New York Knicks Overview

Fast facts

League: Eastern Conference Atlantic Division

Head Coach: Tom Thibodeau

Team Mascot: None

Year Opened: 1968

Capacity: 19812

City / State: New York / New York

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics game Image Source

Knicks vs Celtics

Rival Team: Boston Celtics

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.

Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks game Image Source

Knicks vs Nets

Rival Team: Brooklyn Nets

The Battle of the Boroughs between the Knicks and Nets stems from the two teams closer proximity and is one of only two in town rivalries in the NBA. The Nets move to Brooklyn in 2012 has only added heat to the already fairly intense rivalry between the teams as the Nets have moved even closer to Knicks turf, having played in New Jersey for their first 36 NBA seasons. There is always quite a bit of trash talking between these two teams so you’ll be in for a treat when attending a game between these two Big Apple teams.

New York Knicks vs Philadelphia Seventy Sixers game Image Source

Knicks vs 76ers

Rival Team: Philadelphia 76ers

Similar to the rivalry between New York and Boston, New York, and Philadelphia also have an intense rivalry that transcends sports. Rangers-Flyers, Giants-Eagles, and Mets-Phillies are all among the hardest fought rivalries in their respective sports, so you won’t want to miss Knicks-Sixers.

New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls game Image Source

Knicks vs Bulls

Rival Team: Chicago Bulls

The Knicks-Bulls rivalry came about during the 1990s when both teams were among the best in the Eastern Conference and met in the playoffs numerous times. The Bulls got the best of the Knicks, for the most part, however, in 1994 the Knicks defeated the Bulls 4-3 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Knicks-Bulls rivalry is still somewhat heated thanks to the rivalry between the cities of Chicago and New York. If you want to see one of the best games of the season, then look out for when the Bulls come to town.

New York Knicks Stadium Guide

In Game

Madison Square Garden may be the most expensive ticket in NBA, but it’s well worth it. The Garden itself should be on the bucket list of any basketball or sports fan out there making that alone enough to warrant a visit.

The arena is incredible to put it simply. Inside the concourses, you’ll find impressive displays dedicated to The Garden’s history including Garden 366 and the 20 Defining Moments exhibit. Both of these along with the sky bridge are a must-see for first-time visitors. MSG is also home to the outstanding Garden Vision scoreboard and many Rangers and Knicks championship banners.

Once the game gets going, you’ll find that the atmosphere is palpable. The Knicks are the one sports team that truly unites New York, and it shows in the way that everyone is on the edge of their seat throughout the game. The in-game entertainment provided by the Knicks City Dancers is also among the best in the league as well.

Additionally, MSG is home to some excellent cuisine if you don’t mind the hefty prices. There are tons of different food options inside the Garden, and you can even get food from menus designed by celebrity chefs including Andrew Carmellini.

If you’re a die-hard basketball fan, then a trip to MSG is an absolute must regardless of the expensive price tag.

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New York Knicks basketball player
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New York Knicks vs Orlando Magic game
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New York Knicks game
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New York Knicks dancers performance
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Things to check out

Garden 366 Image Source

Garden 366

Garden 366 wraps around the entire MSG concourse and displays a thrilling moment in the arena’s history for each day of the year. The exhibit does an excellent job of showcasing the arena’s history, so make sure to check it out during your visit to The Garden.

MSG 20 Defining Moments Image Source

20 Defining Moments

The 20 Defining Moments exhibit inside Madison Square Garden shows off the biggest and best moments in the arena’s history. The exhibit displays photos and memorabilia from the events and is must see for any history or sports buff.

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Sky Bridges

The sky bridges at MSG allow you to be right over the action. The bridges offer an incredible one of a kind view of the action on the court, making them a must-see for any visiting fan.

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Garden Vision

MSG’s state of the art scoreboard will blow you away. It even offers mini-scoreboards underneath, so you won’t have to strain your neck when sitting courtside.

