Joel Embiid asks 76ers fans not to sell playoff tickets to Knicks fans

Joel Embiid is asking fans to keep tickets to make sure the 76ers have a loud home crowd. This is important because the Knicks fans sometimes fill the arena.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

A Call to Arms for Philadelphia Faithful

Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers' star center, has directly addressed the team's fanbase, imploring them not to sell their tickets, particularly to supporters of the rival New York Knicks. This plea comes in the wake of the 76ers' improbable comeback victory against the Boston Celtics, a feat that has propelled them into a playoff series against the Knicks. Embiid emphasized the crucial need for home-court energy, noting past instances where the Knicks' fanbase seemingly dominated the arena's atmosphere in Philadelphia.

Embiid’s direct appeal highlights a recurring concern for the 76ers: the significant presence of opposing fans, especially Knicks supporters, at their home games. The urgency behind his message underscores the importance of a unified and vocal home crowd as the team faces another playoff encounter with their New York rivals. He even offered financial reassurance, stating, "If you need money, I've got you."

Read More: 76ers beat Celtics in Game 7, win series after being down 3-1

Historical Context and the "MSG East" Fear

The request from Embiid is not an isolated incident. It stems from a perceived pattern where Knicks fans, known for their extensive travel and ticket-purchasing habits, have infiltrated Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Center. This phenomenon has led to the arena being dubbed "MSG East" by some observers.

  • During a previous playoff series against the Knicks, the Wells Fargo Center reportedly felt more like a New York home game for the visiting team.

  • Instances of Knicks fans displaying their presence, including adorning statues with team regalia, have been noted.

Previous Interventions and the Owner's Move

The issue of opposing fan presence has prompted action beyond just player requests. The Philadelphia 76ers' ownership, alongside Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, previously intervened by purchasing over 2,000 tickets for a crucial playoff game. This measure was specifically aimed at preventing a repeat of the situation where Knicks fans seemed to overwhelm the arena, as reportedly happened in Game 4 of a prior series. Former Sixers players have also publicly encouraged fan attendance to bolster the home-team advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Joel Embiid ask 76ers fans not to sell playoff tickets to Knicks fans?
Joel Embiid wants to make sure the Wells Fargo Center has a loud home crowd for the playoff games against the New York Knicks. He is worried that Knicks fans might buy too many tickets and make it feel like a home game for them.
Q: What happened in past games between the 76ers and Knicks?
In past games, especially playoffs, many Knicks fans have been seen at the 76ers' home games. Some people even called the arena 'MSG East' because of this.
Q: What did Joel Embiid say to fans about tickets?
Joel Embiid directly asked fans not to sell their tickets to Knicks supporters. He even said he would help fans financially if they needed money to keep their tickets.
Q: Has the team tried to fix this problem before?
Yes, the 76ers' owners and a CEO from Fanatics bought over 2,000 tickets before a game. This was done to stop Knicks fans from taking over the arena's atmosphere.