INDIANAPOLIS -- Thousands of Indiana Fever fans watched their team battle for a spot in the WNBA finals for free on Saturday, thanks to Larry Bird.

The Indiana Pacers president bought up 9,000 tickets in the balcony of Conseco Fieldhouse for $10 each -- a $90,000 investment in his support of the top-ranked Fever, 6News' Sarah Cornell reported.

And his marketing scheme seemed to work -- all of the free tickets were gone two hours after the box office opened.

Players said having a large crowd can make all the difference, especially at a crucial game.

"I know last night, it felt like the roof was going to come off. The opposing team couldn't hear the plays," said Fever forward Ebony Hoffman. "(Fans) really are that intangible thing that you need on the court."

Some of the people who lined up for tickets Saturday said they probably wouldn't have come to the game, but the free tickets made it an easy choice.

"I personally have never been a big woman's basketball fan, but I wanted to come out and show my support," said Christa Eldrige.

The Fever beat the Detroit Shock 72-67 Saturday night to advance to the WNBA finals for the first time.

The team finished the regular season 22-12, the best in the eastern conference.

Watch the 6News' Nightcast at 11 p.m. for full Fever highlights.