As the Philadelphia 76ers prepared for Game 3 and Game 4 of their second playoff series, the team is making efforts to ensure there’s not a repeat of their 2024 first round series, writes Isaac Avilucea for AXIOS Philadelphia.
Two years ago, when the division rivals met in the playoffs, Knicks fans completely outshined Sixers fans during the Sixers’ home games. It reached a point to where Joel Embiid called the then-Wells Fargo Center, “Madison Square Garden East.”
When it became apparent the two teams would again meet in the playoffs, the Sixers would require playoff ticket buyers to prove they lived in the Greater Philadelphia area before they could purchase them.
In addition, the team issued refunds and canceled orders to anyone who couldn’t provide evidence that they resided in the Philadelphia region.
According to TickPick, 61 percent of Game 3 tickets sold on its platform were bought within a day after the Sixers clinched their first round playoff series against the Boston Celtics. More than half of the aforementioned buyers came from New York and New Jersey, compared to just 15 percent from Pennsylvania.
While the residency ban is for good reason, its also alienates Sixers fans who live outside the region.
Either way, it’s go Sixers!
Read more about how the Sixers intend to ensure the Sixers have fan support at Xfinity Mobile Arena at AXIOS Philadelphia.
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