New York landmarks to glow orange and blue for Knicks opening night

Albany, New York – New York’s skyline, bridges and public buildings were set to take on the Knicks’ signature colors Tuesday evening as the state marked the team’s return to the court following its 2026 championship.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that 16 landmarks would be illuminated in orange and blue on October 20 to celebrate opening night of the 2026-27 season. The tribute extends from New York City to Niagara Falls, with the Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal among the locations participating.

The celebration also reaches the subway system, where riders will begin hearing special announcements recorded by Knicks point guard and Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado.

“Tonight is the moment New York has been waiting for since the Knicks’ incredible victory in June. I am thrilled to kick off opening night for the Knicks’ 2026-27 season by lighting landmarks across the state in orange and blue,” Governor Hochul said. “Last season, New Yorkers from all walks of life came together under orange and blue skies to cheer on our Knicks all the way through their remarkable win in Game 5. To each player: good luck and let’s bring home another championship.”

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Ahead of the opening game, Hochul joined Metropolitan Transportation Authority crews at the 34 St-Penn Station subway entrance at 34th Street and Eighth Avenue. Together, they applied a fresh coat of orange and blue paint to the entrance, renewing a tribute established during the team’s championship run.

The entrance became a visible expression of support for the Knicks last season. In June, Hochul announced that the MTA would retain its distinctive color scheme, preserving the orange and blue appearance beyond the championship celebrations.

Her visit also included a stop at the Penn Station control room, where she flipped the switch to illuminate the ceiling in the team’s colors. The station activities brought the opening-night tribute to a transit location closely associated with journeys to and from the area around Madison Square Garden.

Elsewhere in New York City, the illumination lineup includes One World Trade Center, the Kosciuszko Bridge, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, Moynihan Train Hall and the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse. The MTA Long Island Rail Road’s East End Gateway at Penn Station is also included.

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Several government buildings and public spaces in the Albany area are taking part. Those locations are the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, the State Education Building, the Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza and the Albany International Airport Gateway.

The Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge and the “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge are also on the list. At the State Fairgrounds, the Main Gate and Expo Center will display the team’s colors.

Completing the statewide lineup are the Fairport Lift Bridge and Niagara Falls, extending the celebration to western New York. Together, the 16 locations form a tribute to the championship season while marking the start of the Knicks’ next campaign.