This week, New York City was buzzing with excitement as the Knicks played in the Finals, but things might get a little chaotic next week. The World Cup kicks off this Thursday. If the event stretches into a sixth game on June 16, it could spell “Travel Armageddon” for the New York area.
The Spurs grabbed Game 3 on Monday, winning 115-111. That leaves the Knicks ahead in the series 2-1 as they gear up for Game 4 on Wednesday.
There’s a chance that Game 6 could take place at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, June 16—if the Knicks manage to win their next matches. Losing Game 4 could set up a busy sports day that’s likely to disrupt travel like never before.
Coincidentally, on that same day, France and Senegal will face off in their World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, which is temporarily rebranded as New York/New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.
The World Cup games are set to begin at 3 p.m. ET, while the NBA Finals Game 6 is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET. Although there’s a few-hour gap between the two events, the influx of fans returning from New Jersey in tandem with those heading to the finals in New York could lead to serious traffic congestion in Midtown.
Travel plans are already being adjusted for those commuting to and from New York Penn Station during the World Cup.
In an effort to manage the large crowds heading to East Rutherford for the matches, Penn Station will close for four hours before each game. This means commuters using New Jersey Transit will face delays.
Those holding World Cup tickets will get priority on trains heading to New Jersey, and everyone else is being advised to reconsider their travel plans for that day.
After the Knicks’ recent playoff victory, fans took to 7th Avenue outside Madison Square Garden, and if the World Cup coincides with Game 6, it could lead to even more frenzied scenes.
