Buying last minute tickets to see the New York Knicks play at Madison Square Garden is a time-honored tradition for many basketball fans. While buying tickets well in advance can often secure cheaper seats, waiting until game day to purchase tickets also has its advantages if you know where to look. Here we’ll explore some of the best options for scoring affordable last minute Knicks tickets.
Why Do Some Fans Wait to Buy Tickets?
There are a few key reasons why basketball fans opt to purchase Knicks tickets on game day rather than planning far in advance:
- Prices often drop on the secondary market leading up to tipoff as sellers try to unload extra tickets.
- It provides flexibility in case plans change or you decide to attend a game more spontaneously.
- Waiting allows you to see how well the team is playing as the season progresses before committing.
- Last minute tickets can sometimes provide access to sold out games.
Of course the main downside is that availability and seating options become more limited the longer you wait. Popular games can still sell out quickly. But for many, the potential savings are worth it.
Where to Buy Last Minute Knicks Tickets
If you decide to embrace the spontaneity and buy tickets on game day, here are some of the best options to score deals:
- Knicks Website/Box Office – For sold out games, last minute tickets may be released at the box office on game day at a discounted rate. These tickets tend to sell out extremely quickly both online and in person.
- StubHub – This secondary ticket marketplace tends to have significant last minute discounts on the day of the event as sellers scramble to unload inventory. Just beware of extra fees.
- Vivid Seats – Similar to StubHub, this resale site also has a “Last Minute Services” feature to find deals on game day. Prices are set by sellers.
- Gametime – This app focuses exclusively on last minute purchases, with instant digital delivery right to your phone. No need to wait in Will Call lines.
- SeatGeek – SeatGeek aggregates listings from multiple ticket sites and includes a Deal Score rating to find the best values.
Monitoring these sites leading up to tipoff is key, as prices can fluctuate quickly in the hours before a game starts.
Average Ticket Prices for Knicks Games
To understand if waiting until the last minute is really worthwhile, let’s examine some average ticket price data.
The following table shows estimated average ticket prices during the 2022-23 season at Madison Square Garden for Knicks games based on data from secondary marketplaces like Vivid Seats and SeatGeek:
Game Type | Estimated Average Ticket Price |
---|---|
Non-premium regular season game | $150 |
Marquee regular season matchup (Lakers, Nets, etc) | $250 |
Playoff game first round | $325 |
Playoff game second round | $400 |
These estimated averages help provide a baseline to judge potential game day deals against. The biggest discounts will generally be found for low-demand regular season games in the 100 and 200 seating sections.
For premium matchups and playoff games, prices tend to stay higher and sell out faster as demand increases. But bargains can still emerge for patient fans.
When Are Tickets Cheapest?
Timing is everything when it comes to scoring last minute deals. Here is an overview of when Knicks tickets tend to be cheapest:
- Day Before the Game – Prices tend to start dropping in the last 24 hours as sellers get anxious to sell surplus tickets.
- Day of the Game (4-6 hours before tipoff) – This is often the prime window to find rock-bottom prices and great deals from sellers ready to unload at any price.
- 1-2 hours before the game – At this late stage, selection is very limited but you may find some desperate sellers willing to cut extremely low prices just to get rid of tickets.
Of course prices and availability vary for each game, so flexibility is key. But in general, the hours leading up to tipoff are when you’ll find the best last minute Knicks ticket deals. Monitoring sites like StubHub and Gametime repeatedly as game time approaches is crucial.
Where are the Cheapest Seats?
In addition to timing your purchase right, where you sit also impacts how much you’ll pay. Here is an overview of the cheapest seating sections for Knicks games at Madison Square Garden:
Seating Section | Typical Price Range |
---|---|
Upper Level Corners (sections 401-406) | $50 – $150 |
Upper Level Ends (sections 221-226, 231-236) | $75 – $200 |
Lower Level Corners (sections 104-106, 118-120) | $100 – $250 |
Lower Level Baseline (sections 108-117) | $150 – $300 |
These upper and lower level corner and baseline sections offer the most affordable seating areas at MSG. You’ll get to be in the building and experience the energy without breaking the bank.
Many fans actually prefer the upper corners and ends as you get an overhead view of plays developing on the court. Just be prepared for the long climb up stairs to reach these nosebleed sections!
