Governor Hochul orders New York landmarks to shine orange and blue after Knicks win NBA title

New York – New York is preparing for a statewide celebration after the New York Knicks completed one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history, clinching the 2026 NBA championship with a decisive victory in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

To mark the occasion, Governor Kathy Hochul has directed 15 iconic landmarks across New York State to be illuminated in the team’s signature orange and blue colors on the evening of June 18. The tribute comes as basketball fans from Buffalo to Long Island celebrate a title run that has energized communities and united supporters throughout the state.

For many New Yorkers, the championship represents far more than a sporting achievement. The Knicks’ journey through the season captured the attention of millions, creating a shared sense of excitement that stretched well beyond Madison Square Garden. From packed watch parties to celebrations in neighborhoods across the state, the team’s success has become a source of pride for basketball fans of all ages.

Governor Hochul praised the team’s accomplishment and the impact it had on residents throughout New York.

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“Knicks in five!” Governor Hochul said. “What an outstanding team and an incredible season by the team all New Yorkers love. From every corner of our state, the Knicks have brought New Yorkers together inspired by the game of basketball. To our word champions, you’ve made us so proud.”

The statewide lighting display will feature some of New York’s most recognizable structures and public landmarks. Among them are One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, and the State Education Building. Additional sites joining the celebration include the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza, the Lake Placid Olympic Center, and Moynihan Train Hall.

Several transportation hubs and regional landmarks will also participate in the tribute. The Albany International Airport Gateway, the Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, and Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct are set to glow in orange and blue as part of the coordinated statewide display.

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The celebration extends to the State Fairgrounds’ Main Gate and Expo Center, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, and the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, ensuring that communities across different regions of New York can take part in the festivities.

As the lights shine across the state, they will serve as a visible reminder of a season that brought excitement, hope, and championship glory to New York basketball. For Knicks fans who have waited years to see their team reach the top, the orange-and-blue glow will symbolize a long-awaited moment of triumph and a championship run that will be remembered for generations.