New Yorkers Are Going on the Road With the Knicks for Game 5
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- For Game 5 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio, a significant number of New York Knicks fans are traveling from New York, potentially outnumbering local Texas fans in the arena, according to multiple ticket resale companies.
- Ticket resale data shows that 36-48% of Game 5 tickets were purchased by people from the New York and New Jersey area, while less than 20% were bought by Texas-based buyers.
- The phenomenon is unusual because such fan dominance in an away arena typically occurs only when the distance is short, but San Antonio is 1,800 miles from New York, requiring costly and time-consuming travel.
- Knicks fans find it more economical to attend Game 5 in San Antonio, where average ticket prices are around $2,372, compared to roughly $8,000 for seats at Madison Square Garden during the finals.
- Fans are also motivated by the prospect of more affordable tickets if the series extends to a Game 6 back in New York, making the trip to San Antonio a relative bargain despite the travel challenges.