Knicks Watch Party Banned at MSG Due to Security for Trump | Today’s news
The Secret Service and New York Police Department banned outdoor watch parties planned near Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, citing security concerns related to President Donald Trump’s planned attendance.
The ban only applies to Game 3, with officials expecting parties in New York to resume for Game 4.
Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s New York office, said the two agencies jointly determined that an outdoor rally near the arena could not be safely held.
“After careful coordination and assessment, the Secret Service and the NYPD jointly determined that outdoor patrols could not be held in the immediate vicinity of Madison Square Garden due to the security requirements associated with an event of this magnitude and the need to maintain a secure environment for protective operations,” McCool said. “This restriction only applies to the area immediately surrounding Madison Square Garden.”
The Knicks directed fans to alternate party locations Monday — Central Park’s Wollman Rink and the Brooklyn Bowl, where doors open at 6 p.m. Both events are free but require registration.
Inside Madison Square Garden, security will be significantly tighter than usual. The Knicks and Secret Service issued guidelines calling for a strict no-bags policy and airport checks upon entry.
Fans are encouraged to keep personal items to a minimum, arrive at least two hours before tip-off at 8:30 p.m., and review the Secret Service’s prohibited items list. Storage for prohibited items will not be available on site.
Trump, a longtime Knicks fan, has confirmed he will attend Game 3 — New York’s first NBA Finals home game in 27 years. He is expected to watch from a suite inside the arena, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive scheduling.
The Knicks enter the series with a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs. The championship would be the franchise’s first since 1973.
This article was generated from an automated news agency source without text modification.
