
NBC Sports and Rockefeller Center to Host "30 Rocks" Activation in Celebration of the NBA's Return to NBC & Peacock

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The NBA on NBC is back — and NBC Sports is celebrating like never before. For the first time in over twenty years, the iconic Roundball Rock theme will echo through Midtown Manhattan, marking the NBA returns to its most nostalgic home. To celebrate, Rockefeller Center will host a full-court fan experience called “30 Rocks”, running from October 16 through October 21 in a celebration of basketball, culture, and creativity.
The event honors the NBA on NBC legacy while looking ahead to the next era of coverage. It’s a love letter to fans who grew up watching Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, and Charles Barkley, while welcoming a new generation following WNBA stars with NBA playoff doubleheaders, and regular season matchups that span every time zone.
A Coast-to-Coast Celebration at Rockefeller Center
The centerpiece of “30 Rocks” is a custom LED basketball court surrounded by 30 artist-designed basketballs, each representing one of the NBA’s 30 franchises. From the Celtics to the Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Lakers to the Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, and more, each design captures the creativity and culture of the cities that define the league.
The Knicks’ rock by MADSTEEZ (Mark Paul Deren) and the Nets’ by Marka27 (Victor Quinonez) channel the pulse of New York City, while the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks bring color and energy from across the map. Even the Celtics and Cavaliers rocks reflect their storied rivalry — a visual nod to the drama and heritage that have shaped NBA games for decades.
Roundball Rock Reborn
Ask any basketball fan what they remember most from the original NBA on NBC era, and chances are they’ll hum Roundball Rock — the unmistakable theme that defined the 1990s and early 2000s. Now, that anthem returns to celebrate a new generation of stars and fans.
Throughout the week, NBC Sports, Peacock, and NBCUniversal will feature play-by-play segments, throwback highlights, and new digital experiences that merge nostalgia with innovation. Expect tributes to Michael Jordan, Grant Hill, and Carmelo Anthony, as well as coverage of rising stars from the WNBA and Big Ten.
Sunday Night Basketball and Monday night doubleheaders are also on the horizon, giving fans more ways to experience the magic of NBA games and regular season showdowns — from the Celtics vs. Lakers rivalry to the Cavaliers vs. Warriors rematch. Celebrate with fellow fans this week at Rockefeller Center—here’s what’s happening:
Six Days of Hoops, Highlights, and History
Thursday, October 16: Launch Day
The 30 Rock festivities begin with a ribbon-cutting and “first shot” ceremony featuring NBA and WNBA talent. Peacock will stream exclusive NBA coverage, complete with the classic Roundball Rock theme and a look ahead to the upcoming NBA schedule and regular season matchups.
Friday, October 17: NBA Legends Takeover
Fans will have a chance to meet and greet NBA legendsJohn Starks and Ron Harper, while Joakim Noah and Jason Richardson will be guest judges for an NBC/Peacock Dunk Contest.
Saturday, October 18: NBA Youth Day
Young athletes take the court for Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA clinics, featuring basketball skill-building activities for local youth with an open invitation to the public. Stop by 30 Rock and shoot your shot.
Sunday, October 19: NBCU Family Day & Youth Day
Families gather for a full day of clinics, trivia, and a special Sunday Night Basketball showcase. Expect tributes to Michael Jordan and the Celtics championship runs that set the gold standard for greatness.
Monday, October 20: Jersey Day & Monday Night Doubleheaders
Fans repping their favorite teams will be part of Peacock’s live-streamed Monday night doubleheaders. Swing by Rockefeller Center for giveaways, trick-shot contests, and surprise appearances from MVP legends. (Just don’t forget your jersey.)
Tuesday, October 21: NBA on NBC Peacock Tip-Off Spectacle
The grand finale starts with a live TODAY Show segment and a special appearance by The Voice’s Michael Bublé—he’ll be at the 30 Rock LED court meeting fans and snapping photos. Then at 5:00 PM, it’s game time: fans face off in the N-B-C title match, where a champion will be crowned. NBC Sports and Peacock will stream the final game, building the excitement for the NBA season opener.
A Legacy That Lives On
After the final buzzer, each of the 30 artist-designed basketballs will return to their home cities — from Boston to Cleveland, Houston to Los Angeles — symbolizing the “coast 2 coast passion that unites the league.
And this is just the beginning. Fans can look forward to nonstop action — from regular season showdowns and NBA playoff doubleheaders to WNBA championships and Big Ten spotlights.
Follow @rockefellercenter and @NBCSports for updates, and stream every moment on Peacock.
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