Knicks VP/Public Relations Chris Weiller, who handles
celebrity ticket requests, will "have plenty of power this
weekend" as the Knicks host the Pacers for Games 3 and 4 of
their playoff series, according to Kelly Carter of NEWSDAY.
The Knicks have eight complimentary floor seats to each game
for distribution, and Lakers PR Dir John Black said, "If I
had eight complimentary floor seats for every game, I would
own Los Angeles. Chris Weiller is doing something wrong if
he's not mayor yet. [He] is more powerful than Rudy
Giuliani." Weiller said the "key" to selecting the courtside
celebs "is if they're a Knicks fan. You'd rather have
someone who is a fan rather than a great face." The team
tries to "differentiate between real fans and those who just
want to be seen." Weiller: "We love Elle [MacPherson]. But
if she left at halftime and was talking on the cell phone the
whole time, she wouldn't be back." The team also reportedly
"warned" Sean "Puffy" Combs for constantly talking on his
cell phone during the game. Spike Lee, Woody Allen, Tom
Brokaw and John Kennedy Jr. are among season ticket holders,
and Billy Baldwin, Matthew Modine and Robin Leach are celebs
who attend Knick charity functions and thus "are going to get
a comp seat" when they request one (NEWSDAY, 5/8).
