The Knicks are back, baby, and the Big Apple is rolling out the red carpet! With the Home Opener tipping off at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m., we’ve rounded up the spots around the city to grab a bite, sip and catch all the action alongside fellow fans.
Slate (54 W 21st Street)
Knicks Nation is back at Slate where Knicks Fan TV hosts a major watch party celebrating the Knicks as they raise their championship banner against LeBron James and the Sixers. Doors for this fun sports event open at 5:30 PM, followed by the banner ceremony at 6:30 PM and tipoff at 7 PM. Fans can enjoy live game audio, music from DJ Eric L Beats during commercials, food and drinks, and arcade games including pool, Pop-A-Shot and bowling. The night will also feature quarterly raffle giveaways, with prizes including a $150 Fogo de Chão gift card, a Knicks championship gold pendant courtesy of GLD, KFTV merchandise, Panini basketball cards and more. General admission tickets include a raffle ticket, while table reservations are also available. RSVP at KFTVWATCH.com. Find more information and purchase tickets to this 21+ event HERE.
Time Out Market Union Square (124 East 14th Street)
Time Out Market Union Square is celebrating the return of New York basketball with an all-day Knicks Ring Day celebration presented by Time Out Market Sports and Industry Mixer NYC. The festivities kick off at 3 PM with live DJ sets from DJ LP and Andre Nikolas the DJ, Celtics vs. Pistons action, food and drinks, followed by the ACES Lounge and pop-up shop featuring limited-edition Knicks-color gear and basketball apparel, as well as the Shot by Sosa photography gallery highlighting NYC basketball culture. The main event begins at 7 PM with the Knicks taking on the Philadelphia 76ers, complete with the championship banner raising and ring ceremony. Guests can also participate in Knicks fan contests, enjoy signature cocktails, and enter raffles for prizes including Knicks gear, Time Out Market dining passes and a Sprayground × Uncutart Ring Day bag. Seating and viewing areas are first come, first served, and the event is 21+. Find more information and RSVP HERE.
Clinton Hall has expansive indoor and outdoor seating at their FiDi (90 Washington St.), 36th Street (16 W. 36th Street), E. 51st Street (230 E. 51st) and Bronx (601 E. 189th St.) locations. Enjoy great Supercraft beer, hard seltzers, wine and a full bar menu alongside delicious food like the signature Double Smashed Burger, Buffalo Cauliflower, Crispy Chicken Wings, Giant Pretzels and more.
Ainslie (199 Bowery)
Ainslie will host a high energy Knicks Opener watch party at its expansive 15,000-square-foot venue starting at 5 PM. As one of downtown Manhattan’s most energetic destinations, Ainslie will have two massive projection screens and 10 TVs throughout the space. The restaurant boasts an airy beer garden that opens to the sidewalk in addition to its massive beer hall inside with a 50-foot bar and 32 beer taps.
More Places to Catch the Action
SOB’s (204 Varick Street)
At SOB’s offers a music-forward setting for the Knicks’ season opener, with a watch party led by Billy June and a set by DJ Juanyto. The game will be shown on a 16-by-18-foot LED wall and four additional screens. Admission is free with an RSVP for guests 21 and older. Seating is first come, first served, with a two-drink minimum or a $30 food-and-beverage purchase required per person.
Time Out Market New York (55 Water St, Brooklyn)
Time Out Market New York in Brooklyn is kicking off NBA Opening Day with an all-day basketball celebration from 3 PM to midnight, culminating in the Knicks’ Ring Night matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers at 7 PM. Guests can catch the games on the big screen with live audio at this free rooftop watch party while enjoying specialty cocktails and drink specials, an exclusive menu from Chaat Dog, rooftop vibes and NYC views. The full lineup includes Celtics vs. Pistons at 3 PM, Knicks vs. 76ers at 7 PM with the championship banner and ring ceremony, and Thunder vs. Spurs at 9:30 PM, making it a full day of hoops, food, drinks and plenty of Knicks energy. Find more information and RSVP HERE.
Pig Beach (3537 36th street)
In Astoria, Pig Beach brings barbecue to the game-day lineup. Fans can pair the Knicks matchup with a menu centered on smoked meats and barbecue favorites, making it an option for those looking to combine dinner with a night of basketball.
FancyFree (71 Lafayette Ave)
Located in Fort Greene, FancyFree is another Brooklyn option for fans planning to watch the Knicks’ season opener. The neighborhood bar offers a setting for gathering with friends, enjoying a drink and following the game outside the arena.
Mustang Harry’s (352 7th Ave)
Just steps from Madison Square Garden, Mustang Harry’s is a convenient choice for fans who want to stay close to the action. The traditional sports bar features more than 20 high-definition televisions, surround sound and a full menu of food and drinks, making it a natural stop for game night.
