The NYPD is restricting access around Madison Square Garden Monday afternoon ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals, urging fans with tickets to arrive early — and everyone else to stay away.
“Please allow extra time to get to the game and avoid the area around MSG if you don’t have a reason to be there,” the NYPD posted. “Go Knicks!”
People and vehicles will be restricted from West 30th to West 35th streets between Sixth and Eighth avenues starting at 4 p.m., according to the NYPD. Only people with game tickets, a train ticket, some sort of credentials, or other authorized reasons will be let in, they added.
Kevin Bent sells Knicks gear around Madison Square Garden, June 5, 2026. Credit: Alex Krales/The City Reporter
Fans lucky enough to have a ticket for tonight’s game will be screened before entering the secure area at five entry points.
Travelers taking the subway or Amtrak, the Long Island Rail Road or NJ Transit can get to their trains through Moynihan Hall entrances on Eighth Avenue at 31st and 33rd streets, the police said.
The Knicks lead the series 2-0, after taking the first two games against the Spurs at their home arena in San Antonio.
The team’s success has spurred jubilation around New York City, set off pop-up merch sales, and launched official and unofficial watch parties around the five boroughs.
But President Trump’s attendance has tightened security and forced the cancellation of the watch party right outside Madison Square Garden.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday morning that the watch party was canceled “in coordination with the United States Secret Service.” The watch party is expected to return for Game 4 at MSG on Wednesday.
The Garden is also hosting watch parties Monday at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl in Williamsburg. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a 5,000-person watch party at Bryant Park, which requires registration.
Josh Jimenez shows his Knickerbocker pride, June 3, 2026. Credit: Ben Fractenberg/The City Reporter
The mayor will also be at Game 3, paying nearly $1,000 for standing-room only tickets, he said Monday.
“We purchased them directly from the organization themselves,” he said, adding that he’ll be attending with some friends.
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