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The first NBA Finals game played at Madison Square Garden (MSG) since 1999 came with a massive security presence, as President Donald Trump will attend the Game 3 matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
Since Trump became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, everyone from media to fans who wanted to enter “The Garden” was told to arrive early, as safety protocols would be much more thorough than normal.
Fox News Digital was among the group of media waiting around MSG, and can confirm that waits will likely be long with enhanced security involving the Secret Service, TSA and likely more as fans are allowed into the building.
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Members of the U.S. Secret Service walk along the perimeter of a security fence outside Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026 in New York City. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
For the media, who are allowed bags and equipment for work compared to fans who must adhere to a strict no-bag policy on Monday night, the Secret Service and TSA were being thorough with their checks upon entry. Next was going through the standard metal detector and that was it.
Fans could experience more when the doors open two hours before the 8:30 p.m. ET kickoff at MSG, but there are sure to be longer wait times as security and law enforcement personnel ensure they perform their duties at the highest level.
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The scene around the arena was a shock to Monday morning commuters, but it made sense considering the circumstances. A security fence was placed around the arena, while the NYPD announced that vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue at 4 p.m.
Thus, no one without a ticket, credential or business within the restricted area will be able to enter. The NYPD was already en masse in the area, as captured by Fox News Digital, ready to enforce protocols.
New York police officers crowd around Madison Square Garden as heightened security protocols are implemented with President Donald Trump's expected attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals. (Fox News)
Additionally, viewing parties in the area were canceled, with the NYPD claiming it was due to security for Trump's visit.
“The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we would not be able to support viewing parties right outside the Garden,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a news conference. “We hope to bring back viewing parties for Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents coming to town and understand that that usually means area closures and that's what you'll see tonight at the Garden.”
MSG rejected the NYPD's stance, saying the permit was denied by local city officials and not because of Trump's presence.
A Secret Service sign is displayed on a security fence at Madison Square Garden in New York City before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on June 8, 2026. (Adam Gray/Getty Images)
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Trump has attended numerous sporting events since beginning his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500 and the Ryder Cup.
Either way, fans with the privilege of attending MSG for Game 3 at astronomical ticket prices will need to prepare for long lines and be ready to be thoroughly searched before watching Jalen Brunson and the Knicks take on Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs once again.
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