N.Y. Gov. Hochul blasts Spurs and Ticketmaster for blocking Knicks fans from Finals
NBC News • • sports
Key Points:
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James criticized Ticketmaster and the San Antonio Spurs for restricting ticket sales to Game 5 of the NBA Finals to local residents, arguing it unfairly impacted Knicks fans who purchased tickets in good faith.
- Ticketmaster clarified that the geographic restriction applies only to new ticket orders, while existing ticket holders, including out-of-area fans, will be allowed entry to the game.
- The Spurs defended the policy as a way to prioritize local fans in San Antonio and surrounding areas during the playoffs and Finals.
- Madison Square Garden confirmed that no tickets held by Knicks fans would be revoked, ensuring their attendance at the game.
- Geographic ticket restrictions are not unprecedented in sports, but the controversy is heightened due to the high stakes of the Finals and the Knicks' potential to win their first championship in 53 years.