NEW YORK (TNND) — Madison Square Garden dubbed New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch "party poopers" for deciding to implement the same security restrictions around the Knicks' arena on Wednesday that were put in place for President Donald Trump's visit to the NBA Finals.
Officials opted to keep the Game 4 watch party outside MSG, but on a smaller scale. The venue voiced its frustration over the decision to impose "the same 'frozen zone' restrictions for Game 4, which were supposedly to thwart any threats related to the President's attendance."
"We know these restrictions were never about the President — it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate," MSG said in a statement.
The venue also argued that shutting down areas around the arena would hurt small businesses that rely on game-day crowds for their livelihood.
"These celebrations are part of the heart and soul of New Yorkers," the statement continued. "The actions of the Mayor and Police Commissioner, supposedly in support of the Knicks and their fans, are difficult to understand. We urge them to lift these restrictions and embrace the love of the team."
Mamdani acknowledged the ticketed MSG watch party for Game 4 and called it a "historic, joyful moment for our city" that would not be "disrupted by violence."
Mamdani's comments came after Knicks fans clashed with NYPD officers following a Game 3 watch party outside Bryant Park on Monday.
As brawls broke out, police officers in riot gear rushed to control the crowd, deploying pepper spray.
Fans climbed onto parked cars while chanting, "We want Wemby!" One person set fire to a Spurs T-shirt, and a group chased a San Antonio fan across the street.
The NYPD said 21 people were taken into custody during the unrest. Eight were arrested and charged, while 13 others were released with criminal court summonses.
The enhanced security measures used during Trump's visit included closing a five-block stretch of Midtown to both pedestrian and vehicle traffic and requiring all attendees to pass through TSA-style magnetometer screenings before entering the arena.
Knicks owner James Dolan invited Trump to Game 3, making him the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.
Some fans reacted negatively to the president's appearance, loudly booing Trump when he appeared on the Jumbotron during the national anthem.
Trump downplayed the reaction after the game, telling reporters, "It was, I think, mostly cheers," adding, "It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic."