Throngs of Knicks fans surge into Lower Manhattan to witness historic parade
Gothamist • • sports
Key Points:
- New York City held its first-ever ticker-tape parade celebrating the Knicks' first NBA championship since 1973, drawing possibly the largest crowd in the city's history along the Broadway parade route.
- Fans packed Lower Manhattan hours before the parade, filling every available space and participating in traditional confetti and toilet paper showers from windows, creating a vibrant sea of blue and orange.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a lifelong Knicks fan, praised the team’s comeback spirit during his City Hall speech, highlighting the unity and rare celebration the championship brought to New Yorkers.
- Despite the massive turnout, some fans were unable to get close to the parade route but still enjoyed the festive atmosphere around the city, including near City Hall where the ceremony concluded with performances and speeches.
- Knicks owner James Dolan received jeers during his speech, reflecting ongoing tensions with the mayor, while the event concluded with Alicia Keys performing “Empire State of Mind” to close the historic celebration.
