No Knicks watch party outside MSG for Game 3 of NBA Finals, NYPD confirms
There will not be a watch party for Knicks fans outside Madison Square Garden on Monday when New York hosts its first NBA Finals game in 27 years.
With President Trump set to attend Game 3 between the Knicks and Spurs, the NYPD said the decision to not permit a watch party was made in coordination with the Secret Service.
Secret Service explains the decision
Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office, issued the following statement:
"As a former high school basketball coach and college basketball player, I understand the excitement surrounding this moment as well as anyone. This is a historic run, and it's great to see the energy and pride Knicks fans are bringing to New York City," McCool said. "At the same time, our responsibility is to ensure the highest level of public safety. After careful coordination and assessment, the Secret Service and the NYPD jointly determined that outdoor watch parties could not be accommodated in the immediate vicinity of Madison Square Garden due to the security requirements associated with an event of this scale and the need to maintain a secure environment for protective operations.
"We understand some fans will be disappointed by this decision. However, there will be many opportunities to watch and celebrate throughout the city, including at bars, restaurants, and organized watch parties. This restriction applies only to the area immediately surrounding Madison Square Garden.
"We want everyone to enjoy this incredible moment for New York basketball, celebrate responsibly, and do so safely. Let's Go Knicks," he added.
MSG also issued a statement, saying, "The permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied by the City's permitting office in consultation with the NYPD. However, the White House will confirm that this is not about the President. We understand NYPD Commissioner Tisch is planning additional street closures around Madison Square Garden."
The Knicks lead the Spurs 2-0 in the series and are two wins away from their first NBA championship since 1973.
Some fans spoke to CBS News New York about the decision to nix the Game 3 watch party outside the Garden.
"Understandable because you gotta be safe, but unfortunate," said Michael Bosillico of Miami.
"It's a rare time in New York and people should be able to celebrate," said Judi Swartz of the Upper East Side.
"I feel like I can't say yes or no. I've seen it get insane, and it's clearly not the safest route. If fans want to celebrate -- this is so exciting -- if they can make something work out here for them that would be so fun," said Sarah Hazelton of Mineola.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. This is a celebration for everybody. So I think it would be a good look if they open it back up," added Corey Jones of the Bronx.
What we know about other watch parties
Police said there would be watch parties in other parts of the city. So far, outside Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Brooklyn Bowl have been confirmed as two of the locations.
The NYPD said, in part, in a statement, "We expect watch parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4."
Game 4 is set for Wednesday night.
Arrive early to MSG for Game 3, team says
Security will be tight for fans entering the Garden with Mr. Trump's arrival. The Knicks urged ticketholders to expect TSA-style screening and to arrive at least two hours before Monday's 8:30 p.m. tip-off.
The heightened security measures will also include a ban on all bags. No vehicles or pedestrians will be allowed in a perimeter around the arena, CBS News reported.
More than a dozen fans were arrested at the Game 2 watch party outside MSG on Friday.
A 29-year-old woman from Queens allegedly punched an police officer and bit another after she jumped a barrier to a restricted zone, the NYPD said. Others climbed light poles, food carts and subway entrances after watching the Knicks win, police said.
