How We Turn Our 14 Pickleball Courts In Central Park Into NYC's EPIC Knicks Watch Parties

Hosting MSG's Official Knicks Watch Parties on our Central Park courts have been among our most exciting and memorable nights for CityPickle.They are also the perfect example of what we're all about. CityPickle has always been more than pickleball. Our mission is bringing community together and facilitating joy. We are honored to do exactly this for our Knicks Nation.

We welcome 4,000 passionate Knicks fans each night, transforming our Wollman Rink facility into a sea of blue and orange. Here's a look behind the scenes at how it all comes together.

Knicks Fans Show Up Early. Really Early.

For Game 3, the first fan arrived at 1:15 PM.

Dedicated Knicks supporters stake out their spots more than seven hours ahead of time. At its peak, the queue stretches over six city blocks.

Protecting the Courts While Hosting Thousands

We'd be lying if we said we weren't nervous. The thought of thousands of fans standing shoulder-to-shoulder on our courts raised concerns. But when the hometown heroes come knocking, you find a way.

To protect the playing surface, every fan is informed during the free registration process that sneakers are required. Check-in security monitors this closely. Fans not wearing sneakers are welcomed to watch from the adjacent Overlook deck.

Where do all the pickleball nets go?

They are carefully stored on the grass outside Wollman Rink, making room for thousands of fans while ensuring everything can be restored quickly once the Party concludes.

Building a Basketball Fan Mecca in the Middle of Central Park

One of the most impressive elements of the event is the viewing setup itself. Towering above the courts are two massive 20-foot by 12-foot screens, transforming CityPickle into an outdoor arena atmosphere unlike anything we've ever hosted.

Then the Real Work Begins

While fans head home, the overnight crew starts.

Madison Square Garden's production team immediately begins breaking down the screens, televisions, and support structures. Equipment is packed into trucks, while technology and electronics are secured overnight inside three CityPickle cabanas. Meanwhile, CityPickle and Wollman staff turn their attention to restoring the venue. There is lots of trash to pick up. Then the entire surface of Wollman Rink requires diligent power washing which takes hours. Work continues all night long until….

By Morning, It Is Like Nothing Happened

After our first Watch Party, we were back in action bright and early at 8:00 AM with a Serve & Return Clinic. Players arrived ready to play, and the courts were ready for them. If you look closely, however, there were still some reminders of the night before.

Life-size replicas of the Knicks starters remain between Watch Parties. Jalen keeps a close eye on the action on Court 11 ;)