Donald Trump will make history as the first sitting U.S. president to watch an NBA Finals game in person, creating massive security challenges that will force New York Knicks supporters to deal with extensive safety zones surrounding Madison Square Garden and potentially long waits to enter the venue.
The protective measures for Game 3 featuring the Knicks versus San Antonio Spurs created an atmosphere similar to Times Square during New Year’s celebrations, with fans experiencing airport-like procedures. Attendees were told to arrive two hours before tipoff and must present tickets at multiple security stations while passing through metal detectors similar to those used by TSA.
The presidential attendance prompted the New York Police Department and Secret Service to create a security zone spanning several blocks around the venue, shut down an outdoor viewing event, and ban bags for those with tickets. Supporters had been congregating outside the Garden to watch games throughout this postseason run, during which the Knicks have secured 13 consecutive victories to reach the championship series for the first time since 1999 and stand just two wins away from their first NBA championship since 1973.
“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 that’s what you’re going to see tonight at the Garden.”
Trump has been present at numerous high-profile sporting events during his presidency, with the security protocols causing significant inconvenience for spectators.
Thousands of attendees missed the opening of last year’s U.S. Open men’s singles championship match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner due to extended security delays. Despite the U.S. Tennis Association delaying the match start by 30 minutes, many spectators still couldn’t enter because enhanced protocols required screening both upon arrival at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and again before entering Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Trump observed from a private box.
When asked about Trump’s attendance, Knicks center Mitchell Robinson said: “Cool, I guess. We can still get out there and play (no matter) who’s here and who’s not.”
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other dignitaries are also expected to be at the game Monday night.
Access to Madison Square Garden was already challenging for Knicks supporters due to sky-high ticket costs. The cheapest available ticket exceeds the typical monthly rent payment in New York, climbing above $6,000. Premium seating options cost tens of thousands of dollars. Mamdani said he bought his ticket for about $1,000 directly from Madison Square Garden.
The challenges of attending the game in person have led supporters to pack bars, streets and viewing events throughout the city. The outdoor viewing event near the Garden has become a significant attraction during the entire playoff run, but with Trump’s presence, that gathering will relocate several blocks away outside the security zone, to Bryant Park.
“We improvise,” said Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, who is a New York native. “We’re New Yorkers. We’re going to find a way to watch a game, and that’s what we’re doing.”
