Trump’s presence at Knicks-Spurs Game 3 triggers increased security
Massive security preparations are underway for Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York due to the anticipated presence of Donald Trump. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s visit. The New York Police Department and Secret Service set up a “frozen zone” around Madison Square Garden, prompting fan advisories and a no-baggage policy. Former FBI agent James Gagliano discusses heightened security measures in the wake of a recent stabbing at Penn Station.
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The first NBA Finals game played at Madison Square Garden (MSG) since 1999 was accompanied by a massive security presence, as President Donald Trump will be in attendance Monday night for Game 3 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
As Trump became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, everyone from media to fans wanting to enter “The Garden” was asked to arrive early because safety protocols would be much more rigorous than usual.
PK Press Club Digital was among the media waiting around MSG and can confirm that waits will likely be long with the heightened security that involves the Secret Service, TSA and likely more when fans are allowed into the building.
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Members of the U.S. Secret Service walk the perimeter of a security fence outside Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026, in New York. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
For media, who are allowed bags and equipment to work with, unlike fans who must adhere to a strict no-baggage policy Monday night, the Secret Service and TSA have been thorough in their entry checks. A walk through your standard metal detector was next and it was good to go.
Fans may experience more when the doors open two hours before the 8:30 p.m. ET tipoff at MSG, but wait times are bound to be longer as security and law enforcement personnel ensure they perform their duties to the highest standards.
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The scene around the arena was a shock to commuters Monday morning, but it made sense given the circumstances. A security fence was erected around the arena, while the New York Police Department announced that vehicle and pedestrian traffic would be closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street, between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue, at 4 p.m.
Therefore, no person without a ticket, ID or business inside the restricted area will be allowed entry. The New York Police Department was already in the area en masse, as captured by PK Press Club Digital, ready to enforce protocols.
NYPD officers gather around Madison Square Garden as heightened security protocols were put in place with President Donald Trump expected to be in attendance for Game 3 of the NBA Finals. (PK Press Club)
Additionally, watch parties in the area were canceled, with the NYPD saying it was for security reasons during Trump’s visit.
“The New York Police Department, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, to not be able to have watch parties right outside of the Garden,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. “We’re 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 usually means locking down certain areas and that’s what you’re going to see tonight at the Garden.”
MSG pushed back on the NYPD’s position, saying the permit was denied by local city officials rather than Trump’s presence.
A Secret Service sign is displayed on a security fence at Madison Square Garden in New York before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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Trump has attended numerous sporting events since the start of his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500 and the Ryder Cup.
Regardless, fans privileged enough to attend MSG for Game 3 at astronomical admission prices will need to prepare for long lines and be prepared to be thoroughly vetted before seeing Jalen Brunson and the Knicks take on Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs again.
