The Philadelphia 76ers got a massive win over the Knicks in Game 5 that will force Game 6 at the Wells Fargo Center tomorrow. In an effort to give his team every home advantage he can, the 76ers ownership and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin have devised a scheme to limit the number of Knicks fans who can attend.
According to USA Today via Front Office Sports, the team is set to buy and give out upwards of 2,000 tickets to tomorrow’s Game 6 to a combination of local first responders, health care workers, and other Philly groups. This is reportedly a direct effort to keep Knicks fans from getting those same tickets via secondary markets.
“76ers’ team owners and Michael Rubin are buying and giving out more than 2,000 tickets to Game 6 against the Knicks. They’ll be distributed to local first responders, health care workers, and other Philly groups to help keep opposing fans out,” Front Office Sports posted on X.
Taking to X a short while ago, Rubin confirmed that it’s a direct response to the Wells Fargo Center being overrun with Knicks fans in Games 3 and 4. He said he wants to keep the team from losing its home court advantage.
“Josh Harris, David Blitzer, @david_adelman and I just bought more than 2,000 tix for Sixers Game 6 – 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!! Let’s go Sixers – we can do this!!” Rubin wrote.
It’s a bold strategy. If the Sixers win the game and force Game 7, it will have been well worth the investment.