Knicks' watch party a cost-effective way to enjoy playoff atmosphere

Omar Ardon made a decision.

It was a temperate spring night and the sports media major from Hofstra decided to go into the city. Ardon decided he was not going to miss watching the Knicks in the playoffs.

And what Ardon saw, in his own words, was “amazing.”

What he saw was a blue and orange and gray and black tidal wave of humanity crested on 33rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues Tuesday night.

“So many people sharing the same thing as you,” Ardon said. “It’s just amazing to be here.”

The experience Ardon and innumerable Knick fans shared was the watch party for Game 5 of the Hawks-Knicks first-round NBA playoff series.

“I’ve been watching mostly all the games at home. I haven’t come to a playoff game at MSG yet for the Knicks,” Ardon said. “I wanted to get out here.”

In doing so, he became part of something that is somewhat of a rite of spring for the Knicks and their fans. The initiative was launched during the 2025 playoffs, and the organization revived it for the current playoff season.

On this night, the watch party was contained to 33rd Street alongside the Garden. But for Game 1, along with Midtown’s most raucous block party, there was also a secondary event in Central Park.

“I love it. It brings people together,” said Isabella Cappaolla of Manhattan. “I think it’s cool.”

In part because there isn’t an end date.

The parties will continue for as long as the Knicks host home playoff games. So the possibility exists that it could recommence Saturday for a potential Game 7, or either Game 1 or Game 3 of a second-round series against either Philadelphia or Boston. Last Thursday’s Game 3 was indoors and outdoors, while Game 4 was indoors-only because of the weather.

“It’s definitely a little chaotic but in a good way,” Elvin Redzematovic said. “I feel like it’s way more louder than inside, which I like. Definitely, I’ll be at the watch party for sure.”

It is also a cost-effective way for Knicks fans to watch the game.

For those who could not afford to get into the Garden for the contest — prices on SeatGeek for one ticket ranged from $349 for standing room only to $21,797 for a seat a few rows off the court — they could show up 90 minutes before tip-off and be allowed onto Plaza33. Once on the Plaza, attendees were greeted by two projection screens halfway down 33rd Street, one facing Seventh Avenue and the other facing Eighth Avenue. In between was both a platform and a temporary deejay booth.

Jason Negron served as the emcee and was seconded by DJ Rumor, who deejayed. Former Knicks Latrell Sprewell and J.R. Smith were honored guests. Fans were given commemorative towels, and there were cases of Snapple for those who needed their thirst quenched.

“It’s just a vibe, being here with so many fans sharing the same experience,” Ardon said. “It’s pretty expensive to get tickets nowadays.”