There’s no opportunity to get loud at Madison Square Garden these days, which, in a good year, might be hosting a Rangers or Knicks playoff game. So instead of asking 19,000 fans to get loud during a game at the World’s Most Famous Arena, the Knicks and their celebrity fans are using Instagram to cheer those on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Instead of giving back, call it cheering back. Each night at 7 p.m., in concert with a worldwide ritual of clapping, the Knicks are using their Instagram to feature former players, celebrities and hometown heroes offering their personal tributes to those on the front lines.
Former Knicks player and current executive Allan Houston and his family kicked things off Sunday night from their home. After a moment of silence in honor of those impacted by the coronavirus, the Houston clan began getting loud like fans at the Garden.
“We’re excited to celebrate the first responders,” Houston said, “all those who have been serving. We’re starting a new tradition and we’re excited to be doing that. At 7 p.m. every night if you come to this Instagram, someone from the Knicks will be celebrating the first responders.”
Former Giants wide receiver and frequent Garden guest Victor Cruz and his friends and family followed on Monday night. Knicks forward Kevin Knox was scheduled to appear Wednesday night. Rapper Fat Joe is set to follow on Thursday and Knicks Hall of Famer and broadcaster Walt “Clyde” Frazier on Friday.
“We want to thank all the health care workers out there,” Cruz said, offering a special shoutout to a relative on the front lines. “Everyone out there that’s out there battling this pandemic. Stay safe, stay in your homes until it’s better to be social again.”
The Knicks have also created a video that will air each night at 7 p.m. on their digital channels on the MSG Network and MSG Networks video boards.
