Madison Square Garden’s opening night got off to a chaotic start on Tuesday, as reporters and staff encountered lengthy security queues before the New York Knicks hosted the Philadelphia 76ers.
Sports columnist Mike Sielski described the situation as “absolute insanity” in a post ahead of the game.
Sielski revealed that media members and arena employees were being directed through the same security entrance, creating a backup along 33rd Street.
“Absolute insanity trying to get into MSG for tonight’s #Knicks-#Sixers game,” he wrote.
He also joked that the scene resembled the frenzy expected if the defending NBA champions were facing a team featuring LeBron James.
He said: “All media and arena employees trying to go through security in same entrance. Backup along 33rd St. It’s like the defending NBA champs were facing a team with LeBron James or something.”
The congestion raised questions about the arena’s arrangements for staff and media entering before tip-off.
There was no confirmed explanation for the reported delays or indication that spectators experienced similar problems.
However, fans were warned ahead of time to be in their seats well ahead of schedule to avoid such issues.
Tip-off was scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern, with the Knicks hosting the 76ers at MSG.
Fans had been asked to be in their seats by 6:30 p.m., a full half-hour before the game started.
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