Knicks championship run gave 20% boost to NYCs nightlife economy: Never seen anything like this!

It’s a slam dunk for sales!The New York Knicks injected new life into the city’s bar economy, as more than half of NYC watering holes reported an at least 20% increase in revenue during the team’s NBA Finals run, according to a new survey released by the New York Hospitality Alliance.The industry report, released Wednesday, surveyed roughly 100 businesses across bar, restaurant and nightlife sectors – with a whopping 90% of eateries reporting increased sales and 70% noting increased staffing during the Knickerbockers’ electric playoff and Finals run.“When there’s a lot of enthusiasm and people are feeling excited and good, they’re out, they spend more – and I think that’s overall beneficial,” Andrew Rigie, executive director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance, told The Post.“So much of the soul of New York City and sociability happens in our city’s bars and restaurants, and it was so great for the bars and restaurants to be front and center in allowing people to experience this historic Knicks playoff run,” he added.More than half of Big Apple watering holes showing Knicks games reported increased sales by more than 20% on game days – including nearly one-third of businesses that saw those sales skyrocket to more than 30%, according to the report.To keep up with demand, nearly 30% of the surveyed businesses bought televisions or upgraded equipment.Operators also extended hours, hosted watch parties, created game day promotions and boosted inventory to cater to the crowds, Rigie said.Aside from new hires – which are expected to be sustained through the World Cup, per Rigie – many businesses also added shifts for existing bartenders and outsourced third-party security guards.“It was unbelievable: I’ve been in this business for 30 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Martin Whelan, owner of Stout, a string of sports bars in Manhattan.“There were lines out the door every night,” he said, reporting a r...