The Knicks are coming back to New York City for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night — and ecstatic fans are expected to gather across the city to cheer on the red-hot team.
City and federal authorities have ruled out a watch party outside Madison Square Garden for Monday's game. The NYPD told Gothamist the decision was made in coordination with the Secret Service because of President Donald Trump's visit.
Last week, thousands of jubilant Knicks fans, captivated by the team's historic playoff run, converged at Central Park and outside of MSG for watch parties and impromptu celebrations.
People in the boisterous crowds danced, climbed on each other’s shoulders and hoisted a larger-than-life painting of star point guard Jalen Brunson’s face after the Knicks’ Game 1 win over the San Antonio Spurs. NYPD officers said some of the rowdiness was criminal, and arrested several people near MSG.
A similar scene occurred on Friday night outside of MSG after the Knicks squeaked out a 105-104 victory in Game 2. An estimated 6,500 people gathered outside of the arena and the NYPD said 26 people were arrested.
Crowd safety experts who spoke to Gothamist said fans should take advantage of the moment and celebrate with fellow New Yorkers if they are so inspired. They also offered tips on staying safe in the charged, sometimes euphoric atmosphere.
Look both ways
While there won't be a watch party outside Madison Square Garden on Monday night, city officials said fans can gather at watch parties in Central Park and at Brooklyn Bowl. Officials have said the restriction applies only to the area immediately surrounding Madison Square Garden.
A spokesperson for the NYPD said the department expects watch parties outside Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4 on Wednesday.
Steve Adelman, a lawyer and crowd safety expert, said his primary concern for the crowds outside of Madison Square Garden is traffic on nearby streets.
“Pedestrians and moving vehicles don't mix,” Adelman said. “So 7,000 unexpected people crowding around the Garden makes for a situation where there are pedestrians who are in harm's way unless traffic is blocked or diverted.”
He added that the risk of a driver hitting a celebrating fan could likely be mitigated by police setting up clear barricades to keep people away from traffic.
Adelman said watch parties in open areas like Central Park, if city officials authorize them later in the series, won't carry the same traffic risk and could be a good option for fans attending with children.
Lightning can strike
Adelman said his second-largest concern is the threat of fans ignoring inclement weather like a lightning storm if they’re too consumed with the moment.
“If there is a lightning storm outside and the game is still going on inside, fans are gonna be reluctant to leave and take shelter,” he said.
'Hooliganism'
Paul Wertheimer, another crowd safety expert, said Knicks fans should be on guard for bad behavior in the large crowds of revelers.
“Hooliganism is the problem,” he said. “A small group of people putting the crowd in general in danger … fights, vandalism, assaults, assaults on police, thefts.”
He said fans should be aware of their surroundings and have a plan if something in a crowd feels threatening or uncomfortable.
“Better not to be drunk when you're in these kinds of crowds,” Wertheimer said. “Just have a good time and be aware of your surroundings.”
He noted there’s a long history of celebrations at sporting events “spinning out of control,” and said fans should be prepared for potential rowdiness even if the atmosphere is peaceful.
Plainclothes and uniformed officers
Police presence outside MSG during previous games has been extensive and there’s no indication it will pull back.
In addition to the usual game-day security, fans attending Monday night's game should expect heightened screening because Trump plans to attend. The Knicks and U.S. Secret Service have said spectators should expect airport-style screening and should not bring bags into the arena.
Last week, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told the City Council that the department will spend tens of millions of dollars on overtime to police special events, including the Knicks games and the upcoming World Cup.
Ty Richmond, a security executive who oversees event services at the security firm Allied Universal, said the department's response to something like the Madison Square Garden crowds will likely be extensive and include a partnership with the private sector.
He said he expected NYPD officers to do crowd and vehicle control and expected plainclothes and uniformed officers to be on hand.
If officials announce watch parties elsewhere in the city, Richmond suggested fans read up on the rules for those events to understand things like bag policies, prohibited items and emergency exits.
Richmond recommended that New Yorkers going about their daily routine amid the crowds manage their time accordingly and stay aware of their surroundings.
New Yorkers should employ the same heightened awareness if they encounter game-related crowds on the subway, Richmond said.
“Just be cognizant of the environment and what is occurring when you have large, high-energy crowds,” Richmond said.