NBA Finals security tightens as Trump attends Game 3 at Madison Square Garden

Donald Trump was set to become the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game. The visit for Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs brought tight security. Fans faced a large safety zone around Madison Square Garden. Entry lines were expected to be long for Monday night’s game.

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Police and the Secret Service created a security perimeter across several blocks. Ticket-holders faced a no-bag rule and several checkpoints. Fans needed to show tickets to pass each control point. Security also included a TSA-style magnetometer. Officials urged people to arrive two hours before tip-off.

Donald Trump NBA Finals security at Madison Square Garden

The scene outside the arena was expected to feel like New Year’s Eve in Times Square. For many visitors, the process was closer to airport screening. Trump had attended major sports events as president before. Those visits often caused delays for crowds. Officials prepared for similar congestion near the Garden.

The New York Police Department cancelled the usual watch party outside the arena. Fans had gathered there during the playoff run. The Knicks had won 13 straight games to reach the final. The team was two wins from a first NBA title since 1973. It was also the first Finals trip since 1999.

"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,\" Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference Monday. \"We are looking forward to bringing back watch parties for Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents coming to town, and they understand that that generally means lockdowns of areas and thats what youre going to see tonight at the Garden.\"

Donald Trump NBA Finals visit shifts Knicks watch parties

With the area outside the Garden restricted, the watch party moved outside the security zone. The event was shifted a few blocks away to Bryant Park. Across New York, high costs and access limits pushed many fans to bars and streets. Large crowds continued to follow the playoffs away from the arena.

Players also reacted to the news of Trump attending Game 3. Asked about the visit, Knicks centre Mitchell Robinson said: \"Cool, I guess. We can still get out there and play no matter whos here and whos not.\" The arena expected other dignitaries as well. Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also expected on Monday night.

Donald Trump NBA Finals security adds to high ticket pressure

Getting into Madison Square Garden was already difficult due to high ticket prices. The lowest entry cost rose above USD 6,000, higher than average monthly rent in New York. Courtside seats cost tens of thousands of dollars. Mamdani said the ticket cost about USD 1,000. The ticket was bought directly from Madison Square Garden.

Trump’s past event visits showed how added screening could disrupt entry. At last year’s US Open men’s singles final, long lines caused problems. Thousands missed the start of the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. The US Tennis Association delayed the match by 30 minutes. Many still arrived late after multiple screening points.

Despite restrictions and costs, fans still looked for ways to follow the Finals. Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, a New York native, described that approach. \"We improvise,\" Alvarado said. \"Were New Yorkers. Were going to find a way to watch a game, and thats what were doing.\"

With inputs from PTI