBC Sports Boston's schedule coverage, Jaylen Brown returns to Boston with the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, January 21, and Sunday, March 7. The two teams also meet at Philadelphia on November 10 and February 7.
That makes the two Boston dates among the most emotional games of the year, and fans should expect higher prices, longer entry lines, and a louder building. If you want to be there, buy early and plan to arrive at doors.
What Can You Do Around the Game?
Game nights at TD Garden are walkable from restaurants, bars, and the transit hub, so many fans plan an early dinner nearby. If you are visiting for the weekend, you can also catch another team at the arena with our Boston Bruins tickets page, or browse the whole city on our Boston tickets listings.
The arena is shared with the Bruins, so check the arena calendar before you plan a trip around a specific date, since back-to-back events can affect parking and crowds.
Game Day Checklist
• Ticket: in your app, with a charged phone.
• Tip-off time: confirmed on your ticket the day of the game.
• Transit or parking: MBTA to North Station, or the garage entered three hours early.
• Bag: none if possible; otherwise confirm the current size limit.
• Arrival: 60 to 90 minutes before tip-off.
• Exit plan: expect a slow garage exit and a crowded MBTA after the game.
Ready to pick a game? Compare current listings for Boston Celtics tickets and browse the wider NBA tickets hub.
Final Thoughts
A Celtics night at TD Garden runs about four hours from doors to exit: plan to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before tip-off, bring no bag, have your mobile ticket ready, and take the MBTA to North Station or enter the garage three hours early. Confirm the tip-off and door times on your ticket, since a few details differ by source.
Ready to pick a game? Compare current listings for Boston Celtics tickets before your date gets expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Celtics games start?
Most home games tip off at 7:00 or 7:30 p.m. ET, some at 8:00 p.m., and weekend or holiday games can start earlier.
What time do doors open at TD Garden for Celtics games?
General doors open about 90 minutes before tip-off per the arena's guide, and members' doors open two hours before. Another source says one hour, so check your ticket.
How long is a Celtics game?
About two and a quarter to two and a half hours, which is an estimate. Overtime adds more.
How much is parking at TD Garden?
About $60 to $65 for a flat event rate at the North Station Garage if you enter three hours early.
How do I get to TD Garden by train?
Take the MBTA Orange or Green Line, or commuter rail, to North Station, which is attached to the arena.
Are Celtics tickets mobile only?
Yes. TD Garden tickets are mobile only, and screenshots are not accepted.
What is the TD Garden bag policy?
Sources disagree on the size limit, so bring no bag if you can and check the arena's policy page.
Where is TD Garden?
100 Legends Way, Boston, built directly above North Station.
Is there a Celtics game on Christmas Day?
Yes. The Celtics host the Miami Heat on December 25 at 2:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.
When is the Celtics home opener?
Friday, October 23, against the New York Knicks.
Is the December 6 game confirmed?
No. It is an NBA Cup knockout placeholder that only happens if the Celtics advance.
When is Jaylen Brown's return to Boston?
January 21 and March 7, with the 76ers, according to NBC Sports Boston.
