Ticketmaster Says Knicks Spurs Game 5 Tickets Will Not Be Revoked
Ticketmaster said no knicks spurs game 5 tickets bought on its platform for Saturday's NBA finals matchup in San Antonio have or will be canceled. Fans who bought through the site can still use those tickets, after a burst of worry that some buyers could be turned away at the door.
Hochul Spurs Ticketmaster Response
Kathy Hochul posted on social media after fans worried their tickets would be canceled, writing: "Knicks fans finally get within one game of a championship and their reward is having their tickets canceled?" She added, "Until then, on behalf of Knicks fans everywhere, I'm calling foul".
Ticketmaster then said, "If fans are purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, they can be confident that they're getting a real, authenticated ticket that will get them into tonight's game," and added that no tickets purchased on its platform have or will be canceled. The company said geographic restrictions on anticipated events are common and are meant to give local fans a chance to attend.
Billing ZIP Code Restriction
The restriction has been in place since the NBA playoffs began in April, and Ticketmaster said purchases by people living farther than 150mi, or 241km, from the San Antonio arena would be canceled and refunded without notice. Residency is established based on credit card billing address.
A Spurs spokesperson said people whose billing ZIP code falls outside the designated area are unable to complete a ticket purchase subject to that restriction, and that tickets previously purchased are not being canceled or revoked. Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. also said, "Contrary to prior reporting, we've confirmed with Spurs ownership that they will not be revoking any tickets that Knicks fans have to tonight's game in San Antonio and all ticket holders will be allowed in to Frost Bank Arena."
Letitia James Reassures Fans
Letitia James demanded that the Spurs remove the policy and allow Knicks fans "and anyone who can buy tickets for tonight's game to be able to attend". After fans were reassured they would be let in, she wrote, "I'm glad our Knicks fans will be able to attend the game tonight in San Antonio. Go Knicks!"
For fans already holding seats, the practical answer is simple: Ticketmaster says those purchases stand, and the teams' public assurances say those ticket holders will be allowed into Frost Bank Arena. The flare-up came from a location-based rule tied to billing ZIP code, but the tickets already bought through Ticketmaster are not being revoked.
