New York law enforcement placed tight pedestrian restrictions on several blocks surrounding Madison Square Garden on Monday as President Donald Trump planned to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
Officials said the restrictions would take effect 4-1/2 hours before the scheduled 8:30 p.m. ET (0030 GMT) tipoff, covering the area between West 35th and 30th Streets and Sixth and Eighth Avenues. The measures, announced by the New York Police Department, barred pedestrians without an "authorized reason" from entering the secured perimeter.
The Knicks are hosting their first Finals home game in 27 years. They arrived at Madison Square Garden on the back of a 13-game postseason winning streak and two road victories that put them ahead 2-0 in the best-of-seven series. Across the five boroughs excitement built as resale platforms showed sharply higher ticket prices for the matchup.
In a statement posted to social media, the NYPD said security protocols had been ramped up in coordination with the Secret Service for the presidential visit: "With tonight’s presidential visit, there will be extra security measures in and around MSG that the NYPD and Secret Service have planned together," the department said. It added: "No one will be allowed inside the secure area unless you have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a business inside the area, have credentials, or have some other authorized reason to be there."
Authorities said individuals permitted into the security zone would be screened and allowed entry only through a limited number of access points. The Secret Service previously urged ticketholders to arrive at least two hours before tipoff to accommodate screening procedures at the venue, described by officials as long known as the "World's Most Famous Arena." That arena sits above Penn Station, the busiest transit hub in the United States.
Fans were warned to expect "Secret Service-level security screening" and a strict no-bag policy. Organizers and law enforcement emphasized that the additional checks could lengthen entry times for spectators.
The NYPD also announced on Sunday that the watch party normally held outside Madison Square Garden during playoff games would not take place on Monday because of security concerns. The cancellation removed a public gathering option that had been part of the fan experience at earlier postseason contests.
Officials pointed to prior instances when presidential attendance at sporting events had affected entry to venues. In his second term the president has attended other high-profile matches, including the U.S. Open tennis men’s final in Flushing, Queens, where security checks tied to his presence created confusion and delayed entry for thousands of ticketholders, causing many to miss the start of the match.
Key points
- Pedestrian access is restricted in a multi-block area around Madison Square Garden starting 4-1/2 hours before the 8:30 p.m. ET tipoff; only those with authorized reasons may enter.
- Ticketed fans should expect enhanced screening, a no-bag policy, and are urged to arrive early; access will be through limited entry points at the arena above Penn Station.
- A scheduled outdoor watch party was canceled due to security concerns, and prior events with presidential attendance have led to delayed entry for spectators.
Risks and uncertainties
- Extended security screening can cause delays and slow entry, which may lead some ticketholders to miss portions of the game; this risk is supported by prior events cited by officials.
- Closure of public viewing areas and limited access points could reduce foot traffic and affect businesses and vendors around the arena.
- Concentrated screening at transit hubs beneath the arena could create congestion and disruptions for commuting passengers using Penn Station.