NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is poised to become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, bringing stringent security measures that forced fans to navigate an extensive safety perimeter around Madison Square Garden, with lengthy waits expected to enter the arena.
Security Preparations and Fan Impact
Long before Trump's arrival, the New York Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service erected barriers to restrict pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area surrounding the arena more than four hours before tipoff of Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. The scene resembled New Year's Eve in Times Square more than a typical basketball game lead-up.
With airport-level security anticipated, fans were advised to arrive two hours early, required to present a ticket or pass at various checkpoints, and pass through a Transportation Security Administration-style magnetometer. Large crowds formed long lines even before doors opened.
Cancelled Watch Parties and No-Bag Policy
Trump's appearance forced the cancellation of an outdoor watch party and the implementation of a no-bag policy for ticket holders. Throughout the playoffs, fans had gathered near the arena to watch games, as the Knicks have won 13 consecutive games to reach the finals for the first time since 1999 and are two victories away from their first NBA title 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.”
Previous Security Challenges at Sporting Events
Trump has attended several major sporting events during his presidency, and the security measures have caused significant inconveniences for fans. Thousands missed the start of last year's U.S. Open men's singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner due to lengthy security lines. Despite the U.S. Tennis Association delaying the match by 30 minutes, many fans could not enter because they had to undergo screening both at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center entrance and again at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Trump watched from a suite.
Player and Dignitary Reactions
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 were also expected at the game.
Ticket Prices and Fan Adaptation
Getting into Madison Square Garden was already challenging due to exorbitant ticket prices. The cheapest ticket exceeded $5,000, higher than the average monthly rent in New York. The best seats cost tens of thousands of dollars. Mamdani said he bought a standing-room-only ticket for about $1,000 directly from the Garden.
The difficulty of attending in person has driven fans to crowd bars, streets, and watch parties across the city. The watch party near the Garden, a major event throughout the playoffs, was moved a few blocks away to Bryant Park, outside the security perimeter.
“We improvise,” said Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, 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.”
Reporting Contributions
AP Basketball Writer Brian Mahoney contributed to this report.
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