The New York Knicks may have stumbled in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but the demand for tickets to Game 2 is anything but a fumble. Prices are soaring, with even nosebleed seats fetching nearly $1,000 and some courtside seats going for a jaw-dropping $105,000! This incredible surge in demand has unfortunately also attracted a swarm of ticket scammers, prompting a warning from Governor Hochul herself.
The excitement surrounding the Knicks’ return to the Eastern Conference Finals after a 25-year absence is palpable. Fans are desperate to witness the action at Madison Square Garden, driving up prices on legitimate resale sites like Ticketmaster and SeatGeek to astronomical levels. The cheapest ticket currently available on these platforms is a staggering $694, while the most expensive listed by the New York Post was a mind-boggling $3,025. Even the less desirable upper-level seats are selling for close to $1,000.
Governor Hochul has issued a strong warning to fans, urging caution and advising against purchasing tickets from untrustworthy sources. Her office has reported multiple complaints to the Federal Trade Commission and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center regarding fraudulent ticket sales. The FTC itself has seen a surge in complaints, with 12 in the past month alone, compared to just one since the Knicks secured their playoff spot. Over the past year, they’ve received 48 complaints, highlighting the widespread issue of ticket scams.
To avoid becoming a victim of these scams, Governor Hochul’s office recommends several precautions: buy tickets directly from the venue or trusted vendors; steer clear of resellers on platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace; verify the seller’s legitimacy; use a credit card for added fraud protection; and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. In short, if a price looks suspiciously low, it’s likely a scam.
The exorbitant prices are not only affecting individual fans but also driving up the cost of playoff tickets in the future. Early tickets for potential NBA Finals games are already listed at a minimum of $2,185, with an additional $200 service fee. This intense demand underscores the passionate fanbase and the high stakes of this year’s playoffs. Knicks fans would be wise to heed the warnings and protect themselves from unscrupulous sellers while enjoying the excitement of this historic run.
