long lines outside Madison Square Garden
AP Photo/Ryan Murphy
President Donald Trump’s plans to attend Monday night’s NBA Finals game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs have sparked a major security snafu that is infuriating fans entangled in long lines with tipoff less than an hour away.
This year marks the Knicks’ first appearance in the tournament in 27 years, and New Yorkers have been eagerly awaiting the chance to cheer on the hometown team after the Knicks were triumphant in the first two games in San Antonio.
However, when news broke last week that the president wanted to attend as well, it incited a wave of criticism over worries the enhanced security protocols would create a nightmare for fans and locals. Those worries proved to be well-founded when the watch party outside Madison Square Garden, as had been organized for previous games, was cancelled because of the Secret Service’s security perimeter.
The New York Times described the situation as a “Manic Monday” awaiting the city, reporting that the strict security protocols would include closing off blocks around Madison Square Garden “to most pedestrian and vehicular traffic,” limited entry points with “airport-style magnetometers,” a “strict no-bag policy,” and fans told to arrive at least two hours early.
Even two hours early may not have been enough, according to social media posts by incensed New Yorkers from outside Madison Square Garden — a few lucky ones who had made it inside and were able to document how many empty seats remained.
Tipoff is scheduled at 8:30 pm ET. A selection of posts is below.
Can confirm the security is crazy here at Madison Square Garden ahead of Game 3 between the #Spurs and Knicks.
Secret Service is handling entry for fans and media. My iPad died, and they made me plug it in to prove it turned on. Opened my Airpods cases and even flipped through… pic.twitter.com/udCzVbaS1f
— Matt Guzman (@mattgzman) June 8, 2026
They’re setting up a thick plate of glass at MSG suite 47 where Donald Trump will be sitting for Knicks Spurs game 3 pic.twitter.com/nWw5mdg0w8
— Tedd Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) June 9, 2026
Line to get into MSG perimeter (w/tickets) at 33rd and 6th already stretches to 30th St. Rumor is they aren't letting anyone in until 630.
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) June 8, 2026
These people have been waiting an hour to get into Madison Square Garden.
Here is a first person account:
“They routed everyone down to 34th and 8th.
Police barracade.
Through metal detectors to a point about 200 feet from MSG.
Then they came and apologized and said… pic.twitter.com/7Ol3m1gWX2
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 8, 2026
President Donald Trump arrives at Madison Square Garden for Game Three of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs in New York City pic.twitter.com/o2cm2OtI43
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 8, 2026
Trump arrives at MSG for Knicks Game 3. Boos from inside the bar NYPD forced me into. It’s basically empty despite Tisch saying people would be able to get to businesses. “They fucking lied, nobody is getting in,” one owner tells me. pic.twitter.com/ThA3MgxFyb
— Jack Grieve (@jackeryg) June 8, 2026
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Sarah Rumpf joined Mediaite in 2020 and is a Contributing Editor focusing on politics, law, and the media. A native Floridian, Sarah attended the University of Florida, graduating with a double major in Political Science and German, and earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the UF College of Law. Sarah's writing has been featured at National Review, The Daily Beast, Reason, Law&Crime, Independent Journal Review, Texas Monthly, The Capitolist, Breitbart Texas, Townhall, RedState, The Orlando Sentinel, and the Austin-American Statesman, and her political commentary has led to appearances on television, radio, and podcast programs across the globe. Follow Sarah on Threads, Twitter, and Bluesky.