BROOKLYN — Coming up on Friday, Oct. 24, the Brooklyn Nets kick-start their 2025-26 campaign at Barclays Center, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup that’s as much about the city as it is the sport. Sponsored by All In Won, opening night will spotlight everything Brooklyn is known for: its food scene, artistic flair, music legacy, and infectious energy.
At halftime, acclaimed rapper and hometown hero Kota the Friend—respected for his groundbreaking independent career and international recognition—will perform during what’s sure to feel like a celebration of roots. Following his successful NO RAP ON SUNDAY tour, Kota stands as a symbol of Brooklyn’s mix of athleticism, creative drive, and community pride.
“It’s exciting to welcome Nets fans back to Barclays for the start of a fresh season,” shared Andrew Karson, Executive VP of Sports & Corporate Marketing, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Brooklyn is unrivaled in culture—our sports, musical talent, food, and art are second to none. Every home game, we hold up this culture, supporting both seasoned artists and local businesses, and keeping the borough’s creative pulse strong on and off the court.”
Barclays Menu Brings the Borough
New this year: a food lineup sampling Brooklyn’s best. Grab a Smashburger from 7th Street Burgers, try spicy rigatoni from Parm, indulge in a Levain Bakery cookie, or sample a Jamaican patty courtesy of Patty Palace and chef Kwame Onwuachi.
The brand-new Brooklyn Signature drink—a spicy mango margarita inspired by classic curbside mangoes—comes served in a keepsake cup that’s pure Brooklyn.
This is all part of the ongoing Brooklyn Taste initiative, which aims to highlight local flavors and keep the community’s true tastes front and center.
Fresh Updates at Barclays Center
Upgrades this season include the Gallagher Terrace premium club—now offering full-service in-seat dining, a Barclays first—and a brand-new Modelo Bridge bar stretching 63 feet along the upper level. The redesign turns the west side into a true social hub for fans from every walk of life.
Opening night attendees get a free Nets shirt and first crack at the limited Berō capsule: the team’s exclusive label uniting street style and athletics, available at Section 9 or on NetsStore.com.
Brooklyn Business Get Their Moment
Staying true to their roots, the Nets will bring festivities to local favorites in the days before tipoff.
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the club teams with Electric Lotus Tattoo (open since 1993) for a special flash tattoo pop-up. Fans in Nets apparel from 2–8 p.m. can get one of three team logo tattoos for free.
Thursday, Oct. 23, is all about grooming with Levels Barbershop—a beloved institution—offering complimentary haircuts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Nets worked with Levels during their recent Practice in the Park, their biggest-ever open fan practice in Bed-Stuy.
Opening Night Spotlight
Before Friday’s opening whistle, Ticketmaster Plaza transforms into a classic Brooklyn block party (1–4 p.m.), featuring hoops games, giveaways, a DJ, and walk-throughs at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, the joint youth home of the Nets and Liberty.
That Training Center also offers the tri-state area’s one and only Shoot 360 technology—proof Brooklyn never stops innovating.
Tickets can be secured at brooklynnets.com, ticketmaster.com, or the Barclays Center box office. Groups: call 718-638-7849 or email [email protected].
Fans can download the Nets app for news and highlights, or tune in to the game live on YES Network.
Brooklyn is more than a location—it’s a way of life. So next Friday, when halftime arrives and Kota the Friend takes over Barclays, expect a true celebration of all things Brooklyn.
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