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Empire State Building Criticized for Lighting Up in Patriots Colors After AFC Title Win

The landmark’s recurring sports tributes, which also marked the Seahawks’ win, have renewed calls for city or team leaders to curb honors for non‑New York franchises.

Overview

  • The Empire State Building’s official X account announced a red, white and blue display to honor the Patriots after their 10–7 AFC Championship win over the Broncos.
  • Jets and Giants fans flooded social media with complaints, calling the tribute to a traditional rival inappropriate for a New York City icon.
  • Later Sunday, the tower switched to green and blue to celebrate the SeahawksNFC Championship, confirming the building’s practice of marking both conference winners.
  • Outrage revived memories of a similar 2023 flap over Eagles colors, when Mayor Eric Adams said that decision “got away from us,” highlighting the recurring nature of the controversy.
  • By Tuesday, WFAN hosts were publicly blasting the Patriots display, and despite online calls for intervention by the mayor or team owners, no policy change had been announced.