NBA Final: Trump's departure causes mile-long queue and "airport search"
Fans faced lines that stretched two blocks at the entrance to Madison Square Garden, in Manhattan. A security scheme similar to that of airports was set up for the match between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, valid for Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
The expectation was for the presence of Donald Trump, who could become the first sitting president of the United States to attend an NBA Finals match. The event led to a significant reinforcement of control measures around the arena.
Three hours before the start of the match, residents and tourists had to cross a maze of black metal fences installed near the gym. Pedestrian traffic was restricted in several parts of the region.
The Knicks returned to New York after winning the first two games of the best-of-seven series to take a 2-0 lead. Riding on a 13-game winning streak in the playoffs, the team would play their first Finals game at home in 27 years.
Trump expands security at Madison Square Garden
Trump's planned presence led authorities to increase security protocols over the weekend. On Monday, the New York police said that only people with an "authorized reason" could access the protected area around the arena.
The restriction covered the region between West 35th and 30th streets and between Sixth and Eighth avenues, starting four and a half hours before the game, scheduled for 9:30 pm (Brasília time).
Anyone who wanted to enter the security perimeter needed to undergo inspections and use only a few specific access points. The strict control changed the routine of the busy central Manhattan area.
Although some fans approved of the president's visit, many complained about the inconvenience caused by the scheme. The long lines and changes in access to the arena generated criticism among those present.
-
Change imageChange image
1 of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
2 out of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
3 out of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
4 out of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
5 out of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
6 out of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
7 out of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
8 out of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
9 out of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
10 out of 10
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 - Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
default view
full view
grid view
Fans criticize the impact of the presidential visit
"I wish he wasn't here.
He's not a real fan and he's just making it worse," said Errol Ismail, a Brooklyn resident and owner of a fitness company, after trying different entrances to access the gym.
"We've been waiting our whole lives for this, and he turned it into something about himself, like he does with anything else," the fan added, showing frustration with the situation.
The Secret Service recommended that spectators arrive at the venue at least two hours in advance. Madison Square Garden, known as "the most famous arena in the world", sits above Penn Station, the largest transportation hub in the United States.
The traditional party for fans held outside the arena during playoff games was canceled due to security concerns, New York police reported on Sunday.
Trump's relationship with New York returns to the spotlight
Trump, who spent Monday afternoon at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, was expected as a guest of James Dolan, owner of the Knicks. His relationship with New York, however, remains complex.
Last year, during the US Open men's tennis final, held in Flushing, Queens, the president received both applause and boos. At the time, many spectators missed the start of the match due to security controls.
The mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, was also expected at the event. He told journalists that he bought a ticket directly from Madison Square Garden for almost US$1,000, equivalent to around R$5,180 at the current price.
Despite frequently exchanging criticisms about public policies, Mamdani and Trump have held meetings considered surprisingly friendly, according to reports cited before the match.
NBA: Knicks try to break 53-year drought in finals against Spurs
Source: CNN