Fans heading to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals will face strict security rules because President Donald Trump plans to attend.
The U.S. Secret Service and the Knicks posted guidelines on Saturday, June 6, for Monday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.
According to the memo, ticket holders must arrive two hours before tip-off, leave bags at home, and carry as little as possible.
Trump’s Attendance Prompts Unprecedented Security Measures
Security will include TSA-style screening, with dozens of magnetometers installed inside the arena.
The Knicks shared the advisory on social media before the Secret Service reposted it to reach as many people as possible.
“Information about Game 3 attendees should be known before arriving at The Garden,” the post said.
Fans cannot bring backpacks, purses, or large bags, and the memo states there will be no storage for items that don’t pass through screening.
Officials recommend small, clear bags or nothing at all. Prohibited items include anything that usually gets turned away at big events, but the rules are tighter this time.
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Game 3 tips off at 8:30 p.m. Monday. That means many fans should plan to show up around 6:30 p.m. or earlier to clear security and find their seats. Long lines are expected.
Trump, a lifelong New Yorker and Knicks fan, confirmed he will be at the Garden. He accepted an invitation from team owner James Dolan.
It’s the first time that a sitting president has attended an NBA Finals game at MSG. His presence is predicted to turn a regular playoff night into a major security operation, involving the Secret Service, the NYPD, and other agencies.
Law enforcement sources say up to 40 magnetometers could be in place to screen every fan. That is far more than a typical Knicks game.
Similar measures caused long delays when Trump attended the U.S. Open last year. Organizers expect the same kind of crunch at MSG, which holds about 20,000 fans for basketball.
Street closures and extra officers around the arena are also planned. SWAT teams, bomb technicians, and other specialized units will be on site.
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The heavy presence of law enforcers aims to keep the president and everyone else safe in one of the busiest parts of Manhattan.
The Knicks lead the series 2-0 after winning both games in San Antonio. Fans have waited 27 years for the team to reach the Finals again, and tickets for Game 3 have skyrocketed on the resale market. Courtside seats have gone for more than $100,000 in some cases.
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Some fans have voiced frustration online after seeing the security notice. Others said they understand the need for tight protection when the president shows up.
One Knicks supporter posted that he would rather deal with the rules than miss the game. Another called it “overkill” for a basketball matchup.
Trump spoke briefly about the visit earlier in the week and called the Knicks an “amazing team” and said he was looking forward to being back at the Garden.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, also a Knicks fan, is expected to attend but will sit separately.
MSG officials have done multiple security walkthroughs in recent days. The arena has hosted presidents and world leaders before, but a Finals game means thousands of excited, loud fans will be in the mix.
Meanwhile, those planning to go are urged to check the Knicks’ website or app for the latest updates, as rules may tighten further as game day approaches.
