For Nets fans, Friday nights are about more than just a basketball game at Barclays Center.
Manhattan may have Saturday Night Live, but the Brooklyn Nets are taking Fridays.
Each Friday home game is part of the team’s Friday Night Live program, elevating a different Brooklyn player. Blake Griffin was featured in the Nov. 19 win over Orlando, Kevin Durant will star in Friday’s game against Minnesota and Patty Mills will be showcased in the Jan. 7 game against Milwaukee. Games on March 18 against Portland and April 8 against Cleveland are TBD.
The first 10,000 fans in attendance for each of those games received or will receive a custom-designed Nets t-shirt with that week’s player on it. To make things really personal, the arena will feature a player-curated playlist throughout that game, so expect some of Durant‘s favorite music on Friday. Additionally, in-game promotional giveaways will include merchandise signed by that player.
“It was great, it was awesome,” Griffin told Boardroom of his game. “I think it’s a really cool idea, and I’m excited to see the next guys host.”
At the Nov. 19 game, Griffin hosted a group of children from Brooklyn Community Services, welcoming the group with a shout-out video played at Barclays Center during the game. He will also give them a special holiday surprise later this month.
“We created the Friday Night Live platform this season as way for Nets fans to go big and show out on Friday nights, whether they’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor to Barclays Center,” said Andrew Karson, BSE Global’s senior vice president of brand marketing, strategy and solutions. “Our brand transcends the basketball court and this platform is a prime example of the Nets’ unique ability to marry sports with culture through music, fashion and art that’s only found in the Brooklyn borough.”
There will also be other events for Friday Night Live that aim to build on the connection between the fans and the team. After Maino performed at halftime on Nov. 19, hip-hop legend Lil’ Kim will play at halftime on Friday.
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As fans file in, a DJ will perform on the arena plaza, beginning at 5:45. Once inside, fans can walk the pregame black carpet at section 24 and have their picture taken by paparazzi and enter to win autographed merch. Ally Love will host a live show on TikTok from the black carpet, joined by influencers and performers. A drip cam will also showcase the best outfits from each game.
And, if you were wondering, the Nets are 1-0 so far in Friday Night Live games. We’ll see if they can keep it going against Minnesota.