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Championship and Retired Number Banners

Hanging from the fabled rafters of Madison Square Garden you’ll see banners honoring all the great Knicks and Rangers players and teams of the past. Make sure to snap a picture of these awesome banners during your visit.

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MSG All Access Tour

Don’t miss your chance to see the ins and outs of the World’s Most Famous Arena. Tours run daily from 9:30 am to 3:00 so arrive early to take the tour and make a day of it in Midtown Manhattan.

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Mike Walczewski New York Knicks Image Source

Mike Walczewski

Walczewski is a great PA announcer and has been announcing Knicks games since 1989. Over the years Walczewski has provided Knicks fans with many famous calls including “PAT-RICK EWING!” and “Ooooone shot...” so make sure to listen to him during your trip to MSG.

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Knicks City Dancers

The Knicks City Dancers are among the most famous dance squads in the NBA and a must see for fans. The dancers perform a variety of different dances throughout the game, so don’t miss them when they take the court.

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Celebrity Row

The Knicks have many celebrity fans, although none are as famous for their love of the Knicks as Spike Lee. Be on the lookout for celebrities when attending a Knicks game.

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7th Ave Squad

The 7th Ave Squad interacts with fans during the game and gets everyone pumped up in support of the Knicks. Get loud when you see the 7th Ave Squad for your chance to win some cool prizes.

Fight Songs

  1. Go New York, Go

    We comin’ to you live from the Garden,
    It’s been 40 long years and we’re starvin,
    Mad props to Amar’e, for startin’ the party
    Now Melo’s filled the plate and Tyson’s takin out the garbage
    Yeah, its the new look Knicks,
    We brought along Kidd, he’s got a bottle of tricks
    Camby and Kurt, back to fight
    ‘Cause once you’re a Knick, you’re a Knick for life
    This is the year we get first place,
    Novak for 3, (even with no space)
    Try and take it to the basket,
    Tyson’ll leave you in a casket,
    And when your defense makes a mistake,
    then (BAM), JR dunks in your face
    This is a team you don’t wanna miss,
    (we are New York) We are the New York Knicks

    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)
    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)
    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)
    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)

    Hello world, please welcome these new look Knicks
    Yeah woody’s got the boys back to basics
    Don’t leave JR alone
    Ray and Tyson reminiscent of Stockton and Malone
    Last year was a struggle on that playoff bubble
    Thank god we got smart signed that discount double
    And melo’s got J’s for days
    And the chip’s a lock if he plays like he does in 2k
    If veterans get you rings, then Kidd Thomas and Sheed better bring me some bling
    Cause it costs a buck fifty just to sit in the stands
    To watch the wins tick quick like Pablo’s hands
    Us knicks fans got swag like snap backs
    It’s a wrap once we get shump and stat back
    So put 3 to your head and 1 to the sky
    Knicks 2012 the ball don’t lie

    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)
    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)
    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)
    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)

    On the mic is Clyde, talkin all that jive,
    Reminding us back when the Knicks showed pride
    This is the year we bring it back ‘yo
    We got Shumpert, Brewer, Sheed, and Melo
    It’s the Knicks and you’re gonna need an army,
    To stop the pick n roll, (WITH WHO?)
    With Felton and Amar’e
    Yeah, we draw charges and we set picks,
    (We are New York) we are the New York Knicks

    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)
    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)
    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)
    Say GO NY GO NY GO (GO NY GO NY GO)

  2. Boston Sucks chant

    Boston sucks,
    Boston sucks,
    Boston sucks…

New York Knicks Bars & Restaurants

  1. Salumeria Biellese Delicatessen

    Salumeria Biellese

    Housemade sausages & imported cured meats sold alongside prepared foods & sandwiches since 1925.

    378 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-736-7376

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Rosa’s PIzza

    Little Italy

    Counter spot serving basic pizza & cheap beer on Penn Station's Long Island Rail Road level.

