Fans line up for game 6 tickets

(George Rizer/Globe Staff)

Ryan Ferrara of Somerville arrived at the TD Banknorth Garden just after midnight and grabbed the first spot in a line for Celtics tickets for Tuesday night's game

By Maddy Hanna and Matt Collette, Globe Correspondents

The line had grown slowly, starting after last night’s loss at Staples Center. This morning, it stretched out further, as fans in Celtics jerseys skipped work hoping for the chance to watch their team clinch the championship.

Tickets for games 6 and 7 went on sale today at 11 a.m. and sold out within 15 minutes, said Tricia McCorkle, spokeswoman for TD Banknorth Garden. Each person in line was given a numbered wristband -- 840 in total. A lottery then determined who would get the first chance to buy tickets, which McCorkle called “the fairest way for the average fan to get tickets.”

A limited number of tickets were available, said McCorkle, who said the TD BankNorth Garden staff did not have specific information. Most tickets for the final two games will go to the NBA and season ticket holders, she said.

Jay Strata, 31, of Chestnut Hill, had season tickets for the last four seasons, but gave them up this year.

“Sad, right?" he said from the line, painfully aware that if he’d stuck with the Celtics he wouldn't be waiting today. Strata said he was skipping work, but wouldn’t say where he worked, fearing the wrath he’d face if his boss found out where he was.

Lee Goldstein, 20, got in line at 9:30 this morning, wearing a well-worn Celtics shirt. He was in the crowd during Game 2 and hoped to see the Celtics clinch the championship for the first time in his lifetime.

"It's like a dream, I'm telling you,'' he said. "This is bigger than the Sox and Pats."