Holcombe Rucker Park image

Holcombe Rucker Park

Tourist attraction Park Basketball court

This no-frills area for outdoor basketball features occasional tournaments & events. People often mention basketball, Rucker, court, park, great, visit, years, people,


Address

280 W 155th St, New York, NY 10039

Website

www.nycgovparks.org

Contact

(212) 639-9675

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (2.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Monday: 7 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 7 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: basketball (22) Rucker (13) court (10) park (8) great (7) visit (6) years (6) people (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Bellamy B. 4 years ago on Google
    You HAVE to visit this place if you love basketball. Tiny Archibald, Dr. J, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson--these men have all graced this court and dominated. If you go with anyone who doesn't understand, the spectacle may be dimmed, but for those who love the sport of basketball, this is Mecca: a necessary pilgrimage!
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lyza W. 1 year ago on Google • 41 reviews
    Loved this place! The subway is literally across from the ball park and we were there opening week. The day we went there Adidas was giving away free stuff and the security guy at the front was so nice and told my daughter to get in line for it. We watched the games and the emcees did a great job and the crowd was cool! Seats were available and there were officers there for security at the exit gate. Loved watching the games and the vibe, emcees, music and crowd were on point. We left with a new pair of shoes and a fit! I’ll definitely be back to watch more games in the future!
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vic P. 8 months ago on Google • 378 reviews
    legendary park. great rims. right in front of a subway
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danzig F. 2 years ago on Google • 204 reviews
    The words will not express my excitement when I finally got there...even though it's been 16 years since my last visit I still get that chill down the spine you only feel when you are at the mythical place. 10 out of five from me! Unforgetable.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 H. Y. 4 years ago on Google • 208 reviews
    Such an amazing, historic park. There's a playground for kids, sprinklers which are great for hot summer days, and an amazing basketball court. We went during some school tournament event, and it was great to see young kids play their hearts out and win. Such a great experience, I'm glad I came here!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dainna M. 7 months ago on Google • 53 reviews
    It was dope watching my kid play ball on a court so many legends graced. Fair warning it's in the hood.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pao 7. 1 month ago on Google • 266 reviews New
    Live the experience of going to a court in Harlem where the recruited players made their first baskets

  • 5/5 I.Am. K. 1 year ago on Google
    Love Rucker! You can’t be a true hoops fan unless you go hoop here on these sacred grounds!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glenn A. 1 month ago on Google • 224 reviews New
    HOLLOWED GROUND!!...If you are a basketball fan, basketball historian, or a historian in general, you understand the impact this place has made on the development, evelation, and what it has added to the game of basketball and even the NBA. Rucker Park was named after Holcombe Rucker, a local teacher and director of this park. Mr. Rucker started a basketball tournament in 1950 to help out the local kids, stay off the streets, and make them start thinking differently. His impact could be felt throughout the neighborhood and families living in them for years to come. And here, 70 plus years later, it is still making that impact. Many basketball greats say they owe so much of the player that they became and the life and success they had because of Rucker Park. Credits this place for learning the game of basketball. Names like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Stephon Marbury, Jamal Mashburn, Earl Monroe, Chris Mullin, Nate Archibald, Rafer Alston, Kenny Anderson, and Metta World Peace to list a few, but their are many more. So, as I said earlier,... HOLLOWED GROUNDS!! So come take it in and enjoy!

  • 5/5 Rello D. 11 months ago on Google • 164 reviews
    Love this place and its everything i thought it would be and i came on a day when it was some people out playing ball. Clean park with basketball courts and playground right beside. Definitely will come back and get some buckets. Check me out on Ig/Fb @Hoopin_Like_Rello
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isis Phoenix Osirianus (. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing experience, first time attending a Rucker Basketball Contest with young men and children displaying their talents. Wonderful place to hang out, watch basketball and have fun! Will be going back soon!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laurent 1 month ago on Google • 106 reviews New
    Mythical, a must-do for basketball fans. The people are super nice there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hassan H. 2 months ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    Stepping onto the legendary courts of Rucker Park was an unforgettable experience. As I walked onto the hallowed ground where NBA legends like Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Julius Erving once showcased their skills, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the echoes of basketball history and the excitement of the present moment. Sporting my own personalized jersey with my last name proudly displayed, I felt a unique connection to the rich legacy of this iconic venue. It was a special feeling to be able to leave my own mark on the same court that has seen so many basketball greats make history. The spirit of competition and camaraderie was palpable as I played alongside fellow enthusiasts, each of us driven by our shared love for the game. From the smooth rhythm of the dribble to the satisfying swish of the net, every moment on the court was pure joy. Rucker Park isn't just a basketball court; it's a symbol of passion, dedication, and the power of the game to bring people together. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of its storied history, and I'll cherish the memories of my visit for years to come.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicola B. 5 months ago on Google • 64 reviews
    A perfect basketball playground, played with the right people is a magical place.

