PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to make sure Xfinity Mobile Arena is filled with only Sixers fans for Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks.
The team’s website said that ticket sales to the three scheduled home games at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 8, May 10 and May 14 are restricted to residents of the Greater Philadelphia area.
Residency verification will be based on the credit card billing address.
“Orders by residents outside Greater Philadelphia area will be canceled without notice and refunds given,” the team’s website said.
The 76ers and Knicks begin the Eastern Conference semifinals on Monday at Madison Square Garden, which is expected to be packed with Knicks fans.
Joel Embiid has joined in on the effort, urging Sixers fans to not sell their tickets to Knicks fans.
“Don’t sell your tickets. This is bigger than you. We need you guys. The atmosphere we’ve had the last couple games in Philly, especially the last one pushing it to Game 7, I mean, we need all of it,” Embiid said.
When the two teams met two years ago in the first round, Knicks fans swarmed Philadelphia.
“Last time we played the Knicks it felt like this was Madison Square Garden East. So we’re going to need the support,” he said.
However, big-time Knicks fans may still find a way.
“Good thing about New Yorkers, man, they’re persistent. They don’t care, bro. They’re going to do it, man,” Knicks forward Josh Hart said. “And for a lot of people, everything revolves around money. So, you know, if they get a good price for those tickets, they’re going to sell them.”
Hart, who played in college at Villanova, noted that it’s less than a two-hour drive from New York to Philadelphia – even quicker by train – and that it’s likely far cheaper to buy tickets for the road games.
But if any Philadelphians are looking to sell, Embiid is ready to buy.
“Knicks fans, they travel,” he said. “There’s going to be some people that need the money and probably going to sell tickets, but don’t do it. We need you guys. We’ve got a pretty good chance. We’re going to need our support. We’re going to need them to be extremely loud and if you need money, I got you.”
The Associated Press contributed to this post.
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