Knicks fans are set to make a significant showing at Game 5 of the NBA Finals in San Antonio. Reports indicate a remarkable number of fans traveling from New York and New Jersey to support their team.
Data from ticket resale sites show that over 48 percent of tickets for the game were sold to residents of New York and New Jersey. This statistic comes from ZIP code analysis associated with ticket purchases made on TickPick, according to company spokesman Jonathan Gluskin.
Other platforms like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Vivid Seats reveal similar trends. New York-area fans account for 36 to 40 percent of ticket sales for the event.
Although it’s uncertain if New Yorkers will fill the majority of seats, Spurs fans might find themselves outnumbered at Frost Bank Center. Less than 20 percent of the tickets on the major platforms were bought by those with Texas credit cards.
Fans from California and Florida also make up a noticeable portion of the audience, representing 15 percent of TickPick’s sales for Game 5.
Jack Sterne from StubHub noted, “San Antonio might effectively become New York City’s sixth borough on Saturday.”
While it’s common for fans to travel a short distance to rally in an away arena, the journey from New York to San Antonio spans 1,800 miles, requiring a significant travel commitment.
The availability of flights adds to the challenge, with only a few options from LaGuardia Airport reaching the arena in time. A flight with a layover in Atlanta priced at $703 might be the only feasible option according to Flights.com.
For Knicks fans, this could be a cost-effective choice compared to home game prices. Tickets at Madison Square Garden during this finals series have fetched up to $8,000, contrasting sharply with the $2,372 average ticket cost in San Antonio, according to Vivid Seats.
TickPick’s Matt Ferrel observed that fans are keenly aware of the relative bargain, considering potential expenses if the series extends to another game in New York.