I'm trying to get tickets for a sports event while I'm in NYC. What has the best atmosphere in NY - Hockey or Basketball?

I can get tickets on Ticketmaster for the Basketball (but not the Hockey). They are in the 300s. Is that too far from the action to enjoy it?

Thanks,

DSM

I would pick Hockey in NYC, and the Rangers, not Islanders. The Knicks aren't doing very well at all I don't think. Maybe Isiah Thomas can turn them around.

I'd take b-ball anyday, anywhere over hockey! 300's wld be ok but not great. Try to get closer if you can. You might call your Hotel & see if the Concierge can get tix for you to the hockey game if that is what you really want.

Thanks Cassidy and Wow - I appreciate your help.

I can't really afford to pay much more than $100 per ticket as I have a Broadway show to pay for too. I guess you get what you pay for!

Thanks again,

DSM

I'm not a big BB fan, but I have to admit that when the crowd is into the game, a Knicks game can get pretty loud. Of course, given how bad the team has been of late, not sure how many people are into the game!

I think hockey from nosebleed seats is better than basketball from nosebleed seats. NY fans can be very fickle, if the team is not doing well, the place will be dead. The Rangers game might be a little more exciting but if you're into celeb spotting, there have always been some recognizeables at Knick games I've been to. If they're playing the Lakers, then go to the Knick game just to see the fans get hostile over Kobe.

Hey DSM,

As a Knicks season ticketholder, I obviously much prefer the Knicks to the Rangers (hockey is a great sport to watch in person, but I'm an Islander fan). And the Knicks should be better and more exciting with their latest trade.

When are you going to be in N.Y.? What exact section are the seats you can get off of Ticketmaster? Some 300s are better than others.

Nothing like Ranger hockey!! More blue collar crowd, more enjoyment!

Knicks are getting better.
In my humble opinion Madison Sq. Garden should change teams with the Meadowlands

The New Jersey Devils and Nets should be seen in NYC!!!
John

Ranger hockey is not to be missed, especially the denizens of the blue seats. They're still chanting "Potvin Sucks" and he's been retired for almost 20 years.

The Knicks just traded for Stephon Marbury, a wonderful guard and Brooklyn native. It should make for an exciting winter - there's nothing like 19,000 screaming Knick fans.

It's hard to go wrong with seeing either the Knicks or Rangers in the Garden, but since neither team is playing at their best (yet!), I'd say a lot would depend on the specific games themselves. Watching the Knicks play Indiana or Philly is a lot different from seeing them play the Hawks or Grizzlies (not that any game can't be competitive, but just when you factor in players, past history, rivalries, players' old teams, standings, etc. that can have a big effect on the crowd atmosphere.) Same goes for the Rangers. So I'd also look into the opponents playing while you're in town when considering a choice between the two sports. Having said that, as an Islanders fan, I'll always pick a Knicks game over the Rangers

Thanks for the comments everyone - I really appreciate your help.

Just to let you know....

I gave up on the hockey since it was going to cost $255+ for 2 tickets I'm not sure I would like (If my wife wasn't interested in going I might have paid $250+ for a single ticket in a better section!).

We managed to get good tickets for the Lion King on Thursday (same night as the Rangers game), and Knicks tickets for Friday night (they play Seattle).

I'm not a huge fan of BBall (I don't watch it much back home (in Northern Ireland), but I'm looking forward to seeing the Knicks, Madison Square Garden etc.

I'm gutted about missing the hockey though! It's the Rangers vs Devils - I imagine there's some rivalry there! I'm a Leafs fan myself!!!

Thanks again,

DSM

Doug,

I 'think' the tickets are in the 323 section. I've checked the view on MSG's website and although we're looking down the court rather than across it - it should be fine.

What do you think?

Thanks again,

DSM

Hey DSM,

323 isn't bad at all. Have a great time at the game and enjoy your stay in our fair city. And by the way, The Lion King is wonderful....you're really going to love it!

Doug (and everyone else who pitched in with info!),

Thanks - I'm really excited about the trip now. I've been to NYC a number of times now, but seem to enjoy it more each time. I REALLY envy the fact that you get to call it home!!!

Thanks again for the help.

DSM

Hey DSM:

Hockey Tix are so expensive!! Especially in NYC

If your adventurous, there is always the 7th ave scalpers!
Never know what to expect. I once tried it and waited till the first period started, the prices dropped dramatically. I got a pair of tix for $80 (This was 7 years ago). I did not recognize the seat location on the tix! I thought that I just got scammed, but it turned out to be on the ice, next to the Goal!! WOW! Was I spoiled after that!!

Rangers/ Devils should be awesome!!!
John

Hockey by far.

On the other hand, you could go to a boxing match and wait for a hockey game to break out.

MM

Hi John,

I had considered waiting until the game started then look out for scalpers trying to offload tickets cheaply - but decided against it as I wouldn't be gauranteed decent seats, or even better Tickets!

I don't relish the thought of missing out on the game then trying to organise something else at late notice - we could end up wasting the best part of a night out.

I would have LOVED to see the Rangers/Devils game!! I had a chance to see the Leafs/Rangers in Toronto last year - but didn't have the money for the tickets on me!! They were looking $80 per ticket - a bargain in my opinion - even if they were nosebleed seats!

However, I ended up watching the game on TV back at the hotel - and the Leafs were beaten 5-2! I'm a Leafs fan - not a great night for me!!!

Thanks for the advice anyhow.

DSM