NEW YORK (AP) — Police canceled an NBA Finals watch party near Madison Square Garden due to security concerns with President Donald Trump attending the game. Trump, a longtime Knicks fan, confirmed his attendance for the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999. The New York Police Department (NYPD) stated that the decision to cancel the watch party was made in coordination with the Secret Service. They expect watch parties to resume for Game 4.
The NYPD noted that outdoor watch parties could not be accommodated due to the security requirements associated with the presidential visit. Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s New York field office, emphasized the importance of public safety.
Team-sanctioned watch parties will still take place at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl, both of which are already at capacity. Fans attending the game were advised to arrive at least two hours early and adhere to a strict no-bag policy, with TSA-style screening procedures in place. Prohibited items will not be stored at Madison Square Garden, and a list of these items is available on the Secret Service website.