_MG_5159.jpg, originally uploaded by Unbowed.

 

Here’s a little game to play during your next NBA outing: Look around for how many suites are dark. (You’ll notice them specifically in the corners or behind the baskets.) A dark suite means either that nobody bought it or that somebody did buy it for the season, then made the decision, “Screw it, let’s save the $1,200 [or whatever the number is] on food and drink and not give tonight’s suite tickets to anyone.” (Note: Only a handful of NBA teams control the concessions in their arenas.) That makes the less desirable suites somewhat of a sunk cost — those companies can’t get the money back for the season, but at the very least, they won’t lose more money on that purchase. What will happen next season? They just won’t buy the suite.

The sports guy nailed it. How long before the Madison Square Garden is empty?