NEW YORK (AP) - New York is celebrating the Knicks in grand fashion on Thursday, as a ticker-tape parade honors the team for winning the NBA championship coveted by fans for generations. This victory marks a significant milestone for the Knicks, ending a 53-year championship drought, and the city is brimming with excitement, as Mayor Zohran Mamdani has predicted that the parade may become one of the largest in the city’s history.
City police reported that all viewing pens along the parade route filled up in under three hours as thousands of fans converged into the city to celebrate. This event is historic not only for the team's victory but also because the city did not hold a parade when the Knicks previously claimed the championship in the 1970s. At that time, former Mayor John Lindsay reduced ticker-tape celebrations due to financial constraints, opting instead for a reception at the mayoral mansion and a ceremony at City Hall in 1970 and 1973, respectively.
This year, the city is fully embracing the occasion. Mayor Mamdani stated, “There will be performances, there will be New Yorkers, there will be the team, and there will be history,” emphasizing the significance of the celebration. The parade is scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. near Battery Park, proceeding up Broadway through the iconic "Canyon of Heroes," concluding at City Hall where the players will receive keys to the city, a traditional tribute for champions.
Knicks legends Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Patrick Ewing are anticipated to participate, along with Mike Breen, the Knicks’ play-by-play announcer from MSG Network, set to act as emcee during the City Hall ceremony. Acclaimed singer Alicia Keys, known for her collaboration with Jay-Z on the hit "Empire State of Mind," is also scheduled to perform at the celebration, expressing her enthusiasm in a social media video featured a conversation with Knicks forward OG Anunoby.
As early as Thursday morning, Zellnor Myrie, a state senator and dedicated Knicks fan, was seen smiling broadly in Knicks gear in front of City Hall. He shared how the Knicks' victory brought a sense of generational catharsis to his family, recounting a touching conversation with his father who expressed that a "huge weight has been lifted off" his shoulders following the win.
To ensure public safety, police are deploying 10,000 officers to secure the festivities. This follows previous celebratory events that experienced chaotic moments and some violence during the Knicks' successful games leading to the championship against the San Antonio Spurs. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized the importance of safety, stating, “We want people to enjoy this moment, but public safety comes first.” Additionally, approximately 650 sanitation workers are tasked with cleaning up what could amount to tens of thousands of pounds of debris.
The tradition of ticker-tape parades dates back to the late 19th century, originating from the narrow strips of paper used by stock ticker machines. Brokerage employees began tossing paper from their office windows during parades, creating an iconic visual celebration. Over time, New York City has held these parades to honor various achievements across different domains, including sports, music, and international relations. The Knicks' parade will be historic as it marks the 210th ticker-tape parade in the city's history, following a recent celebration for the WNBA's New York Liberty in 2024.
