Ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, the New York Police Department has officially canceled the massive outdoor watch party planned outside Madison Square Garden.
The move comes as part of enhanced security measures ahead of Donald Trump‘s first visit to an NBA Finals game.
Following several recent security incidents involving the president, authorities have reportedly held high-level discussions to strengthen protection measures for major public events scheduled for Trump in the months ahead.
Knicks Watch Party Canceled As Donald Trump Heads To MSG
The atmosphere outside Madison Square Garden will look very different when the New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday, June 8.
According to ESPN, the New York Police Department, working in coordination with the U.S. Secret Service, announced on Sunday that there will be no watch party outside MSG as officials ramp up security preparations around the venue.
Although such gatherings have long presented challenges for law enforcement, the restriction will apply only to Monday’s Game 3 and is not expected to affect Game 4 on Wednesday.
“There will be no watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only,” the statement read. “This was done fully in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit. We expect watch parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4.”
Secret Service Explains Why Fans Were Shut Out
A Madison Square Garden spokesperson later confirmed that the “permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied” by city officials in consultation with the NYPD.
“However, the White House will confirm that this is not about the president. We understand NYPD Commissioner Tisch is planning additional street closures around Madison Square Garden,” the spokesperson added.
Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge of the Secret Service’s New York field office, acknowledged that the decision would disappoint fans unable to secure tickets for the game.
“After careful coordination and assessment, the Secret Service and the NYPD jointly determined that outdoor watch parties could not be accommodated in the immediate vicinity of Madison Square Garden due to the security requirements associated with an event of this scale and the need to maintain a secure environment for protective operations,” he said.
Alternate Watch Parties Remain Available
The decision comes as crowd control outside the venue had already become a growing concern for local law enforcement.
During Friday’s unofficial Game 2 celebrations, fans spilled into surrounding streets, resulting in more than two dozen arrests and an alleged assault on a police officer.
Fans still have alternative options, however. Team-sanctioned watch parties will be held at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl, although both venues reportedly require advance registration and have already reached capacity.
Meanwhile, fans attending the game inside Madison Square Garden have been advised by the Knicks to arrive at least two hours before tip-off due to the enhanced security measures.
Donald Trump Excited For Knicks Finals Appearance
The NY Times reported that Trump, a longtime Knicks fan, plans to attend Monday night’s matchup, making him the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game.
The president had previously suggested he would attend Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, New York advanced before that became necessary after sweeping the Cavaliers in four games.
“Jim Dolan’s [a] great guy, [he], as you know, owns … Madison Square Garden. He’s having a good year. Boy, what a team. They won all their games. They really have some great players,” Trump said during a cabinet meeting, per The Guardian.
“I think I’ll be going to one of the games, yeah. I was invited by numerous people, and Jim, and I think I’ll be going. Great to see.”
The Knicks currently lead the series 2-0 against the Spurs after ending a 27-year wait to return to the NBA Finals. Their last championship came in 1973 when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers.
Recent Security Threats Shape Donald Trump’s Visit
Trump’s security remains a key concern for law enforcement following several incidents in recent years.
During a campaign rally in Butler ahead of the 2024 election, a shooter attempted to assassinate the then-candidate, with the bullet narrowly missing him.
Additional security scares have followed since then, including an incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April.
Trump was evacuated after a gunman allegedly opened fire near a security checkpoint at the Washington, D.C., event. Suspect Cole Tomas Allen was later arrested, with reports claiming he wrote that he intended to target members of the Trump administration “from highest-ranking to lowest.”
In the aftermath of the incident, officials reportedly held a series of high-level meetings aimed at ensuring future appearances involving the president are protected by even stronger security measures.