For the first time in 53 years, the New York Knicks are N.B.A. champions. And for the first time ever, the team will be celebrated with a parade through Lower Manhattan\u2019s Canyon of Heroes. Here\u2019s what to know if you\u2019re planning to attend what could be the largest event of its kind in New York City history.<\/p>\n
When does the parade start and what is the route?<\/p>\n
The parade will begin near Bowling Green in Lower Manhattan and travel north along Broadway to City Hall. It is scheduled to start at 10 a.m., but officials advise arriving early as crowds will form quickly. Viewing along the route is free and open to all.<\/p>\n
How will car and ferry traffic be affected?<\/p>\n
Street parking will not be allowed south of Canal Street starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday; any cars there after that will be towed. As of 7 a.m. Thursday, vehicle traffic will be shut down south of Canal from the Hudson River to the East River. The F.D.R. Drive and West Side Highway will remain open. The Staten Island Ferry will run every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the best way to get there?<\/p>\n
The subway, of course, with some caveats. Starting at 4:30 a.m. Thursday, the Wall Street (4 and 5 trains) and City Hall (R, W) stations will be closed. They will reopen after the parade and City Hall ceremony. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority<\/a> suggests using these stations near the parade route: South Ferry (1 train); Rector Street (1); Rector Street (R, W); WTC-Cortlandt Street (1); Wall Street (2, 3); Park Place (2, 3); Fulton Street (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z); Bowling Green (4, 5); Chambers Street (A, C); World Trade Center (E); Broad Street (J, Z); Cortlandt Street (R, W); and Whitehall Street (R, W).<\/p>\n What\u2019s the best time to get there?<\/p>\n Officials suggest arriving at least two hours early for any hope of grabbing a slim slice of sidewalk and a glimpse of the Knicks passing by. Anyone who arrives before 6 a.m. will have to wait to go through the mandatory security screening, which starts then, before claiming their spot.<\/p>\n Attendance at the parade will be first-come, first-served, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said on Wednesday. Once the viewing areas fill, people will either be redirected to other locations or turned away, she said.<\/p>\n Where can I enter the parade area?<\/p>\n Entry to the route will be available at more than 20 access points that are listed on the city\u2019s official parade website<\/a>, which will be updated regularly with information about Thursday\u2019s events.<\/p>\n What if I live or work in the area?<\/p>\n People who work in buildings along the route will be allowed into those buildings with proper building identification. Those who live in the area can enter their homes with proper identification.<\/p>\n What will the police presence be like?<\/p>\n More than 10,000 officers will be deployed for the parade, including members of the heavy weapons teams and members of the transit, highway and drone units. Bomb-detecting dogs will also patrol the area.<\/p>\n What can\u2019t be brought to the parade?<\/p>\n The following items are prohibited: bags; backpacks; glass or metal water bottles; bats and batons; bicycles and scooters; chairs; coolers; drones; pets; strollers; umbrellas; weapons.<\/p>\n What can be?<\/p>\n Plastic water bottles.<\/p>\n What about restrooms?<\/p>\n There will be no dedicated public restroom facilities, and most street-level businesses will probably be closed for the parade\u2019s duration. Relatively nearby restroom options include the Oculus at the World Trade Center and the Staten Island Ferry Terminal.<\/p>\n What\u2019s the forecast for Thursday?<\/p>\n As of 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service was anticipating conditions to be cloudy through midmorning and then clearing gradually, with a high temperature near 86 degrees and thunderstorms possible after 2 p.m.<\/p>\n What if it rains?<\/p>\n Depending on severity of any rain, the time and date of the parade may shift. Updates will be posted on the parade website<\/a> and the city\u2019s official social media accounts.<\/p>\n Who can attend the City Hall ceremony after the parade?<\/p>\n