President Donald Trump is attending Game Three of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, the first sitting president to attend an NBA championship game.
The U.S. Secret Service announced that roads surrounding Madison Square Garden in New York City will face closures.
"A strict no-bag policy will be enforced, and we want to communicate that early and broadly so fans can plan accordingly," Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi told Reuters via email.
“Attendees should also expect Secret Service-level security screening, similar to airport screening procedures."
Despite the increased security presence, train service through Penn Station, including the subway and Long Island Rail Road, is expected to operate normally.
The Knicks also advised fans to bring only essential items to help speed up the entry process.
"Fans should make every effort to limit personal items to an absolute minimum," the team said in a statement.
"To ensure timely entry and avoid delays, we strongly encourage fans to arrive at least two hours before tip-off. While final operational details are still being coordinated, this is the planning framework we currently expect and can be reported as such," Guglielmi said.
New York enters Game 3 with a 2–0 series lead after winning both opening games in San Antonio. The team's first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 has generated widespread excitement across the city as the Knicks seek their first championship since 1973.
That enthusiasm was evident on Friday night when approximately 6,500 fans gathered outside Madison Square Garden for a Game Two watch party. The crowd celebrated a dramatic 105–104 Knicks victory.
The event also led to 17 arrests, according to New York City police. Authorities said one individual was taken into custody for allegedly striking a police officer.
"New Yorkers are rightfully excited about the Knicks' historic Finals run, and we want fans to celebrate this moment together. There is, however, no place for violence, and no tolerance for attacks on police officers," New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said in a statement on Saturday.
Mamdani called on fans to celebrate responsibly. While acknowledging the city's excitement over the Knicks' historic playoff run, he emphasized that violence and attacks on law enforcement would not be tolerated.
A lifelong Knicks supporter, Mamdani has frequently attended local sporting events since taking office and has indicated that he plans to be present for Monday's game.
When asked on Air Force One who his favorite Knicks player is, Trump did not give a direct answer but said that star guard Jalen Brunson and star center Karl-Anthony Towns are “fantastic” and that the Knicks are “a great team.”
As president, Trump has attended the U.S. Open, Super Bowl LIX, the Daytona 500, the Army–Navy game, and the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. On June 14, the White House will host an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. That day is also Trump’s birthday.
