Sandy Casts Doubt On Nets-Knicks Opener At Barclays; Prices Drop
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Nets' much-hyped regular-season debut in Brooklyn is just two days away, though there are serious doubts whether the game can be played due to the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy.
The borough's new franchise got their wish from the NBA this offseason: an opening night tipoff at Barclays Center against the rival Knicks.
The Nets are "expecting to have no trouble holding the game," according to the New York Post. A team official expressed optimism to the paper on Monday afternoon, but that was before the worst of the storm surge rocked New York City's infrastructure.
On Twitter, fan Carlos Hernandez asked the arena if there was "any chance" Thursday night's game would be postponed. Barclays Center responded Monday, saying there has been no decision and fans should "keep an eye on our feed for updates."
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Barclays Center is accessible by 11 subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road. All service is currently suspended, and there's no timetable for restoration.
"For the many asking: Tonight's NBA games will be played," NBA spokesman Tim Frank tweeted Tuesday. "We are still assessing the situation with regards to the rest of the week."
Several subway tunnels under the East River flooded Monday night. The LIRR suffered flooding in one East River tunnel, and water from the unprecedented 13-foot storm surge flooded the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel.
"Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on our entire transportation system, in every borough and county of the region," Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman Joseph Lhota said Tuesday.
If the Nets decide to open as scheduled, there's still the question of how many fans will be able to attend. Ticket prices, once sky-high on the secondary market, are dropping quickly, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.
"Dependent on level of disruption of mass transit, I could see these tickets decreasing significantly, 20-50 percent," TiqIQ spokesman Chris Matcovich told Businessweek.
Should the Nets postpone Thursday's opener? Be heard in the comments below...
