The New York Police Department is scrapping an outdoor watch party near Madison Square Garden ahead of Monday night's Game 3 of the NBA finals, citing security concerns tied to Donald Trump's attendance at the matchup between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
The decision came after coordination between the Secret Service and NYPD. Friday's watch party outside the arena had descended into chaos, with more than 20 arrests as fans celebrated the Knicks' Game 2 victory, prompting officials to take a harder line on gathering spaces around the venue.
The Knicks are rolling out a fortress mentality for the evening. The team announced Saturday that fans must pass through airport-style screening procedures upon entry, and a strict no-bag policy will be enforced. The organization is also urging spectators to arrive at least two hours before the 8:40 p.m. tipoff to navigate the enhanced security checkpoints.
Trump confirmed last week he will attend as a guest of Knicks owner Jim Dolan. The former and current president has made the rounds at major sporting events during his second term, appearing at the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and Ryder Cup.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will also be in the building, though he downplayed the likelihood of any interaction with Trump. "I will be in a very different section," Mamdani said, adding that he would be paying for his own ticket.
The game marks the first NBA finals contest held in New York since 1999. The Knicks carry momentum into Monday with a 2-0 series lead and a 13-game winning streak. A championship would be the franchise's first since 1973, and the city is bracing for pandemonium if the team closes out a title run at home.
Author James Rodriguez: "Canceling the watch party is the safe call, but it also highlights how Trump's presence turns even a sports celebration into a security operation."
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