The Barclays Center in Brooklyn transformed into a vibrant crimson spectacle on Wednesday night as the Brooklyn Nets hosted their annual Chinese New Year celebration game, merging professional basketball with rich cultural festivities. For the 14th consecutive year, the arena became a hub of cross-cultural exchange, honoring the Year of the Horse with elaborate equestrian-themed decorations throughout the venue.
The event featured a remarkable fusion of American sports and Chinese traditions, with Nets players donning custom-designed Chinese New Year apparel during warmups. The celebration included a distinctive cultural performance by Brooklyn Nets cheerleaders who presented a Chinese-style dance routine, joined by members of Brooklyn 8, the team’s official China cheer squad.
Adding to the cultural significance, Consul General of China in New York Chen Li attended the festivities, engaging in a ceremonial gift exchange with Sam Zussman, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, the Nets’ parent organization. The pre-game ceremonies included a unique rendition of the US national anthem performed on a horsehead fiddle, a traditional bowed instrument from Mongolian ethnic heritage.
The Chinese New Year tradition has expanded beyond Brooklyn to multiple NBA cities including Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco, and has subsequently influenced other major sports leagues such as Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League. These celebrations attract both local enthusiasts and international visitors from China, creating bridges between cultures through sports.
Attendee Tayanna Morgan from the Bronx expressed appreciation for the inclusive atmosphere, noting: ‘The decorations create such a welcoming environment. Horses symbolize speed, which aligns with the Nets’ dynamic playstyle. This celebration makes our community feel more inclusive and connected.’ Morgan added her hopes that the equestrian symbolism would bring playoff success to the team.