To the displeasure of everyone not named Donald Trump, President Donald Trump is set to become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game Monday night.
The decision will massively inconvenience everyone else attending Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, who have been told to arrive two hours early as part of the enhanced security measures. The attendees have also been told they now cannot bring bags or purses.
Watch Party Canceled
New York Knicks fans planning to attend the watch party outside the stadium also got bad news. Because of Trump, that watch party has been canceled.
"There will be no watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only," the New York Police Department said in a statement. "This was done fully in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit. We expect watch parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4."
Criticism from Ann Coulter
Even Ann Coulter took issue with Trump's decision to attend. "Of all the selfish, narcissistic things Trump has done, attending MSG to see the Knicks play in person Monday night is the absolute worst," the conservative commentator wrote on social media.
"20,000 attendees will be MASSIVELY inconvenienced for all the extra security, the Knicks Watch Party at Garden is canceled, thousands of extra law enforcement officers will be required (paid for by taxpayers), traffic will be a disaster -- all so he can sit in the Garden rather than watch the game on TV."
Security Lockdown and Traffic Disruptions
For basically anyone who cannot afford the $8,000+ tickets, a five block by two block area around the Garden will be inaccessible. Anyone driving, walking, or transiting within a couple of blocks radius of the arena bounded by West 30th Street to West 35th Street and 6th Avenue to 8th Avenue will need to find a different path.
"No one will be allowed inside the secured area unless they have a ticket to the game, a train ticket, they are going to a business inside the area, they have credentials, or they have some other authorized reason to be there," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Monday, describing it as a "lockdown."
Protest Area Designated
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is also going to the game, told reporters the city would establish an area for anti-Trump protesters, but do not expect that to be anywhere near MSG. The Secret Service's protocols "necessitate a different set of preparation than we would otherwise be taking," the mayor said.
Trump's Sports Attendance Record
Trump has made a habit of attending high-profile sports events in his second term. The Associated Press notes he was at the 2025 Super Bowl, Daytona 500, and the Ryder Cup. He also attended a Washington Commanders NFL game last November, the U.S. Open, and the FIFA Club World Cup, and he was loudly booed at all three events.
