76ers Owners Purchase 2,000+ Tickets to Prevent Knicks Fans Takeover forGame 6

In a proactive move to ensure a strong home-court advantage, the owners of the Philadelphia 76ers have purchased over 2,000 tickets for the pivotal Game 6 playoff matchup against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. Josh Harris, David Blitzer, David Adelman, and former co-owner Michael Rubin have joined forces tobuy and distributethe tickets to local Philadelphia fans, aiming to prevent a repeat of the Knicks fans' takeover witnessed in previous games.

The decision comes in response to the controversy that arose during Games 3 and 4 when Knicks fans filled up the Wells Fargo Center, taking advantage of the cheaper ticket prices compared to Madison Square Garden. The strong presence of New York supporters caused a stir among Sixers fans and caught the attention of the team's star player, Joel Embiid, who expressed his disappointment at the relatively poor turnout of local fans.

Michael Rubin, the CEO of Fanatics and a former co-owner of the 76ers, announced the ticket giveaway on Twitter, emphasizing the importance of having a strong Sixers fan presence. "We absolutely CANNOT let Knicks fans take over our arena again!!! Giving them to first responders, health care professionals and other local Philadelphia-based organizations once we know they're legit Sixers fans and not imposters!!" Rubin tweeted.

The tickets will be strategically distributed to first responders, healthcare professionals, community groups, and other local organizations to ensure that the arena is filled with loyal Philadelphia supporters. This targeted approach aims to create an electric atmosphere and provide a true home-court advantage for the Sixers.

Former Temple women's basketball coach and current South Carolina Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley has also joined the effort, urging season ticket holders to refrain from selling their tickets to Knicks fans. "Season ticket holders DO NOT SELL YOUR TICKETS to Knicks fans... I repeat DO NOT SELL YOUR TICKETS to Knicks fans!" Staley tweeted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong Sixers presence in the arena.

As an added incentive for Sixers fans, the team's "Bricken for Chicken" promotion, sponsored by Chick-fil-A, will be extended for the entire Game 6. Fans may receive Chick-fil-A Nuggets ranging from 5-count, 8-count, or 12-count through the Chick-fil-A App at participating Greater Philadelphia area locations if a Knicks player misses two consecutive free-throw attempts during the game.

The Wells Fargo Center, with a capacity of 20,478, ranks second in capacity in the NBA and has been a fortress for the Sixers throughout the regular season. The team had sold out all their home games in the 2023-24 regular season, which ended on April 14. The owners' decision to buy and distribute tickets to local fans demonstrates their commitment to maintaining that home-court advantage and ensuring a passionate and supportive crowd for Game 6.

Game 6 is scheduled to take place on Thursday, with the Sixers looking to build on their momentum after Tyrese Maxey's impressive 46-point performance in Game 5, which led to a thrilling 112-106 overtime victory over the Knicks. With the series hanging in the balance and the Sixers' season on the line, the team's owners have taken proactive steps to create an intimidating atmosphere for the visiting Knicks and give their team the best chance of success in this critical playoff matchup.

Key Takeaways

• 76ers owners buy 2,000 tickets for Game 6 to prevent Knicks fans takeover.
• Tickets will be given to local Philly fans, first responders, and healthcare professionals.
• Effort aims to create a strong home-court advantage and electric atmosphere.
• Former co-owner Michael Rubin and coach Dawn Staley join the initiative.
• Team's "Bricken for Chicken" promotion will be extended for Game 6.