Best Sections for Saving Money
If you’re looking to get the absolute cheapest seats, focus on targeting these sections:
- Upper corners 401-406 for maximum value – can often find for under $100.
- Upper Ends 221-226 and 231-236 offer similar deals with added benefit of center court proximity.
- Lower corners 104-106 and 118-120 for closest cheap seats to the floor.
Shopping these sections, especially at the last minute, will give you the best chance at scoring amazing deals while still getting to be part of the MSG atmosphere.
Deals from Season Ticket Holders
One secret weapon for landing cheap last minute Knicks tickets is tapping into the season ticket holder community.
Many season ticket holders end up with extra tickets for games they can’t attend and will sell them at big discounts on game day just to recoup some costs.
Here are some tips for connecting with Knicks season ticket holders:
- Join fan groups on Facebook – many have dedicated buy/sell groups.
- Connect with sellers on Twitter and use hashtags like #KnicksTickets.
- Check Craigslist for last minute listings.
- Reach out to contacts who may know a season ticket holder.
Building a network of season ticket holders can give you access to some unbelievable deals as tipoff approaches. They already paid for their seats, so any money back is a win.
Negotiating Last Minute Deals
Don’t be afraid to negotiate with desperate sellers right before a game. Even a few bucks off per ticket can add up to big savings.
Some negotiation tips:
- Highlight how little time is left to sell and that tickets may go unused if unsold.
- Mention other comparable listings at lower prices.
- Politely ask “What’s the absolute lowest you would accept?”
- Offer to buy multiple tickets if they can discount the overall price.
Your price negotiating power increases exponentially in the final hours as tipoff approaches. So don’t hesitate to bargain hunt!
Getting to MSG on Game Day
Scoring an amazing last minute ticket deal feels great. But you still need to actually get to Madison Square Garden on time!
Here are some tips for making it to Knicks games even if you buy tickets at the last second:
- Take Public Transportation – The MSG is conveniently located above Penn Station with direct access to the LIRR, NJ Transit, Subway (A/C/E lines) and Port Authority Bus Terminal.
- Drive and Use MSG Parking – MSG has over 200 parking spots adjacent to the arena starting at $50 per game.
- Book Parking in Advance – Spots near MSG fill up fast, so reserve through ParkWhiz or SpotHero to lock in guaranteed parking.
- Ride Share Services – While not the cheapest option, Uber/Lyft provide door-to-door service and no parking headaches.
- Arrive Early! – Don’t underestimate NYC traffic and crowds. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get through security.
Coordinating how you’ll get to the game is just as important as scoring the actual tickets when buying at the last second. Leave enough time to clear security lines and get to your seat before tipoff.
Use eTicketing for Fast Entry
To ensure quick and easy arena entry, only buy tickets that can be accessed via your smartphone.
Scanable QR code tickets eliminate the need to wait at Will Call or print tickets. Services like StubHub and SeatGeek fully embrace eTicketing for instant delivery right to your device.
This avoids any delays getting into MSG when you’ve waited until the last minute to buy.
Is Buying Last Minute Knicks Tickets Worth It?
At the end of the day, does pursuing last minute ticket deals pay off? Here are the pros and cons:
Potential Benefits
- Significant savings off full box office prices
- Access to sold out games that were previously unavailable
- Hunting for deals can be exciting and fun
- You can follow the Knicks season before choosing what games to attend
Drawbacks
- Limited ticket availability as game time approaches
- May miss out on promotions for early ticket buyers
- Less control over seat location quality
- Need to monitor prices constantly and be flexible
There’s certainly an addictive thrill to seeking out last minute ticket deals. And the money saved can be significant if you land seats below face value.
But waiting until the day of the game does reduce options and reliability. You have to be strategic and persistent to score the best deals.
For many diehard Knicks fans, playing the last minute ticket game is part of the experience that makes getting into Madison Square Garden so meaningful and memorable. Just go in with realistic expectations and a little patience.
Conclusion
Purchasing your Knicks tickets on game day can be rewarding but requires patience and effort. The biggest savings emerge in the final 4-6 hours leading up to tipoff as sellers scramble to unload tickets. Focus on upper and lower corner seating sections for the best deals. Connecting with season ticket holders, negotiating prices, and utilizing eTicketing also boost your chances of success. Weigh the pros and cons and embrace the thrill of the last minute rush to enjoy big savings cheering on the Knicks!