NYC hospitality leaders cheer estimated $465M in economic boost thanks to Knicks run

The Knicks buzz is leading to big bucks.Big Apple hospitality leaders cheered an estimated $465 million in economic development generated by the Knicks’ magical playoff run, calling it a crucial “shot in the arm” for the industry.  “I mean, New York right now is absolutely electric, more bars, more restaurants are just doing amazing, and they’re so pumped up to welcome people through their doors,” said NYC Hospitality Alliance executive director Andrew Rigie at a press conference Monday.“And when we talk about the economic impact, our bars and restaurants have really, really been struggling the past bunch of years.”Versa Restaurant & Rooftop owner Arthur Backal said bars and hotels have struggled to bounce back since the COVID shutdown in 2020 kept tourists at home.The industry is “now finally getting this shot in the arm,” Backal said at the press conference that took place at his venue alongside other officials and former Knicks player Tom Hoover.“The Knicks are giving us so much of what we need, and on the heels of that, right behind it is a big beautiful World Cup,” Backal added.“It’s so much happening in New York that is so important and so needed to this industry of restaurants, hotels, tourism.”But with the crush of revelers showing their Knicks fever, business officials said local establishments have upped private security, increased staffing and bolstered crowd control management.Watch parties outside Madison Square Garden have at times caused chaos, leading to arrests of rowdy fans.One NYPD cop was even punched last Friday. While a watch party outside the Garden was scrapped for Game 3 on Monday with President Trump coming to town, the bash is expected to be back on for Game 4 on Wednesday, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a separate briefing Monday. Economic Development Corporation officials estimated last week the Knickerbockers were expected to generate $465 million.“Never, have we seen the city like this,...