NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WFSB) - The New York Knicks are back in the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years, and while Connecticut fans are thrilled, many are being priced out of attending games at Madison Square Garden.
Standing room only tickets for Game 3 on Monday night were selling for more than $4,000 on resale sites earlier in the day. The steep prices mean many longtime fans are watching from home or heading to local bars and restaurants instead.
“Ugh, yeah, crazy,” said Shalepia Piper, a lifelong Knicks fan in New Haven. “We’ll be watching it on our TVs. I’ve been to plenty of games. It’s OK to watch it on TV sometimes.”
Piper’s devotion to the team is clear. Her food cart is painted orange and blue, she has a Knicks license plate, and family photos from games over the years line her workspace.
“I was born a Knicks fan. My dad was born into it. Love the Knicks,” Piper said. “I never put my colors down, always been a fan, always going to be a fan, but this right here is amazing. I’m in love.”
Doug Gleaton of New Haven has been waiting 53 years to see his team win another championship. He said he’s made a prayer to see them win one before he dies.
“A lot of disappointment over the years, hung tough,” Gleaton said. “Hopefully, I’ll see them win one.”
Despite the ticket prices, Gleaton remains optimistic about the series.
“I’m feeling very confident. Get out the brooms, baby,” Gleaton said. “It’s going to be a sweep. Get out the brooms.”
Don McAulay, an assistant professor of sport entertainment management at Quinnipiac University, said the pricing reflects market demand but creates difficult choices for fans.
“The first thought is it makes sense. We are in a capitalist market,” McAulay said. “The tickets right now completely skyrocketed, and Knicks fans are making hard decisions.”
McAulay said season ticketholders are weighing whether to attend or sell their seats at inflated resale prices, while other fans are deciding whether to spend heavily for a once-in-a-generation moment.
“I think the sad part about it might be that someone is going to spend their last dollar to see this memorable moment,” McAulay said.
While fans may not be able to afford tickets, McAulay said the Finals are creating opportunities for bars and restaurants.
“What we’re seeing on social media is that even if you’re not able to get into the game, there will be a crowd watching, whether it’s on the phone, in a sports bar or a restaurant,” McAulay said.
Jose Perez of Archie Moore’s in New Haven said the restaurant is offering specials for the game, including an orange and blue smoothie. As a longtime Knicks fan himself, he’ll be cheering while working in the kitchen.
“You can only compare it to when the Yankees are in the World Series, but it’s been a long time for the Knicks. We’re excited,” Perez said. “It’s unbelievable. It’s great for business. You get the camaraderie from the regulars, new guys coming in, the neighborhood buzzing with energy.”
Gleaton said if the Knicks win Monday night, he might head back to New York City on Wednesday to experience the watch party with fellow fans outside Madison Square Garden.
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