Knicks trying to get season ticket holders to game early the night of fan protest

A group of disgusted New York Knicks fans are planning to protest outside Madison Square Garden the night before the team takes on the Indiana Pacers on March 19. The Facebook page for the rally has over 2,500 likes, and there’s a good chance a large group will show up. It’s also a virtual certainty that the Knicks are aware of it.

On Tuesday morning, the Knicks sent an email to season ticket holders inviting them to come to the game early on March 19 to meet some alumni, receive some vouchers and be treated like “VIP.” Here’s what the letter said, courtesy of Deadspin.

With the Knicks back from their west coast tour, we wanted to celebrate in a big way, with you! If you plan to attend the Knicks game on Wednesday, March 19th, we’d love for you to attend the Knicks Happy Hour, courtesy of Chase. At this event, you’ll meet some Alumni, receive vouchers for merchandise and concessions and be able to watch shoot-around from a great spot. The event starts at 6PM, which is an hour before doors open to the general public [and two hours before game time], so you’ll be a VIP!

If you and your guests would like to attend, please let me know and print the invite for admission. Let me know if you have any questions. I hope you are able to join us.

Thanks!

Coincidence? Doubtful. It should be noted that New York has won four games in a row and is on the brink of hiring Phil Jackson, but that isn’t enough to erase the foul taste thousands of fans have in their mouths. The guys who run the protest page have already responded to the season ticket holder email, saying the Knicks should have made the “VIP” event at 5:00 because they will still be bumping into the protesters at 6:00.

Jackson will bring some buzz and excitement back to New York, but the Knicks are still likely to miss the playoffs. That will make for a long offseason.