    1 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10119, USA

    212-629-7455

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  3. Tick Tock Diner

    Kukars House of Pizza

    The largest diner in New York City!

    481 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-268-8444

    Bar website

    american - $$

  4. NY Pizza Suprema

    NY Pizza Supreme

    Long-standing Madison Square Garden-area staple offering pizzas whole & by the slice.

    413 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-594-8939

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  5. Delmonico’s Kitchen

    Delmonicos Kitchen

    Upscale offshoot of the storied steakhouse serving an updated menu in a chic, modern setting.

    207 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018, USA

    212-695-5220

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  6. Frankie & Johnnie’s Steak House

    Frankie and Johnnies

    Dry-aged steak, seafood & pasta surrounded by dark mahogany in John Barrymore's former townhouse.

    32 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018, USA

    212-947-8940

    Bar website

    - $$$

  7. Keens Steakhouse

    Keens Steakhouse

    Enormous steaks & signature mutton chops served in a maze of clubby, wood-paneled rooms.

    72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018, USA

    212-947-3636

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  8. Friedman’s

    Friedmans Restaurant

    Contemporary spot specializing in seasonal, locally sourced & mostly gluten-free comfort classics.

    132 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-791-9400

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. Rowland’s Bar & Grill

    Rowlands

    Rowland’s Bar & Grill serves American gastropub cuisine in a comfortable, modern atmosphere on the new One Below level at Macy’s Herald Square.

    151 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-868-3001

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Stout NYC

    Stout NYC

    Bi-level bar with long beer list (yes, many stouts) & TVs near Penn Station & Madison Square Garden.

    133 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-629-6191

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  11. American Whiskey

    American Whiskey

    Elegant version of a Southern bourbon & burger bar with clever small plates & an upstairs lounge.

    247 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-967-1070

    Bar website

    american - $$

  12. Tracks Raw Bar & Grill

    Tracks raw Bar and Grill

    Chill haunt with a homey feel & train memorabilia offering a raw bar, plus burgers & seafood plates.

    220 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-244-6350

    Bar website

    american - $$

  13. Pennsylvania 6 NYC

    Pennselyvanua DC

    Come for the drinks. Stay for the raw bar.

    132 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001, USA

    202-796-1600

    Bar website

    american - $$

  14. Molly Wee Pub

    Cotton Eyed Joe

    For decades, this corner bar near Penn Station has been drawing pints & plating simple pub fare.

    402 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-967-2627

    Bar website

    european - $$

  15. The Liberty NYC

    Blarney Stone Wine Spirits

    Craft cocktails & American fare in an elegant, multi-level space with Old New York-inspired decor.

    29 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-967-4000,

    Bar website

    american - $$

  16. Jack Demsey’s

    Jack Demseys

    Tavern beaming international sporting events & offering a menu of American grub & Irish breakfast.

    36 West 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-629-9899

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  17. The Ainsworth

    wine

    This enormous sports bar boasts tons of TVs, upscale pub food & a woody ski-lodge look.

    122 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-741-0645

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  18. Jack Doyle’s Bar & Restaurant

    Beer mug Crafty Rooster

    This large, elegant Irish bar one block from Penn Station features a big menu of elevated pub grub.

    240 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-268-1255

    Bar website

    european - $$

  19. Grey Bar & Restaurant

    Low Brow Lounge

    Polished sports tavern with lots of TV screens & a menu of elevated American pub food.

    43 W 26th St, New York, NY 10010, USA

    212-532-2643

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  20. Taboo Lounge

    Taboo NY

    Casual, dimly lit bar & hookah lounge offering special cocktails, bar bites & European fare.

    406 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA

    212-967-2100

    Bar website

    european - $$

  21. Haymaker Bar and Kitchen

    Haymaker

    Cool, laid-back spot with a long bar for elevated pub fare & a rotating array of craft draft beers.

    252 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001, USA

    646-429-8237

    Bar website

    american - $$