Inside The World Of Celebrity Row At A New York Knicks Game

Sitting in courtside seats at a New York Knicks home game at Madison Square Garden would be a dream come true for many Knicks or NBA fans. Not just for the opportunity to hear the players and experience a sporting event on the actual playing surface itself, but for the incredible people watching.

Similarly to the courtside seats at home games for the Lakers, it's a veritable Who's Who of celebrities, personalities, and athletes from other sports. And a former Knicks executive explained to Front Office Sports how all those celebrities find their way to the most visible locations in the arena. 

Spoiler alert: it's a mutually beneficial quid-pro-quo arrangement between the famous fans and MSG management.

According to the report, the Knicks back office, likely all the way up to team owner Jim Dolan, make decisions on a case-by-case basis of who they'd like to comp tickets for, based on who they determine is the most famous…or most willing to film promotional spots for the team and the arena.

And if those celebrities are selected, they're provided with the kind of resources and amenities most fans can only dream of. Secluded, private entrances. Elevators the public can't access. The best food and alcohol, and an invitation-only back room called Suite 200, a sort of hospitality setup where the rich and famous can mingle amongst themselves.

Must be nice.

NEW YORK - Chris Rock and Ben Stiller attend the game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 8 at Madison Square Garden. Copyright 2024 NBAE  (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

While some celebrities pay, and some studios pay for season tickets to help showcase an actor or actress with an