NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — New York is marking a major step forward in its economic recovery as both Madison Square Garden and Barclays Center get ready to open their doors to fans for the first time in nearly a year Tuesday night.
It will also be a momentous occasion for sports fans.
The Garden will welcome back 2,000 fans as the Knicks take on the Warriors.
Among them will be Anthony Donahue of the Bronx, who has been a season ticket holder for two decades and used to host a Knicks show for SNY.
"Tonight is definitely a major start," Donahue told WCBS 880's Marla Diamond.
It will also be an emotional night for Donahue, who lost his 21-year-old sister, Gianna, to brain cancer in August.
"She is with me every second. I dream about her probably five out of seven nights a week," Donahue said. "She was in my dreams last night so I know she's with me every second."
Anthony Donahue with his sister, GiannaAnthony Donahue
His little sister was also a huge Knicks fan.
Donahue said he took her to her first game in January 2003 when she was 4 years old.
"I went to every Knick game and I was able to bring my sister to a few, thankfully. My only breaks were at the Garden and I couldn't walk two or three feet without people being like, 'How's G?' every single game," Donahue said.
Tonight, Donahue will be bringing a friend, fellow Knicks fanatic Elgin Swift of Weehawken, who helped raise money for Gianna's treatment.
"I'm very happy, I've very anxious, I'm very nervous, very emotional, so it's tons of things going through me right now," Donahue said.
Anthony Donahue with his sister, GiannaMichelle Farsi
Swift said Tuesday night's Knicks game will be one step toward recovery.
"It almost reminds me of post 9/11 when you had that first baseball game. It kind of created an exhale moment like, 'Okay, we're gonna be okay,'" Swift said. "It just makes me feel like we're getting closer to going back to a place of normality somewhat even if it's only for 2.5 hours."
Barclays Center will welcome back just 300 fans.
Testing is mandatory at both arenas for fans, employees and players.
The Barclays Center sent fans an at-home testing kit while the Knicks are requiring fans to present proof of a negative COVID test prior to entry.
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