DOES YOUR SEAT MATTER?

April 10, 2019

Attending the last game of the season is a tradition of mine, but in honor of the ethnography and the Knicks playing against Detroit Pistons I decided to splurge on where I will be sitting this game.

I walked into the Garden early this game, knowing from previous experience that the final game of the season can get messy and packed with Knicks fans quickly. I waited about 40 minutes on the security line to get through into the lobby of Madison Square Garden. The blue and orange decorations filled the large room and the pride of Knicks fans from all over the state and the country are all together in one room sharing their support and love for the team and the sport. 

As I make my way towards my seat it felt nice knowing I didn't have to go up so many escalator rides like I had before for this project.  I was sitting in so close to the floor that I felt like if I walked a few more feet I could touch it. I could see both teams practicing on the court before the game officially started. During this time I noticed the amount of families sat near me, families wearing Knicks related merchandise just like me and my family. 

Picture from The New Yorker (newyorker.com)
this is a perfect representation of what the fans were like
in my sections throughout the entire game. 

Unlike the other seat I sat in, this section felt extremely family oriented. Children between the ages of 7-12 jumped up in down in their seats and screamed the names of the their favorite players. I brought back many memories for me of the times I would go to basketball games with my parents. I felt like I was on cloud 9, like I was on top of the world when I went to basketball games. I had so much passion and admiration when I was young. I can tell by watching how the children acted when they saw their favorite player that they felt similar to how I felt when I was their age. 

The atmosphere felt vibrant and alive. The booming sounds of the ball hitting the court as a player is dribbling it can be heard, the squeaking sound of the players sneakers as they pound the court with force can be heard as well. I was able to hear the players communicate to each other during the game. It was little things that made my experience in this section worth ever penny. It is a different experience than someone who is seated far away from the court would get. 

After attending this game, I came to the conclusion that although you can see the court from every seat in the large arena, sitting closer to the court will be one of the best experiences. The atmosphere and vibe that radiates the section is lively, unlike the tiring and dark vibe that radiates the sections that are high above the court. 

One of the biggest observations I made this time was that in my section and nearby sections many people were standing during the game. The people who sat farther away would stay seated even when there were big moves and jaw dropping moment throughout the game. For example when a player dunks the ball in the basket, people stood up and cheered if they sat close to the court. At the same time, people who sat far away cheered while staying seated. 

Picture from lancity.us
In this picture you can see the arena is full of fans wearing orange and blue
in honor of the Knicks. It is a way they show their support and love for the team.

INTERVIEWING KFC

Game attended: Miami Heat vs Knicks

March 30, 2019

Trying to muster up the courage to talk to him was a nerve wracking experience. My palms were beginning to sweat and leg is moving up and down to the music filling the entire arena. I can hear the basketballs pounding the glossy and recently glazed floor as some of my favorite New York Knicks players dribble the ball down the court. It was the pregame practice, and it has been thirty minutes since I got to my seat and noticed who I had the honor of sitting next to today. I felt like the luckiest girl on Earth, nothing could possibly kill my mood, not even- dare I say: the Knicks losing this game? Well, they did lose and I left the famous Madison Square Garden arena with the brightest smile on my face. For one reason and one reason only, Kevin Clancy… THE Kevin Clancy from Barstool Sports was sitting next to me.

I have been following Barstool Sports for 5 years; It is the place I get most of my sport related news. Kevin Clancy is a radio host and blogger for the company and is known for sharing his raw and brutally honest opinion on any topic and most importantly, for being a longtime and loyal Knicks fan, like me.

I had 10 minutes before gametime and I needed any chance I got to ask him all the questions I needed to complete this assignment. With a quiet “excuse me?” and a slight turn to the right, I was face to face with the man I look up to so much. “Wait me?” he was clearly confused, I caught him off guard. I nodded in response and asked him just to make sure, “You’re Kevin from Barstool right?” He laughed and I laughed as well- this is so awkward. My heart was racing. I told him how much he has inspired me throughout the years and how he has opened my eyes to view the world in a more positive way. I followed up by explaining to him the discourse community assignments and asked him if I could interview him. I swear it felt like confetti poured down from the ceiling when he said “That’s so cool, yeah you can interview me.”

As soon as I asked him “how long have you been working for Barstool?” the conversation took off, questions and answers seemed to flow effortlessly and I genuinely gained so much more respect for him as a writer, sports fan, and activist. Kevin, famously known as “KFC” has been working for Barstool for almost 10 years. He started off by writing pieces about pop culture and his life living in the Big Apple. His writing style and outgoing personality quickly got to the hearts of readers and that is when he branched out and began to do podcasts. Viewers, like me, tuned in and listened to him preach or rant about the media, sports and pop culture. He became the host of multiple programs like “Barstool Radio” and was even able to get his own show “KFC radio” which he specified was the best decision he ever made. His career skyrocketed and he gained a large following from all over the world.

