Governor Hochul Directs New York State Landmarks to Be Illuminated Orange and Blue to Kick Off Knicks Season Opener

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 16 landmarks across New York State will be illuminated orange and blue this evening, Tuesday, October 20, to honor the New York Knicks Opening Night and in celebration of their 2026 championship. Riders will also begin to hear special announcements across the subway system recorded by New York Knicks point guard and Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado.

"Tonight is the moment New York has been waiting for since the Knicks' incredible victory in June. I am thrilled to kick off opening night for the Knicks' 2026-27 season by lighting landmarks across the state in orange and blue," Governor Hochul said. "Last season, New Yorkers from all walks of life came together under orange and blue skies to cheer on our Knicks all the way through their remarkable win in Game 5. To each player: good luck and let's bring home another championship."

Ahead of tonight's game, Governor Hochul visited the 34 St-Penn Station subway station entrance at the corner of 34th Street and 8th Avenue, where she joined MTA crews in applying a fresh coat of orange and blue paint to the Knicks-themed subway entrance. The entrance was transformed into a tribute to the team during last season's historic championship run, and in June, Governor Hochul announced that the MTA would preserve the entrance's unique and iconic orange and blue color scheme.

Governor Hochul also visited the Penn Station control room, where she flipped the switch to illuminate the ceiling in Knicks orange and blue.

The 16 landmarks to be illuminated orange and blue tonight include:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal - Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
• Niagara Falls