In lieu of passing around a collection plate to pay Carmelo Anthony’s salary, Madison Square Garden announced Knicks ticket prices will rise by an average of 49 percent next year. New York Rangers hockey tickets will bump up 23 percent.

The AP reports the ticket increases coincide with an $800 million renovation of the arena that will last the next two summers.

Knicks ticket prices have remained steady the past six years, and have risen only once in the past decade. The coming price increase, however, seems to be making up for lost time in price gouging.

If you’re a fan of either team, will the increases affect your plans to attend games?

Knicks to raise season ticket prices 49 percent next year [AP via Sports Illustrated]

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