Trump's trip to the NBA Finals game causes disruption in New York for Knicks fans

Donald Trump arrives at Madison Square Garden to watch the NBA Finals game, on June 8, 2026
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
The presence of US President Donald Trump in the third game of the NBA Finals this Monday (8), has caused inconvenience for New York Knicks fans.
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The New York team is living with the expectation of to become tournament champions for the first time since 1973. The Knicks won their first two games against the San Antonio Spurs and are just two wins away from the cup.
Donald Trump will be the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game, which led to strict security measures.
Fans had to navigate an extensive security perimeter around Madison Square Garden and faced long lines to enter the gym.
The city's mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and other officials must also be present at the game - but, as he has done on other occasions, Mamdani must watch the game from a common chair, alongside other fans.
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Long before Trump's arrival, the New York Police Department and the US Secret Service installed barriers to restrict pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area around the arena, more than four hours before the start of Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.
The scene was more reminiscent of New Year's Eve in Times Square than the usual preparation for a basketball game.
With the expectation of security worthy of an airport, fans were instructed to arrive at the gym two hours in advance, presenting a ticket or pass to pass through several checkpoints, as well as a metal detector similar to that used by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Large crowds in the area formed a long line to enter, even before the gates opened.
Jalen Brunson, of the New York Knicks, attempts a basket in his team's victory against the San Antonio Spurs in the second game of the 2026 NBA Finals, in San Antonio
Gregory Shamus/Pool Photo via Imagn Images/Reuters
Party cancellation
Trump's presence forced the cancellation of a party to watch the games outside and the implementation of a policy prohibiting scholarships for those who had tickets. Fans have gathered near the arena to watch games during this playoff campaign, in which the Knicks have won 13 consecutive games to reach the Finals for the first time since 1999 and move within two wins of their first NBA title since 1973.
Fans try to enter Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026
Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
"The New York Police Department, in coordination with the Secret Service, decided that for Game 3, where we will have the presidential visit, we could not allow viewing parties outside the Garden," Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference on Monday.
"We look forward to resuming viewing parties in Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents visiting the city and understand that often means closing areas, and that's what you'll see tonight at the Garden." Sinner, due to long security lines.
Even though the United States Tennis Association delayed the start of the match by half an hour, many fans were still unable to enter because the additional measures required them to be screened not only upon arrival at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, but also in front of the entrance to Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Trump was watching from a box.
When asked about Trump's presence, Knicks center Mitchell Robinson said, "Cool, I guess. We can still get on the court and play regardless of who is here or not."
Astronomical Prices
It was already difficult enough for Knicks fans to get into Madison Square Garden due to the astronomical ticket prices.
The ticket price is higher than the average monthly rental cost in New York, exceeding $5,000. The best seats cost tens of thousands of dollars. Mamdani said he purchased his ticket, which he said was to watch the standing game, for around US$1,000 directly from Madison Square Garden.
The difficulty of watching the game in person led fans to fill bars, streets and parties to watch the game throughout the city.
The party near the Garden became a major event throughout the playoffs, but, with Trump's presence, the event was moved to Bryant Park, a few blocks away, outside the security perimeter.
"We improvise," said the point guard of the Knicks, Jose Alvarado, who is a New Yorker. Let's find a way to watch the game, and that's what we're doing."

Source: G1