On Sept. 21, the Empire State Building lit its world-famous tower lights in blue to honor KPMG Leadership Development Day, held in partnership with the UNDERRATED Golf Tour presented by KPMG.
Four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP, and UNDERRATED Golf Tour Founder Stephen Curry marked the occasion at a special lighting ceremony, where he flipped the Empire State Building’s famous light switch.
During his visit, Curry sat down to share what draws him to New York City, which three colors represent his personal journey, why he would choose Allen Iverson as his workout partner, and how golf helped shape his mindset on and off the court.
Watch the full ESB Exclusives interview, and learn more below!
At a Glance: Steph Curry at the Empire State Building
- The visit marked Curry’s first trip to the Empire State Building Observation Deck.
- Curry chose teal, red, and yellow as the colors that best represent his life and career.
- He named Allen Iverson as the athlete he would invite to the Empire Lounge basketball court to shoot hoops.
- Curry discussed the lessons that golf taught him and his goals for the UNDERRATED Golf Tour.
Why New York City Brings Out the Best in Steph Curry
New York City holds a special place in Curry’s heart. He entered the NBA in the 2009 draft in New York and later scored a career-defining 54 points at Madison Square Garden.
He said the city’s influence starts with its energy.
“When you get off the plane, as soon as your feet hit the ground, it’s kind of infectious,” he said. “There are so many different people from different walks of life.”
Curry also pointed to the ambition that defines New York. He said the city attracts people with “aspirations and dreams and goals to accomplish amazing things,” which creates an energy that visitors can feel.
“I’ve spent a good amount of time here over the course of my life and my career,” Curry said. “I’ve had some amazing moments, and now it’s gotten even better after today.”
Steph Curry Visits the Empire State Building for the First Time
Although Curry has spent significant time in New York, the special ceremony marked his first visit to the Empire State Building.
He shared the experience with young athletes from the UNDERRATED Golf Tour and explored the building from its base to its world-famous 86th and 102nd Floor Observation Decks. Curry said he had passed the Empire State Building many times but gained a new appreciation for its scale and presence once he stepped inside.
“You don’t really get an appreciation for the height [and] the presence of it,” he said.
After his visit, Curry joked that he would keep the photos ready to prove he had reached the top of New York City.
“I’m the person that will pull out the pictures real quick,” he said. “I’ll be that guy for sure.”
The Three Colors That Represent Steph Curry's Career
The Empire State Building can shine in more than 16 million colors to honor significant occasions, organizations, and cultural moments. When asked which colors could tell his own story, Curry chose a combination that reflects three defining chapters of his life: teal, red, and yellow.
Teal for his Charlotte Roots
Curry chose teal as a tribute to his childhood in Charlotte, North Carolina. His father, Dell Curry, played for the Charlotte Hornets, whose teal uniforms became an iconic part of the team’s identity.
“Teal for my upbringing in Charlotte,” Curry said. “The Charlotte Hornets – my dad played there – and that’s part of the Curry identity.”
Red for Davidson College
Red represents Davidson College, where Curry rose to national prominence and led the Wildcats on a memorable run to the Elite Eight.
Curry described Davidson as the place that gave him his “real start” and helped him find himself as both a player and a person.
Yellow for Golden State
Curry completed his color story with “Golden State yellow, which is kind of self-explanatory,” he said.
The three colors may clash as an outfit, Curry joked, but together they capture the path from Charlotte to Davidson and the Golden State Warriors.
Why He Would Work Out With Allen Iverson
During the visit, Curry stepped onto the basketball court inside the Empire Lounge at the base of the Empire State Building. When asked which athlete he would invite to join him there for a workout, Curry didn’t hesitate to say Allen Iverson.
Iverson’s fearless style, cultural influence, and impact on a generation of guards helped reshape professional basketball. He also offered support to Curry from the start of Curry’s NBA career.
“He’s been [my] champion and like my biggest fan since I started,” Curry said. “Obviously, he inspired me a lot on the court.”
Beyond basketball, Curry said Iverson would simply make a great guest at the Empire Lounge.
“I just feel like he’d be a dope person to hang out with in here for sure.”
How Golf Helped Shape Curry’s Mindset
Basketball made Curry a global sports icon, but golf has played a major role in his life since childhood.
Curry recalled summer days when his father dropped him off at a public golf course, where he would spend hours. He explained that golf offered a counterpoint to basketball and taught him lessons that extended far beyond the course.
“What golf has given me in terms of building confidence, having an understanding of growth, perseverance, toughness.. The mental part of it has transferred into other aspects of my life,” he said.
Curry has taken those experiences into his work with the UNDERRATED Golf Tour, which seeks to expand access to competitive golf and create opportunities for young athletes.
Curry’s Mission Through the UNDERRATED Golf Tour
The Empire State Building Observation Deck visit was part of KPMG Leadership Development Day in partnership with the UNDERRATED Golf Tour presented by KPMG. Curry said he hoped the young golfers would leave with a deeper appreciation for their new platform and the relationships they can build through the program.
The tour gives athletes opportunities to compete at a high level, travel, broaden their horizons, and form a lasting community. Curry considers those connections more important than any individual result on the golf course.
He also wants participants to enjoy first-class experiences, like their visit to the Empire State Building, to spark new ambitions.
“Hopefully, they just get inspired by it and can take that energy and run with it,” Curry said. “I want to be able to give that back to the game, get kids involved earlier, and remove any barriers.”
Experience the Empire State Building Observation Deck
Guests can follow in Curry’s footsteps with a visit to the Empire State Building Observation Deck Experience. Every ticket includes access to the building’s immersive museum and the unmatched New York City views from the open-air 86th Floor Observation Deck.
Plan your visit to the “World’s Most Famous Building” and discover why Tripadvisor travelers named it the #1 Top Attraction in the United States in 2026.
Visit The Heart of NYC
It’s New York’s can’t-miss experience. Book your ticket to the top today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Stephen Curry visit the Empire State Building?
Stephen Curry visited the Empire State Building on Sept. 18 for a special lighting ceremony in honor of KPMG Leadership Development Day, in partnership with the UNDERRATED Golf Tour presented by KPMG.
Why did the Empire State Building shine blue?
The Empire State Building lit up blue in honor of KPMG Leadership Development Day in partnership with the UNDERRATED Golf Tour presented by KPMG on Sept. 21.
Was this Stephen Curry’s first visit to the Empire State Building?
Yes. Curry said that although he had passed the building many times, the ceremony marked his first visit to the Empire State Building.
Which colors did Steph Curry choose to represent his career?
Curry chose teal for his Charlotte upbringing and family identity, red for Davidson College, and yellow for his career with the Golden State Warriors.
Which athlete would Steph Curry invite to the Empire State Building basketball court?
Curry selected Allen Iverson. He credited Iverson as both an inspiration and an early supporter of his NBA career.
What is the UNDERRATED Golf Tour?
Founded by Stephen Curry, the UNDERRATED Golf Tour gives young golfers access to elite competition, travel, community, mentorship, and opportunities within the broader golf industry.
