Rockefeller Center just got a major basketball makeover with NBA legends, free events and a new half-court

Rockefeller Center has gone full courtside. In celebration of the NBA’s long-awaited return to NBC and debut on Peacock, the iconic plaza has transformed into “30 Rocks,” a six-day basketball takeover running October 16–21 that’s equal parts art show, fan fest and hoops fantasy camp.

At the heart of the activation is a glowing LED half-court where visitors can shoot their shot under the gaze of NBC Studios. Surrounding it: 30 custom “rocks”—basketballs turned sculptures—each designed by local artists to represent an NBA team and its city. After the event, the art pieces will head home to their respective markets, extending the celebration across the country.

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“30 Rocks is a unique opportunity to unite fans of all 30 NBA teams in New York City to celebrate the season tip-off and the league’s triumphant return to NBC and debut on Peacock,” said Lyndsay Signor, senior vice president of sports marketing for NBCUniversal.

Each day brings a new theme and lineup of events. Yesterday's launch kicked off with the first official shot on the LED court and a good-natured face-off between NBC News personalities Tom Llamas, Dylan Dreyer and Sam Brock in a game of “N-B-C.” Today belongs to NBA legends John Starks, Ron Harper, Joakim Noah and Jason Richardson, who will meet fans and even help judge a dunk contest featuring Team Flight Brothers.

Saturday focuses on youth, with Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA clinics and a Nike EYBL 3x3 tournament for local kids. Sunday brings trivia and family-friendly games, while Monday honors NBA Jersey Day with giveaways and photo ops. It all culminates Tuesday, when Michael Bublé drops by for a half-court-shot moment, the Today Show broadcasts live from the plaza and a countdown begins for the season’s first tip-off between the Thunder and Rockets.

“Rockefeller Center has always been a place where community comes together, and we’re thrilled to welcome the NBA’s incredible sports legends and fans to our campus,” said EB Kelly, head of Rockefeller Center.

Free and open to the public, 30 Rocks runs daily through October 21 at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Whether you’re in it for the art, the jump shots or the nostalgia of Roundball Rock, this is one pop-up worth pivoting for.