It was rocking inside — and outside — the World’s Most Famous Arena on Saturday.
More than 2,000 rabid Knicks fans gathered in the 33rd Street plaza outside Madison Square Garden to watch Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals on a giant screen – as demand and sky high ticket prices kept many al fresco.
“This is the real New York,” said Christopher Torres, 38, a retail director from Harlem who said the true diehard Knicks fans were outside with him watching the action.
“These are the sanitation workers, Fire Department people, the people that run the city, they’re out here. They can’t afford to be inside. Those prices are crazy.”
Fans gathered hours earlier within the fenced-in area to score the best views of the large screen airing the pivotal Game 3, with the Knicks up 2-0 over the rival Boston Celtics. Another smaller screen was also available.
Jeff Kay, 52, a retired police officer from Hillside, NJ, said he arrived 10:30 a.m. at the watch party to score front-row seats. He said he was thrilled to be there but wished his late father was with him to enjoy the moment.
“It’s most magical place on Earth, the most magical place on Earth. I wish my dad was here. Unfortunately, I lost him a few years ago. He was a big Knicks fan, and this means a lot to me. I’m sure he’s watching down, rooting for us.”
The free “Block Party” event hosted by MSG included a live DJ, face painting for children, opportunities for fans to shoot some hoops, giveaways and chances to meet former Knicks stars Larry Johnson, John Starks and Latrell Sprewell.
“We want to provide our fans with unforgettable experiences both inside and outside of The Garden,” Starks said.
MSG hosted similar events for the first two games of the series played in Boston, which the Knicks won in shocking last-minute fashion, erasing 20-point, third quarter deficits.
Secondary market prices nearly two hours before tipoff for the cheapest seats in MSG’s upper levels were at least $831 when including $146 processing fees, according to StubHub.
If the Knicks upset the Celtics, they’ll reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000 when Johnson and Sprewell still played for the team.
The club hasn’t reached the NBA Finals since 1999 and hasn’t won an NBA championship since 1973, the fifth-longest active drought in the league.
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