Playoffs 2000:Pacers want Knicks fans out

Pacers want Knicks fans out
Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers want their own fans sitting courtside Wednesday night -- and they're willing to pay for it.

In an effort to prevent New York Knicks fans from buying the choice tickets, the Pacers' co-owners are dipping into their own pockets.

Melvin and Herb Simon said Tuesday they will purchase any courtside tickets that season ticket-holders were planning to sell for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals. And they will match the price offered by ticket brokers.

The seats that are repurchased by the Simons will be donated to local area youths who would otherwise not have a chance to sit courtside, the Pacers said.

"After seeing the Knicks' fans in attendance at Game 2 in prime seating, reading Reggie Miller's quotes and following news accounts of how the tickets were purchased, we would like to extend this offer to our courtside season ticket holders," Herb Simon said. "We agree with our players and think it is important that these seats are used by Pacers' fans."

Ticket-holders willing to sell were being advised to contact the Pacers' offices.