NEW YORK—The hunt for Knicks tickets has created a cutthroat Hunger Games-like competition during this week’s NBA Finals. But Hollywood stars and Wall Streeters pursuing “Celebrity Row” seats at Madison Square Garden should be forewarned: There are some unofficial rules to scoring the ultimate in luxury, courtside seats, say sources.
During ABC’s telecast of Monday night’s Game 3 between the Knicks and Spurs, a few dozen camera-friendly seats at the World’s Most Famous Arena are expected to host A-Listers like Timothée Chalamet, Spike Lee, Kylie Jenner, Ben Stiller, Tracy Morgan, and Fat Joe.
A pass inside the rarefied air of Celebrity Row comes with perks—lots of perks—for the rich and famous. They get their own entrance and elevators, so they don’t have to rub elbows with blue-collar bridge and tunnel hoops fans. They become part of ABC’s coverage as they react to big moments or dodge a lunging Jalen Brunson. Before and after the game, these lucky few get access to MSG’s near-mythical “Suite 200,” where they enjoy the finest food and booze while mingling with each other.
“It’s very similar to the way the President’s box works in the U.S. Open. It’s invitation only,” says Joe Favorito, the former Knicks PR chief-turned-sports media consultant.
