President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are set to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at New York City’s Madison Square Garden this evening.
Security officials outlined the strict security measures for the highly anticipated face-off between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at a Monday morning press conference. This includes the decision not to allow a watch party outside the iconic venue in Midtown Manhattan.
“The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Other watch parties are still taking place across the city, including at Central Park and Bryant Park. Fans can also expect watch parties outside Madison Square Garden to return for Game 4.
Officials advised ticket holders to arrive two hours early and to expect a “TSA-style” security screening upon entering the venue.
“The message is simple: celebrate the Knicks, but avoid the MSG area tonight if you do not have tickets for the game or some other valid reason to be there,” Tisch added.
Knicks star laments high ticket prices for Game 3
Knicks star Josh Hart called out the sky-high ticket prices for tonight’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
“I kind of wish the ticket prices weren’t as crazy as they are,” he told reporters Sunday.
“I feel like a lot of people who have been waiting for this moment for a very long time unfortunately aren’t able to get into the building. The cheapest ticket $7,000, $8,000. That’s ridiculous,” he added.
Katie Hawkinson8 June 2026 15:00
Season ticket holders debate watching game or taking advantage of resell prices
Knicks season ticket holders are deciding whether to watch tonight’s highly anticipated match or take advantage of skyrocketing resale prices, according to The Washington Post.
The average resale ticket price is upwards of $8,000.
“A lot of fans are thinking, ‘Hey, this could be something. [But] these once-in-a-lifetime prices are also once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” Alex Warner, CEO of resale platform Winventory, told the Post.
Katie Hawkinson8 June 2026 14:53
MSG unveils winners of Game 3 courtside seats
Madison Square Garden unveiled the two winners of courtside seats for tonight’s match between the Knicks and the Spurs.
The law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLC and the private equity firm Veritas Capital won the seats in an auction-style giveaway, according to the New York Post.
The proceeds will benefit the venue’s Garden of Dreams Foundation, a charity that supports young people in need.
Katie Hawkinson8 June 2026 14:44
Old video of Spurs star shooting hoops in NYC reemerges
A 2023 video of San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama shooting hoops in New York City reemerged this week, after a fan shared it in anticipation of tonight’s game, according to ABC 7.
The viral clip, shared by Austin Spruill, shows Wembanyama missing multiple baskets at Rucker Park in Manhattan.
“When Wemby comes to New York, he shoots bricks. I couldn’t believe he missed every shot,” Spruill said.
Katie Hawkinson8 June 2026 14:35
Knicks watch parties will continue elsewhere in city
While New York City officials said they will not permit a Knicks watch party outside Madison Square Garden, fans can attend other events throughout the city.
This includes watch parties at Bryant Park, Brooklyn Bowl and Central Park.
Katie Hawkinson8 June 2026 14:27
Trump and Mamdani expected to attend NBA Finals game
President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani are expected to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
At a Monday morning press conference, officials outlined the heavy security measures for the highly anticipated face-off between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
“The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties right outside of the Garden,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Ticket holders should arrive two hours early and expect to go through a “TSA-style” security screening before entering the venue, officials said.
Katie Hawkinson8 June 2026 14:23