Heightened Security Ahead of Historic NBA Finals Game

Madison Square Garden is putting in place a lot of security steps for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where the New York Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs , since President Donald Trump is scheduled to be there. This match is kind of a big moment, being the first NBA Finals game at the arena in almost three decades, so it’s become one of New York City’s most expected sports occasions.

Fans Asked to Arrive Early

Officials have advised ticket holders to arrive at least two hours before tip off, because of enhanced screening procedures. Security checks will look a bit like airport style screenings, and a no bag policy has been added, to help manage the huge crowds expected at the venue. The whole thing is being coordinated by the New York Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Outdoor Watch Parties Canceled

One of the biggest changes affects fans who were going to gather outside Madison Square Garden. The NYPD said the official outdoor watch parties, which had brought big crowds for Games 1 and 2, will not happen for Game 3 because of the presidential visit. Authorities explained this was decided together with the Secret Service, so you know it was not just some last minute thing.

A lot of fans still felt disappointed though, because those watch parties had turned into a real big part of how the city celebrated the Knicks coming back to the NBA Finals.

Expanded Security Perimeter Around the Arena

Authorities are putting together a big security bubble around Madison Square Garden and the nearby Penn Station, so access will be restricted to ticket holders, travelers, workers, and people who have valid reasons to enter the zone. Police officers, tactical teams, drones, and Secret Service personnel will be seen deployed throughout the surrounding blocks.

 

This heavier security posture shows up just hours after a stabbing incident at Penn Station that left several people injured, even so officials said the current security plan hasn’t been modified.

Alternative Viewing Options Available

To accommodate fans who can not make it to the game, city officials have put together some alternative watch parties, with a public viewing thing happening at Bryant Park. Those spots are expected to work as meet-up points for Knicks supporters and at the same time help cut down congestion around Madison Square Garden.

A Major Night for New York Basketball

The Knicks head into Game 3 with a 2-0 edge on the Spurs, and they’ve got a real shot at getting closer to their first NBA championship since 1973. With security turned way up, a presidential visit on deck, and the crowd buzzing like crazy, this Game 3 is starting to look like one of those most closely observed sporting nights in New York in quite a few years.