Kevin Clancy is on the left. Photo taken from Brendan Schaub's Twitter
https://twitter.com/brendanschaub/status/877896151621447680

The Knicks are currently the worst team in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. Because of this, many fans deal with negative comments and we constantly hear people backlash and bad mouth the Knicks on social media. So I asked him “How do you deal with the hate you receive from being a Knicks fan?” His answer was simple: “I would rather stick with the team I have supported for almost my entire life than be known as a ‘bandwagon’” The term is commonly used in the NBA community it is a negative term used for people who jump from team to team just because the team is doing good in the season and because the media talks about them more often. Without even having to ask, he told me the answer to the question I have been wondering since the day I heard he was a Knicks fan 5 years ago. He dove right in and told me how he became a Knicks fan; it all started with his middle school girlfriend. He wanted to impress her because she was on the basketball team at school and she was the “biggest Knicks fan I have ever met” His efforts to impress her turned him into an actual fan. That relationship didn’t go anywhere but his relationship to basketball grew stronger; he loved watching Knicks games. Basketball became something he grew passionate about, he says, “I live in the city, I try to come here [Madison Square Garden] every chance I get.” He loves the atmosphere of screaming fans, the full arena decorated in blue and orange, watching the game in person, the roaring of Knicks fans every time a player makes a shot. He shared that he takes his wife on many Knicks game dates and it has become a tradition.

The way he described his experience made me realize we aren’t that different. Yeah, he is famous and has over 100,000 followers on Instagram but we both share a love for the NBA community and a commitment to be Knicks fans until the end of time. He was lucky and was able to combine his love for sports and media together and make a successful career out of it. Kevin told me one of the best moments in his career was when he got a basketball signed by some players of the Knicks. I was shocked, it is a dream of mine and many others  to be able to meet your favorite players and get their signature on a basketball.

Although I was a nervous to talk to him, it was nice to know that we have similar interests and hobbies. I learned more about Kevin and how much basketball and the New York Knicks means to him.

INSIGHT ON KNICKS VS CLIPPERS

 I am an hour early, 11:00 am, Madison Square Garden is full of Los Angeles Clippers fans, I am internally cringing. Not only do I dislike this team because of their obnoxiously rowdy fanbase but the coach is not my favorite. 

Being a die hard basketball fan like myself, I have certain coaches who I love and respect and there are other coaches who I don't really like, one of those coaches is LA Clipper head coach: Doc Rivers. A player needs guidance and the right mentor to not only motivate them on and off the court but they also need someone to manage their skills and use them efficiently. 

I smell two things as I walk through the not so magical and tight entrance of Madison Square Garden; beer and popcorn. It's not the best scent but its fitting for the environment. I got used to it quickly since I go to games almost every week now.
Many Los Angeles raised fans who moved to New York takeover the arena and I feel uncomfortable almost instantly as I see that my ENTIRE row is LA Clipper fanatics. Sitting near people who support the same team as you means you are going to have the best basketball game experience ever, you both will laugh, scream, and chant for the team you both love.

Picture from Los Angeles Daily News

It is "Noche Latina" at the game today, which is where the Knicks celebrate and commemorate all of their Latinx fans. My favorite Latin rapper Bryant Myers is blessing center court during halftime and performing his best songs. The loud screams that escape not only my lips but almost everyone in the arena. Seeing one of my favorite celebrities rapping on the court my favorite NBA team plays on was a moment I will never forget. I sing along with Bryant Myers with passion in my soul. I was standing on my seat raising my arms up and dancing to the rhythm of the music. As I look around I take the beautiful sight of other people doing the same thing as me. 

In that moment, it didn't matter what team you were rooting for, we were all bonding over Bryant Myers dominating the court...

But as soon as halftime was over- it was back to supporting the Knicks and yelling at the players as if they could hear me. People of all ages are in the arena passionate watching and yelling in support. Looking around I take in the fact that everyone watching intently has their own story. Some travel far to be here in this moment. 

The Knicks ended up losing, and I heard the screams from my entire row. Happiness written all over the Clippers fans face. I on the other hand was more than upset. Despite the not so great ending to the game, the special moment everyone experienced during halftime will forever replay in my head. 

Picture from Los Angeles Daily News

BASKETBALL AND JERSEYS

Jerseys and basketballs are an important part of the game and the experience of going to a basketball game. These objects have a deeper meaning to basketball fans like myself. Wearing a jersey is something I am proud of and playing basketball with my family and friends is a time where I feel like I am myself. Watching basketball players play a game on a big court like the Madison Square Garden arena is a breathtaking and special moment. It is amazing to see how a bouncy ball like a basketball has created so many opportunities for people all over the world.

Walking into Madison Square Garden is an overwhelming experience, especially during basketball games. There are security guards at every door, there are crazy fans pushing their way through, there are jerseys and New York Knicks attire adorning almost every attendee's body. 

