By Joseph De Avila
New York City is bracing for a heavy security operation as President Trump plans to attend the first NBA Finals game to be held in the city in 27 years.
With Trump's expected attendance for Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, Knicks fans have been left facing canceled watch parties, enhanced security and long waits to get inside the world's most famous arena.
Authorities have banned Knicks fans from gathering outside the venue for a planned big-screen watch party for Game 3 due to security concerns. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the decision was made in coordination with the Secret Service because of Trump's visit. "We are looking forward to bringing back watch parties for Game 4," Tisch said Monday.
The area around Madison Square Garden has become a hot spot for Knicks fans to gather and celebrate during their playoff run to the NBA Finals. The Knicks, seeking their first NBA title since 1973, have won 13 straight postseason games and currently hold a 2-0 Finals lead over the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks last played in the NBA Finals in 1999, losing to the Spurs in five games.
New York City will host a watch party for 5,000 people at Bryant Park and Madison Square Garden will host parties at Wollman Rink in Central Park and at Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg, Tisch said.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani will also be at Game 3 after buying a standing-room only ticket for nearly $1,000. "I'll be going to tonight's Game 3, and I'll be standing for the duration of the game," Mamdani said Monday.
Mamdani added that he doesn't have any scheduled meeting planned with the president.
The New York Police Department and the Secret Service will set up a wide security perimeter around Madison Square Garden extending from 30th Street to 35th Street and 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue. This perimeter is in the middle of one of the busiest parts of Manhattan and includes the major train hub Penn Station. There will be no disruptions to scheduled train travel, Tisch said.
Tisch said vehicular and pedestrian traffic inside the security perimeter will be closed starting at 4 p.m. Only people with tickets to the game, Penn Station travelers, people who work nearby or those with valid reasons to be in the area will be allowed to enter the perimeter, she said.
"The message is simple: Celebrate the Knicks but avoid the MSG area tonight if you do not have tickets for the game or some other valid reason to be there tonight," Tisch said.
Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's New York field office, said his agency would deploy drones, specialized tactical teams and operational resources to identify potential threats. McCool recommended fans show up at least two hours before the game to allow enough time to move through the security perimeter.
Madison Square Garden Entertainment, the company that owns the arena, didn't respond to a request for comment.
Trump has made appearances at several high-profile sporting events during his second term as president. He attended the Super Bowl in 2025, this year's College Football Playoff National Championship, last year's Ryder Cup and the last two Army-Navy football games. He also has been to several Ultimate Fighting Championship matches and plans to host a UFC fight on the White House lawn to commemorate the nation's 250th birthday.
Write to Joseph De Avila at joseph.deavila@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 08, 2026 13:50 ET (17:50 GMT)
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