20 Locations for a New York Knicks Watch Party

I awoke Saturday morning to some disappointing, yet unsurprising news. Following several arrests outside Madison Square Garden on Thursday Night, the NYPD issued a statement saying that they would be shutting down official watch parties outside MSG for the remainder of the New York Knicks’ current playoff run. While an official, indoor watch party at Radio City for Game 4 proved to be a success, it was pretty much impossible to prevent the formation of a massive crowd outside the Garden to celebrate the first Knicks Finals appearance since 1999.

Despite the initial NYPD cancellation, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters Tuesday that there will be watch parties across the city for the 7-game series set to begin on June 3rd.

While official details are still pending, I took some time to list some locations around the city that I think would be perfect candidates for an NBA Finals watch party. 

ATTN Mayor Mamdani: To reduce the speed at which a crowd could form on 7th Avenue after a potential Knicks championship, I’d recommend using most, if not all, of these locations simultaneously.

1. In the Le Bain hot tub

2. Under the K Bridge with the Chainsmokers and Curtis Sliwa

3. In line for Phebe’s (interns should be able to watch, too!) 

4. Crowded around the Hess Triangle

5. Aboard the Staten Island Ferry that Colin Jost and Pete Davidson bought and did nothing with

6. On the corner outside the Plaza where Carrie watched Big leave his engagement party

7. In the church from the Feather music video that led to the unraveling of Eric Adams’ political career 

8. Through the window of Market Hotel via the Myrtle Avenue subway platform 

9. Alternatively, in front of the Dunkin-Checkers-Popeyes under the Myrtle Avenue subway platform 

10. In the empty dining room of El Churro on Houston Street 

11. At the counter of the 101-year old diner that serves Coke the old fashioned way

12. Overlooking the Red Panda exhibit at the Bronx Zoo

13. On your phone in the bathroom of the Union Square Barnes & Noble

14. The pedestrian tunnel between the Times Square and Port Authority subway stations

15. Between songs at a private Karaoke room in K-Town

16. Hidden amongst the bok choy at the Hunts Point Produce Market

17. Atop the Cyclone at Coney Island (multiple rides required for optimal viewing experience)

18. On a Taxi TV on the way from LaGuardia

19. Via Google updates on a $1.50 pizza shop employee’s phone

20. In the bushes of Bryant Park with an American Woodcock

If you’re Mayor Mamdani, another NYC government official, or a member of the New York Knicks organization, please feel free to use this list. I hope that these 20 locations can not only provide optimal viewing experiences for this year’s NBA Finals, but also showcase some of the city’s most unique locations. 

If you’re a Knicks fan reading this, maybe take some time between now and June 3rd to check out some of the locations on this list! You never know when you’ll find a new favorite spot around town.

No matter where you end up watching this year’s NBA Finals, have fun and stay safe.

LET’S GO KNICKS