The Celtics rivalry with the Lakers is arguably the best rivalry in the NBA as well as the fiercest cross-country rivalry in sports. These are the two most successful franchises in the NBA, and as a result, the two teams have met in the NBA Finals a record 12 times. The rivalry is especially fierce in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1980s. However, the two have recently met in the 2008 and 2010 NBA Finals. The chance to see these two square off is a can’t miss, so if you can only go to one Celtics home game a year, this is the one to see.
To put it simply Boston and New York do not like each other and the Celtics and Knicks are no different. Much like the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry, the Celtics-Knicks rivalry is one of both geographic proximity as well as hotly contested battles over the years. The Arena will be rocking when these two meet up as there are usually plenty of both team’s fans in attendance.
Not only are the Celtic and 76ers in the same division, but the teams have met a record 19 times in the playoffs as well. The Celtics have gotten the better of the Sixers taking 12 of the 19 meetings, but that doesn’t stop this from being one of the most intense battles in the Eastern Conference. The rivalry was at its peak during the 1960s when the Celtics Bill Russell squared off with the Sixers Wilt Chamberlain. No matter who is playing on the court, there is always bad blood when these two get together.
Celtics Stadium Guide
In Game
The Boston Celtics are the most decorated team in the NBA having won a record 17 NBA Titles. The franchise has also retired a record 21 numbers, and you can feel the history and aura that surrounds the team when you enter TD Garden. The new arena may not have quite as much mystique as the original Boston Garden, but that doesn’t mean that Celtics pride and tradition aren’t on display.
The Celtics success over the years has fostered a culture of diehard fans, so if you’re looking to talk ball then, you’ll find plenty of people around you who are knowledgeable about their team. You’ll also find that these same people get really into the game and help create an incredible atmosphere that is among the best in the NBA. The arena will shake with Beat LA and other chants when it gets rocking so come prepared to cheer hard during your trip to Boston.
In addition to being an outstanding place to see a game for diehard basketball fans, the new Garden also offers plenty of entertainment for families as well. Kids will love the tricycle races and t-shirt tosses that take place during the stoppage of play meaning you won’t have to worry about the little ones getting bored at the game.
Finally, the arena is located right above North Station meaning it’s easily accessible via public transportation, which is perfect for those visiting from out of town. The station offers service via the Green Line, Orange Line, and commuter rail, so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of parking no matter where you’re coming from.
If you’re looking to see one of the most historic teams in the NBA surrounded by some of the most enthusiastic fans in pro basketball, then book your trip to Boston now.
The Celtics famed parquet floor has been a part of the franchise’s history since 1946 and is one of the defining features of the Boston Garden. The parquet floor is synonymous with the Celtics, so make sure to get a picture of the team playing on their signature surface.
If you’re a big sports fan and want to learn more about Boston’s sports excellence then make sure to visit The Sports Museum. The museum was founded in 1977 and is home to many superb exhibits on the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, and Revolution.
Whether you’re a hockey fan or not you’ve got to stop by the Bobby Orr statue that commemorates his famous flying goal against the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals. Orr is arguably the greatest player in hockey history, so you’d be doing yourself a disservice not to check this statue out.
The Boston Celtics have more banners hanging from the rafters than just about any other team thanks to their record 17 NBA Titles and record 21 retired numbers. The Celtics have one of the most illustrious histories in all of sports, so make sure to take it all in by viewing the team’s many banners.
Located on the Red Auerbach Concourse, the 6,000 sq ft TD Garden Pro Shop is the perfect place to grab some Bruins or Celtics gear before the game. If you’re looking to pick up a souvenir from your trip to The Garden, then there is no better place to do so than the stadium’s pro shop.
While there aren’t any Celtics statues located inside TD Garden, there are plenty of them within a 15 minute or so walk. Nearby Faneuil Hall features a Red Auerbach statue, City Hall Plaza is home to a Bill Russell statue, and inside The Sports Museum you can find a Larry Bird Statue. Before the game stop by these statues to get the full Celtics game day experience.
During the final TV timeout of Celtic wins an American Band Stand clip from 1977 featuring a man in a “Gino” shirt is shown on the Jumbotron. The clip is accompanied by the Bee Gee’s “You Should Be Dancing,” and serves as a tribute to legendary Celtics head coach Red Auerbach and his victory cigars. Come prepared to dance and celebrate a Celtics victory along with Gino during your visit to TD Garden.
Lucky is the Celtics mascot and can be seen entertaining the crowd throughout the game. Keep your eyes peeled for this little scamp as you’ll never know what he’s going to do next.
The Celtics cheer and dance teams do an excellent job of entertaining the crowd and will pump up the crowd even when things aren’t going the Celtics way.
The “Beat LA!” chant dates back to the 1982 NBA Eastern Conference Finals where Celtics fans chanted “Beat LA” following their loss to the 76ers. Fans use this chant whenever an LA team is in town, so if you have the privilege of taking in a Celtics-Lakers game make sure to join in on this chant.
West End Johnnie’s is the cornerstone of the renewed West End incorporating the melting pot of this historic area through its ambience, people, and food.
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