« Atlantic Yards Violations and Cover-up | Main | Promises, promises: how the ESDC said care would be taken at the construction site, how complaints have been documented, and what might be done about noise »
July 26, 2012
Brooklyn Nets will open season against NY Knicks at Barclays Center
During one of the Nets' final games of last season played in Newark — when Knicks fans again overran the Prudential Center — team CEO Brett Yormark declared that atmosphere will never happen in Brooklyn. We'll find out on Nov. 1
NY Daily News
by Stefan Bondy
If the Nets found a true home in Brooklyn — and not just an extension of Madison Square Garden — they’ll find out in the first game of the season.
A source confirmed the Brooklyn Nets will open their inaugural campaign at the Barclays Center against the Knicks on Nov. 1 in a nationally televised game. It’s a surprising move from the league, and perhaps a dangerous one for the Nets, who are trying to establish themselves as Brooklyn’s team in Knicks territory.
“If that’s the case, bring it on,” Nets coach Avery Johnson said earlier this month about opening against the Knicks.
...The Nets have sold close to 10,000 season tickets for an arena fitting just over 18,000, prioritizing Brooklyn residents in sales phases. It’s a sign the Nets will have support on Nov. 1, and they haven’t backed down from the challenge.
NoLandGrab: Or at least Brett Yormark claims they've sold them.
Related coverage...
Bleacher Report, Why Opening Barclays Center vs New York Knicks Is Terrible for Brooklyn Nets
New York fans embarrassed New Jersey fans the last time these teams met on the Nets’ turf at Prudential Center, and plenty of Knicks fans will find their way into Barclays Center November 1. Knicks fans will be loud and focused, while Nets fans are figuring out who they are.
The league doesn’t need to cultivate a rivalry between New York’s teams—there’s already one growing. What needs growth is the Nets fan base. Who are they? Are they quasi-basketball fans, who never took a liking to the Orange & Blue? Are they non-sports fans, looking to be part of the electric Brooklyn scene? Are they miffed Knicks fans, trying to stick it to James Dolan?
mcbrooklyn, Some People Are Excited About Knicks /Nets Season Opener in Brooklyn
A number of people are working themselves up into a state at the thought of the Nets opening the season in Brooklyn against the Knicks.
According to Newsday, the Knicks will be the Brooklyn Nets' first regular-season opponent in their new home, the Barclays Center, on Nov. 1.
It's all part of a calculated program to build the hysteria.
Posted by eric at July 26, 2012 10:51 AM