NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is poised to become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, with this historic event occurring during Game 3 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden. This high-profile visit is accompanied by stringent security measures that will necessitate Knicks fans to navigate a vast safety perimeter around the arena and endure potential delays in gaining entry.
On the night of the game, the security measures implemented will transform the scene near Madison Square Garden to resemble New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square rather than a typical sports event. Fans have been advised to arrive two hours early, as access to the venue will require a valid ticket for entry through various checkpoints. Additionally, attendees will pass through TSA-style magnetometers, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of airport security protocols.
In light of Trump’s appearance, the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Secret Service have established a multi-block security perimeter around the arena. This has resulted in the cancellation of a watch party that typically takes place outside the venue and a no-bag policy for ticket holders. Fans, who have gathered around Madison Square Garden throughout the Knicks' playoff run, will have to adjust their plans, especially as the team aims to secure its first NBA championship since 1973 after winning 13 consecutive games to reach the finals for the first time since 1999.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch addressed the media, stating, “The NYPD in coordination with the Secret Service made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden. We are looking forward to bringing back watch parties for Game 4.” She acknowledged that New Yorkers are accustomed to the significant security measures that accompany presidential visits.
Trump has a history of attending major sporting events during his presidency, often accompanied by extensive security arrangements that have previously inconvenienced fans. For example, during the 2022 U.S. Open men's singles final, many spectators missed the beginning of the match due to long security lines, despite the U.S. Tennis Association delaying the start by half an hour to accommodate fans.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson shared his sentiments about Trump’s attendance, saying, “Cool, I guess. We can still get out there and play no matter who’s here and who’s not.” The game is also expected to host Mayor Zohran Mamdani and various dignitaries.
Access to Madison Square Garden has been a challenge for Knicks fans, particularly given the soaring ticket prices. Reports indicate that the get-in price for a ticket is over $6,000, surpassing the average monthly rent in New York City. The most desirable seats for the game cost tens of thousands of dollars. Mamdani noted that he purchased his ticket for approximately $1,000 directly from Madison Square Garden.
The high costs and difficulty in securing a ticket have led many fans to congregate in bars, streets, and public watch parties throughout the city. The popular watch party taking place near the Garden will be relocated a few blocks away to Bryant Park due to the security perimeter. Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, a New York native, emphasized the resilience of fans, stating, “We improvise. We’re New Yorkers. We’re going to find a way to watch a game, and that’s what we’re doing.”
