"Just to watch Julius Randle shoot 30%": NBA fans stunned to see Knicks' sky-high prices for 2023-24 home opener
Julius Randle and the New York Knicks are set to make their 2023-24 season debut Wednesday against the Boston Celtics. The heated Eastern Conference rivalry is expected to produce an all-time classic based on ticket prices. However, despite that, the prices have left many confused. With the season opener right around the corner, Knicks' tickets rank among the most expensive in the league.
According to TickPick, the price of New York Knicks opening night tickets come in at $216, making the Knicks the only team to have an opening night price over $200. While the Knicks are eager to enter into the new season and make a statement, it sounds as though fans aren't sold on the price of admission, despite the high-stakes affair.
Fans were quick to take to social media regarding the news, indicating that the tickets for the team's season opener against the Boston Celtics may be overpriced. Despite Julius Randle's status as a former All-Star, it doesn't seem to be enough for fans to justify the admission price.
Looking at ticket prices around the league compared to Julius Randle and the Knicks
Julius Randle and the New York Knicks may not be championship contenders, however, their opening night ticket prices seem fueled by their longstanding rivalry with the Boston Celtics. Despite the excitement surrounding the clash, the prices in comparison to the rest of the league are stunning.
For example, fans eager to see LeBron James and the LA Lakers open up their season at the Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 26 have to pay $179. The price of admission would give fans the chance to see the Lakers take on the Big Three of the Phoenix Suns on Thursday in a potential Western Conference finals preview.
Sitting in third place, behind the Knicks and the Lakers, are the Golden State Warriors, who are gearing up to play the Suns at home tonight. Entry-level tickets for the Warriors' home opener come in at $172 for those eager to see four-time champ Steph Curry and the team.
One of the most notable home-opener ticket prices in the league is the Sacramento Kings' $122 entry-level tickets. While the team suffered a first-round exit from the playoffs, it's clear that the excitement for this season is continuing to build after a massive 2022-23 regular season.
While the Knicks may lack the star power teams like the LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors have, fans seem optimistic about this season. In addition to the team acquiring Donte DiVincenzo, it also notably extended Josh Hart, who will be expected to play some big minutes this year.
Whether or not Julius Randle and the Knicks wind up making a run at the Eastern Conference finals, only time will tell.