Madison Square Garden will be under tight security for the Knicks’ first home NBA Finals game in 27 years, with President Donald Trump expected to attend Game 3.
New York takes a 2-0 lead over San Antonio back to Madison Square Garden, but the scene outside the arena will not resemble the street parties that greeted the start of the series.
Trump’s visit brings federal security protocols, and the area around MSG is expected to be far more restricted than usual.
Knicks security notice changes Game 3 scene outside MSG
According to reports citing Knicks PR, fans should expect enhanced screening, a strict no-bag policy, and TSA-style checks at entry.
“The Knicks have cancelled all watch parties outside of MSG due to Donald Trump’s attendance for Game 3. Only ticket holders will be able to access areas around MSG, and have to go through Secret Service-level screening.”
AP reported that fans are being urged to arrive at least two hours before the 8:40 p.m. ET tipoff and bring as little as possible, with no storage available for prohibited items.
The move follows a chaotic start to the Finals outside the Garden, with Game 1 celebrations bringing arrests and ambulance damage, and Game 2 seeing 26 arrests and an NYPD officer injured after thousands gathered near MSG.
On top of that, Trump’s motorcade, Secret Service presence, street closures, and screening for ticket holders made another outdoor event nearly impossible to organize.
Trump’s NBA Finals visit creates presidential history
Trump is set to become the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game.
AP has reported that he is a longtime Knicks fan and confirmed his attendance after receiving an invitation from owner James Dolan. Trump has also made high-profile sporting appearances during his second term, including the 2025 Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and Ryder Cup.
Other presidents have attended NBA games, though not in the same capacity. Barack Obama went to Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals in Toronto after leaving office. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also attended basketball and other major sporting events before, during, and after their presidencies, but never an NBA Finals game while in office.
All of that makes Monday night a unique moment in both sports and political history.
The Knicks are two wins from their first title since 1973, MSG is about to host its first Finals game since 1999, and Trump’s arrival means the city’s biggest basketball night in decades will also be one of its most heavily policed.
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