The New York Knicks will only sell tickets to fully vaccinated fans if they advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs, Madison Square Garden announced Friday.
“The energy our Knicks fans have brought to the playoffs has been incredible,” MSG executive vice president and Knicks president of business operations David Hopkinson said in a statement. “… It’s moments like this that show us what’s possible if everyone gets vaccinated — we’ll all be able to get back to doing what we love — and that definitely includes being together to cheer on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.”
The Knicks had more than 15,000 fans in attendance at Game 1 and 2 of their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks, with more than 90 percent vaccinated. The stadium has required proof of either full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 antigen or PCR test to enter. Fans in fully vaccinated sections are not required to socially distance or wear masks when seated.
Children under 16 can sit in a vaccinated section with proof of a negative antigen or PCR test. They must wear masks while seated except when actively eating or drinking.
The series is tied 1-1 entering Game 3 on Friday night in Atlanta. Game 4 is set for Sunday before the series returns to New York on Wednesday.