This is probably my 87th time at the most famous arena- most of the times I am here is to watch basketball; both professional and college and for both games they have two things in common... basketballs and jerseys are everywhere. Oh, I mean everywhere. As I am walking towards the metal security checks, I look around and see the New York Knicks colors, blue and orange all over the place. The jerseys I notice people wearing is famous retired players; for example Ewing and Anthony. The atmosphere is thick, this is normal for me- the overwhelming amount of fans being crushed together in a small space. I can see the attempt of fans trying to form lines but that doesn't work out for them. The desperation in children's eyes to finally get through security and get to their seats does not go unnoticed. Random men looking around like lost puppies trying to find their friends before getting through the metal detectors. Couples holding on to each others hands tightly to avoid separation due to the pushing of fans that occurs. 

Picture taken from store.nba.com which is the official store to buy NBA jerseys 

New Yorkers wear their jerseys with pride- they are representing their state and the team they love by purchasing these jerseys. A jersey can cost up to $110! There are people wearing hats, and shirts, orange and blue face paint. It is all to show their support for the players. 

I admire NBA fans, they are strong and loyal. The Knicks are the last team in the Eastern Conference standings- they basically have been losing almost every game in the season- yet the fans at today's game were loud and proud, the arena is full of fans and even some celebrities showed their love for the game and the team by wearing Knicks jerseys and merchandise. 

Knicks jerseys are more than just an AMAZING fashion statement. They show loyalty, love and especially show pride. People who do not wear jerseys at the games are looked down at, they are the odd ones out and as a fan, they do not look as invested in the game. 

Basketballs are everywhere, obviously. There are basketballs in the gifts store, basketballs on display, signed basketballs by legends, basketballs people bring from home in hopes a player will sign it, and the holy grail of all basketballs, the Madison Square Garden basketball vault. 

The room is bright, basketballs lined up in different carts against the wall of the room. It is truly a magical sight, knowing that my favorite players of the National Basketball Association have once touched these basketballs. I take a look around and absorb my surroundings. It feels like I am the only one there. Basketball is something I am passionate about and getting the opportunity to see what goes on "backstage" is a moment I will never forget.

Once I make my way up the crowded concession stands, I walk up the narrow stairs to my seat and see the large court in front of me. Basketballs are being thrown everywhere, balls are being shot onto one hoop from all different directions and from different angles. 

PRESEASON VS IN SEASON

Basketball is a complicated sport to understand, and in order to enjoy watching and playing basketball you must know the ins and outs of the competitive game. In this blog we will be diving in to the differences between a preseason game and a game that is in season. 

In 2018, the preseason ran from September 28 until October 12. In those weeks, The New York Knicks played against 5 different NBA teams. 

The season officially began October 16, 2018 and will go until April 10 2019. There are 82 games in the season, where each team plays against each other in order to make it into the playoffs; which beings April 13, 2019. 

I attended the New York Knicks play against the New Orleans Pelicans in Madison Square Garden on October 5, 2018. A preseason game is more like a "practice game" rather than a "real game" all the rules apply for both games except there is less excitement during preseason and here is why:

1. Smaller Crowd

There are significantly fans at preseason games for quite a few reasons. The biggest reason being that the game doesn't "count" for anything. Whether or not a team win a game will have no effect on the playoffs. This can be a major turnoff for fans. 

2. Benched players get more playing time

Although, you have to be a great player to earn your spot into the NBA, many of the recently drafted players don't get as much time on the court during the season... mainly because they are being outshined by the fan favorite players (the best players)So during preseason benched players have the opportunity to show coaches what they got, and what they can bring to the team for the upcoming season. 

3. Lack of Enthusiasm 

I noticed in all of the preseason games I have gone to that they aren't nearly as loud as in season games. The Madison Square Garden court seats 20,000 people, there were roughly around 11,000 filled seats by the end of halftime. This means, many people didn't show up for the beginning because they were only interested in the second half of the game. Which leads me to my next point...

4. Games tend to not get "heated up" until the 3rd and 4th quarter

The real action in preseason games happens in the second half of the game. That is when there is a bit more pressure on the players to just get a win for their fans. They are able to crunch in new plays that they are trying out, or plays that need some extra work. The fans are downing their drinks and sit on the edge of their seats during this time. Whereas in a regular season game, this is the mood and atmosphere for the entire game. 

In this specific preseason game I attended, I heard many people complain about ticket prices. Due to the fact that we are sitting in Madison Square Garden, ticket prices are already a bit more expensive that they should be. But this preseason, tickets seemed to have cost about the same amount as tickets would be for a in season game. Even seats above mine in section 200+ they were going for over $150 hours before the game. 

Overall, attending preseason games are a waste of money unless you are bored and want to watch a game or are in the area and wouldn't mind spending a few hours watching your favorite players sit on the bench barely paying attention to their own game. 

If you so happen to be in the area of a NBA game and it is preseason time, I would recommend purchasing last minute tickets once the game has a officially began on third party sites like SeatGeek. The tickets that are sold on SeatGeek are resold tickets and their owners are pretty desperate to make a few bucks once the game has started. Like I mentioned before, you won't be missing much in the first two quarters.