Most fans were introduced to Big Ellie after her viral halftime performances during the New York Liberty’s playoff run in 2023. That season she debuted her first iconic persona, Lil’ Ellie Kim, an homage to the Grammy Award–winning rapper Lil’ Kim. While Ellie went viral in 2023, she got her start with the New York Liberty in 2021 after Maddie the Golden Retriever’s retirement. This coincided with the team’s move to their new home at the Barclays Arena in downtown Brooklyn after 20 years in Manhattan at Madison Square Garden.
Mascots usually represent the themes of the city’s character. In the case of Ellie, she embodies Brooklyn’s authenticity, style, and unapologetic aura of a true trendsetter. At the Barclays, Ellie struts the halls—all eyes are on her and her entourage. If you’re lucky enough to meet her, she might just kiss you on both cheeks. Fans see themselves in Ellie’s contagious confidence and feel their inner baddie light up in her presence. Like any New Yorker in Brooklyn, Ellie has her nonnegotiables for food depending on the time of day. We caught up with Ellie to see what she eats on game day.
The Pregame Ritual
Before making her way to the arena, Ellie makes a brief stop at the Flatbush Shake Shack, a common pregame staple for most neighborhood fans before the game. A Black & White milkshake in hand, Ellie struts to her dressing room for glam.
Before the game even begins, Ellie has to be fueled for an evening of media events, dance practices, and her special halftime performance. Once she’s settled, she makes her rounds at the Barclay’s own bodega, the Corner Store. She selects a bag of chips and a cup of hot coffee. After hours of pregame activities, Ellie dons a new look for her signature pregame tunnel walk: fresh buttahs, a black leather jacket with the iconic New York Liberty logo, and a blonde bob with her hoodie up—a nod to none other than Miss Mary J. Blige.
