BROOKLYN — On Friday, October 24, the Brooklyn Nets come home to Barclays Center to launch their 2025-26 season versus the Cleveland Cavaliers, in what promises to be a borough-wide celebration. Partnered with All In Won, the event will showcase Brooklyn’s flair for music, food, art, and attitude.
During halftime, acclaimed local rapper Kota the Friend—renowned for his independent hip hop success—takes center court for a performance that feels like a true homecoming. Fresh off his NO RAP ON SUNDAY tour, Kota personifies the convergence of sports, art, and community—the very marks of Brooklyn’s identity.
“We’re thrilled to welcome fans once again to Barclays Center for a new chapter of Nets basketball,” said Andrew Karson, EVP of Sports and Corporate Marketing at Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Brooklyn is an epicenter of culture, from food to music and art, and we embrace this energy every time we hit the court. Whether it’s uplifting artists or championing local businesses, it’s about celebrating what makes Brooklyn unique.”
Bringing Brooklyn Flavor to the Arena
This season, Barclays is all about local eats: fans can indulge in a Smashburger from 7th Street Burgers, sample Parm’s spicy rigatoni, satisfy a sweet tooth with a Levain Bakery cookie, or savor a Jamaican patty from Patty Palace, courtesy of acclaimed chef Kwame Onwuachi.
Wash it down with the new Brooklyn Signature—a spicy mango margarita paying homage to sidewalk mango vendors and served in a stylish collectible cup.
It’s all under the Brooklyn Taste initiative—Barclays Center’s commitment to serving up authentic neighborhood favorites.
Revamped Spaces at Barclays
Expect to see new updates inside. The Gallagher Terrace premium club now features full waiter service and in-seat dining—a first for the venue—while the expansive Modelo Bridge bar runs 63 feet along the upper concourse. These improvements turn the arena’s west side into a bustling fan hub.
Arrive opening night for a complimentary Nets T-shirt and early access to the exclusive Berō capsule collection—a blend of streetwear and sport—available at Section 9 and NetsStore.com.
Celebrating Local Business
Embracing Brooklyn’s neighborhood spirit, the Nets are bringing the festivities directly to local spots.
On Tuesday, October 21, the team teams up with Electric Lotus Tattoo, a stalwart since 1993, for a flash tattoo promotion—fans in Nets gear (2–8 p.m.) can pick from three Nets logo designs free of charge.
Thursday, October 23, it’s on to Levels Barbershop, another local favorite, where the Nets will provide free lineups or Caesars from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their recent collaboration with Levels at Practice in the Park packed Bed-Stuy’s Potomac Playground for the team’s largest open practice ever.
Game Day Festivities
Preceding tipoff, Ticketmaster Plaza comes alive with a Brooklyn-style block party (1–4 p.m.)—look for shooting games, giveaways, live music from a DJ, and tours of the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, the shared youth complex for the Nets and Liberty.
The center, just steps away, features the only Shoot 360 basketball training hub in the area, cementing Brooklyn’s trailblazing reputation.
Secure tickets at brooklynnets.com, ticketmaster.com, or the Barclays box office. Groups: call 718-638-7849 or email [email protected].
Fans can also grab the Brooklyn Nets app for real-time news and highlights, or watch the action live via YES Network.
Brooklyn doesn’t just support its team—it supports its own. When next Friday comes and Kota’s voice fills Barclays, it won’t just be basketball. It’ll be Brooklyn’s heart on full display.
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