If in Brazil soccer is very popular, here in the USA sports like basketball, baseball and football are the favorites. One of the questions that people ask me the most is about the tickets to this games. I confess: I am not an example of a person that I regularly follow these games, but I know it is a good experience to be able to see all this up close! So we will have posts to talk about each of these sports. Let’s start with basketball! I asked some readers and Saulo Montenegro (the husband of the reader Sabrina Fernandes) and Guilherme Medon collaborated answering the main questions. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to related tips.
Calendar – there is the pre-season, regular season and playoffs. The first is where teams begin preparation for the championship. Usually, the big stars of each team do not play much in this phase and it starts in October and lasts 3 weeks. Then, they’ll pause for a week and start the regular season, where each team will play 82 random games against teams from the east and west conferences. This championship stage runs from the end of October until middle May. And finally we have the playoffs, which only the 8 best teams of each conference (east and west) play in games, where the first one plays against the eighth, second against seventh and so Onwards. This phase begins in the second half of May and runs through the middle of June. That is, the entire championship, counting preseason (which is not considered part of the championship), lasts 8 months. During the regular season, there are games almost every day.
New York teams – one of the most respected teams in the league is the New York Knicks, but it has not been in the playoffs lately, but it’s a traditional team. And there’s Brooklyn Nets, which is a new team, Brooklyn bought the Nets franchise, which was from New Jersey before. The NBA is a very democratic league, where the champion team today can have a bad campaign the following year. And to see if there is a game of the NY Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets, you can check the NBA website that shows all the games.
New York stadiums – a lot of people just thinks about Madison Square Garden – where the New York Knicks play – and is considered the most important stadium, the mecca of basketball. But it’s worth remembering the Barclays Center where the Brooklyn Nets play – 620 Atlantic Ave. One of the owners of this stadium is Jay Z, Beyoncé’s husband. It has a fantastic structure (and super easy subway access).
Prices – tickets prices may vary according to the team, the day and the opponent. If the game is against an opponent full of players stars, the ticket is more expensive, if it is against a weak team, the ticket is cheaper. In addition, there are the wings and the upper rings. For the New York Knicks you can get a ticket for $ 50 (without taxes and fees) on less crowded days. The Brooklyn Nets games have a lot more tickets and, depending on the situation of the team and the games, you can get up to $15 (without taxes and fees). If teams play with the high-profile team or are in a good position on the table, tickets cost more than $ 100. In the playoffs the tickets can be $ 100.
When to buy tickets – if the intention is to have a planned budget for your trip, it is better to buy the tickets as soon as you confirm your trip. Remember that if the team is doing well, it is not recommended to buy last minute due to the price, but in advance. However, if the team is bad, a lot of people put the ticket for resale and then a last time buying is ideal.
Where to buy tickets – the only official website to buy tickets is TicketMaster – when you access the website of each team for purchase, you will be redirected. You can buy the normal or resale ticket. You will have the pick-up options at the box office or printing at home, both at no additional cost. Other well-used websites that are resale and you can get better prices are Stubhub, Vivid Seats and Ticketnow. You can print or even take the mobile phone to scan the ticket. There is also the option of Will Call, which is to buy and pick up at the time in the Box Office.
How to choose a set – the sides are better and obviously the closer to the court the better. The middle ring is a good place to watch and has a good value for money.
Security – Stadium security is great: there are several entrances and several exits. These outputs are divided by letters and numbers and are incredibly easy to locate. But in addition to each of these inputs and outputs, you have at least one person to instruct or block you if you are in the wrong place. Remember to arrive a little earlier because of the X-ray.
For a complete experience – NBA has a store on Fifth Avenue here in New York. There are three floors with official products – such as t-shirts, mugs and miniatures. The store is amazing even and worth visiting even if you do not go buy anything. Address: 545 5th Ave.
Thank you Saulo and Guilherme for your help! I hope the post helps those who are planning to see a basketball game in New York!
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.
