Knicks could generate $465 million for NYC at home games: Knicks lift all of us up

The Knicks playoff run is money.The basketball phenoms are poised to generate an incredible $465 million for the Big Apple this postseason as fans expand their blue-and-orange wardrobes and ease their game-watching anxiety by gorging themselves on food and drink.The Knicks’ postseason run has already generated an estimated $202 million between tickets, concessions, merch, transit and lodging during home games played so far, Mayor Mamdani and the city Economic Development Corporation announced Wednesday.“The Knicks lift all of us up. Particularly those in our business, but every other business: the pizzerias, the car parks, the hotels.They’re great for the neighborhood,” said Ian Conroy, who has owned Mustang Harry’s with his brother Niall since 1995.The sports bar — located just steps from Madison Square Garden — has seen a 60% surge in business since the Knicks secured their place in the playoffs and has been reaching its 300-person capacity every game night.The success is vital for the bar, and the Knicks-generated income will help it stay afloat through the comparatively quieter summer months, especially since the Rangers didn’t make it to their own playoff season.The Knicks’ incredible run and the fan response inspired Conroy to even invest in his bar — he bought 30 brand new TVs when the Knicks made the playoffs so he could provide a better fan experience for his dedicated patrons.

“We’re in New York.There’s only one team to like … This Knicks team has got more heart than I think I’ve ever seen here since I’ve been in New York,” said Conroy, originally of Ireland.With the NBA Finals on the horizon, each home game is expected to generate as much as $90 million as Knicks mania sweeps across the five boroughs.Aristotle Hatzigeorgious said demand for watch party seating at Slate in Chelsea and his several Clinton Hall locations that he’s put out reserved seating — and has already reached their 1,000-person capacities for a...