Donald Trump has promised (threatened?) to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals, presenting a unique security concern for Madison Square Garden.
After the first two games of the NBA Finals were held in San Antonio, the series will shift to New York City as the Knicks host the Spurs for Games 3 and 4. Madison Square Garden is usually star-studded, with Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Timothee Chalamet, and other A-listers always seen courtside.
For Game 3, however, one guest will change the entire atmospshere.
For the first time since 2015, a sitting president will attend an NBA Game. After going to the College Football National Championship and Super Bowl, Donald Trump has penciled in the NBA Finals as his next sporting event. New York, of course, is a very liberal city, having just elected Zohran Mamdani as mayor, so Trump's appearance is expected to draw some extra attention.
While Trump sitting courtside doesn't seem feasible, the Secret Service and Garden staff will be going all out, affecting the fan experience for everyone in the building.
How NBA Is Preparing for Trump's Arrival
The Knicks haven't hosted a Finals game since 1999, and Trump didn't seem sympathetic about ticket prices.
“They can watch it on television,” said Trump when asked about the $8,000 cost on the secondary market for tickets. “It’s sort of semi-free to watch it on television. That’s the way life goes.”
Of course, no expense will be spared to get him into the building. The irony, it seems, is lost on POTUS.
In addition to the increased security in the building, fans can expect a TSA-like experience upon arrival. Outside, the Knicks boast one of the best fan environments, with crowds and watch parties often hugging the arena. On Monday, instead of a rowdy, everyman-atmosphere, watch parties are expected to be moved off-premises, and Seventh and Eighth Avenues are expected to be closed. It remains to be seen if the subway system is closed in the area as well.
In years past, NBA figures, notably former Spurs' coach Gregg Popovich, have been critical of Trump and his regime. NBA players, typically, lean left, although Mitchell Robinson seems motivated by Trump's appearance.
While Trump is restricting who is allowed in and around the building, Mayor Mamdani is expected to attend as well, although his track record suggests he will be in the nosebleeds with the voters, not in a luxury box surrounded by cronies.