  • 5/5 Kyle M. 1 year ago on Google
    Super cool experience for hoops fans. The league is competitive and it felt like there were a few classic Rucker moves/passes in every game. Not much dunking but there was a little above-the-rim-play. Most of the show comes from dudes handling and passing the ball. Admission is free- there is some security there and they do pat-downs but it's a really chill atmosphere. It's right next to the subway station so it's easy to get to. Felt perfectly safe in the neighborhood.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Chef P. 4 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    A very cool place to check out if you are a basketball fan. Easily accessible and lots of parking nearby. Though I imagine it can get pretty busy during peak season.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tina H. 1 year ago on Google • 22 reviews
    Visited here on our hip-hop tour. Coby Bryant apparently played here. It's a great place to visit

  • 5/5 Sharonica B. 1 year ago on Google
    We love NY 😍 his wish was to there and he had so much 😊🤗

  • 5/5 Alvin S. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is Legendary every top professional Basketball player has played on this court or visited the park you never know who you'll see from the Mayor to Rappers all sorts of important people come to visit here,And it's kid friendly which it has a children's park to the right of the Basketball courts and a baseball/ Football field in the back.

  • 5/5 Alvin S. 1 year ago on Google
    This place right here speaks for itself if you want to see the best basketball outside the arena well this is the place you'll see basketball at another level.

  • 5/5 Bradley F. 1 year ago on Google
    It was so dope to go play and ball on it for a sec. Cool to be there. Definitely a way nicer court then I expected.

  • 5/5 Jea D. 1 year ago on Google
    A little 'gem' in the ❤️ of Harlem; where many well-known & famous basketball legends fine-tuned their skills. It's still maintained & used, and there is a 'historical facts' placket is displayed. Can you name a few of them???

  • 5/5 Milo G. 8 months ago on Google
    You could possibly see a NY Knicks, NBA, or Harlem Legend. But even without that, the people are great, the Emcees are hilarious, and you're guaranteed to have a good time

  • 3/5 Tahesha T. 7 months ago on Google
    I grew up over here and I can truly say it feels, it looks, it is different. We used to have Harlem Week, major Rucker Basketball games. Ready, Willing, & Able wasn't apart of this area until later years. Rucker games are not as inviting or inspiring like it use to be. The violence killed the spirit of this once popular area. Whether it was from the court, the park, or from PGT across the street, The ppl I've watched , heard of, or known become successful whether working summer youth turning it into a full time permanent job, joining basketball teams, playing at Rucker, getting recognition, picked up by the NBA... I seen it all. Some things I wish I can forget. Nonetheless, Rucker will forever be apart of a story in someone's life, it may have been good, it may have been bad, for me it will always be of remembrance

  • 5/5 Ruthie C. 1 year ago on Google
    It was truly amazing to see this place in person. Such a beautiful historic site.

  • 5/5 Acquanetta P. 1 year ago on Google
    I was born and raised in NYC going to the Rucker' Games was exciting Awesome some of the Greatest Times of my Life l now live in GEORGIA for 15 years But Ruckers Memory will always.stay in my HEART ☺💖💛💚❤💜💙😍

  • 5/5 Tyrone D. 1 year ago on Google
    It truly is basketball royal hollowed ground!.. When the events take over, it's unlike any lively public playground you'll ever visit ANYWHERE.


Call (212) 639-9675 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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