Ticketmaster reassures Knicks fans: No tickets canceled for Game 5

Ticketmaster has moved to calm New York Knicks fans after a last-minute panic erupted over fears that tickets to Saturday's Game 5 of the NBA finals in Texas might be revoked. The concern stemmed from a note on Ticketmaster's website indicating that purchases made by people living more than 150 miles (241 km) from the San Antonio arena would be canceled and refunded without notice.

The restriction was designed to give local residents a better chance to buy tickets to major games. The Spurs said the policy has been in place since the NBA playoffs began in April. But panic—and later outrage—grew after US media outlet TMZ reported on the Ticketmaster note Friday night.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul posted on social media: "Knicks fans finally get within one game of a championship and their reward is having their tickets canceled?" Ticketmaster, however, stated that no tickets purchased on its platform "have or will be canceled." A company spokesperson told the BBC on Saturday that fans can be confident they are getting authentic tickets that will get them into the game.

A Spurs spokesperson explained that individuals whose billing ZIP code falls outside the designated area are unable to complete a purchase subject to that restriction, but "tickets that have been previously purchased are not being canceled or revoked." New York Attorney General Letitia James demanded the Spurs remove the policy and allow Knicks fans to attend. After fans were reassured, James wrote: "I'm glad our Knicks fans will be able to attend the game tonight in San Antonio. Go Knicks!"

A representative for Madison Square Garden Sports Corp, which owns the Knicks, confirmed that Spurs ownership would not revoke any tickets and all holders would be allowed into Frost Bank Center. Ticketmaster noted that geographic restrictions on anticipated events are common to give local fans a chance to attend.