STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 13, 2025 – NBC Sports, in partnership with Rockefeller Center, will take over 30 Rockefeller Plaza with the launch of 30 Rocks, a live activation Thursday, Oct. 16, through Tuesday, Oct. 21, ahead of the NBA’s return to NBC and debut on Peacock that night. The show-stopping stunt will feature a custom LED basketball half-court, 30 NBA team-inspired basketball — or “rock” — artwork, photo opportunities, and appearances by NBCUniversal personalities Maria Taylor, Michael Bublé, Tom Llamas, Dylan Dreyer, Sam Brock and Carl Radke, and NBA legends John Starks, Ron Harper, Jason Richardson, and Joakim Noah.
Each day leading up to the American Express NBA Tip-Off on Oct. 21on NBC and Peacock, 30 Rocks will provide fans visiting Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock observation deck with the opportunity to celebrate their fandom through immersive art, meet-and-greets, 3-point competitions, youth clinics, and many more fan-facing programming opportunities.
NBC Sports is partnering with 30 local artists representing each of the 30 NBA teams to design individual rock installations. The artists’ creations, designed in collaboration with each NBA team, are a one-of-a-kind basketball-themed rock that embody the identity of their team’s city and culture, and that feel authentic to their local community. After the closing of 30 Rocks and the tip-off of the NBA season, each of the 30 rocks will return to its team’s city to have a homecoming and continue driving fan engagement, impact, and excitement for their team.
Click here for an image of all 30 rocks and here for a list of the 30 artists.
“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, Sports Marketing, Universal Television Entertainment Group. “The six-day event held at the iconic 30 Rockefeller Plaza will welcome marquee celebrities and NBCU personalities, NBA players and many of the 30 gifted artists who created the rocks at one of the premier tourist destinations in America.”
“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, also home to NBC and Peacock,” said EB Kelly, Head of Rockefeller Center and Senior Managing Director of Tishman Speyer. “This activation is a powerful showcase of NBC Sports’ commitment to creating exceptional experiences both digitally and in person. We’re proud to celebrate this partnership and the energy it brings to Rockefeller Center.”
“As we tip off a new era of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, 30 Rocks will celebrate the league’s culture, teams and fans who make it all possible,” said NBA Senior Vice President, Global Fan Marketing Jenny Whitlock. “We look forward to working with NBC Sports to capture the spirit of the upcoming season through this immersive, multi-day fan experience.”
Each day of 30 Rocks will have a different theme. Some highlights of the programming include:
- Thurs., Oct. 16 – Media Launch Day
- 30 Rocks Launch Day will tip-off with a reveal of the 30 rocks for media and fans alike, and the first shot on the LED half-court.
- Instead of H-O-R-S-E, NBC News’ Tom Llamas, Dylan Dreyer and Sam Brock will face off against each other in a basketball game of N-B-C.
- Carl Radke of Bravo hit show Summer House will stop by to meet fans and shoot some hoops.
- NBC, NBA and Nike employees will team up on the court to pack kits for coaches in NYC. In partnership with Laureus Sports for Good Foundation, 250 coach kits will be packed and distributed across New York City to coaches who need materials and supplies.
- Fri., Oct. 17 – NBA Legends Takeover
- Fans will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with NBA legends John Starks and Ron Harper.
- An NBC Sports’ On Her Turf panel conversation on women in sports will be hosted by Maria Taylor.
- NBA legends Joakim Noah and Jason Richardson will be guest judges for an NBC/Peacock Dunk Contest featuring Team Flight Brothers.
- Sat., Oct. 18 – NBA Youth Day
- Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA will host a clinic featuring basketball skill building activities for local youth with an open invitation to the public.
- Boys and girls teams from programs around the tri-state area will compete in a Nike EYBL 3×3 Tournament.
- Sun., Oct. 19 – NBCU Family and Youth Day
- Fans can test their NBA knowledge and compete for prizes in games of NBA Trivia.
- Mon., Oct. 20 – NBA Jersey Day
- In conjunction with the NBA’s sixth annual NBA Jersey Day, Monday’s edition of 30 Rocks will include jersey-related fan giveaways, competitions and trivia.
- Joakim Noah and influencer Brad Parker of TheScore will be onsite to participate in various activities.
- Tues., Oct. 21 – NBA on NBC & Peacock Tip-Off Spectacle
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- The Voice’s Michael Bublé will visit the court to assist one lucky fan with a half-court shot.
- The TODAY Show will be live at 30 Rocks to catch all the action and highlight tip-off on NBC & Peacock later that night.
- A champion will be crowned when fans battle it out in a title game of N-B-C.
- In a final celebration of the NBC & Peacock, there will be a live countdown to Tip-Off of the NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Press availability will take place on the opening day of 30 Rocks, on Thursday, Oct. 16 beginning at 8 a.m. ET. Further details will be released at a later date. Photo opportunities at Top of the Rock observation deck will be available throughout the week.
