Donald Trump is poised to become the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. This visit brings heavy security measures at Madison Square Garden, where fans face extensive safety checks. The New York Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service established barriers to control traffic near the arena hours before Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. The atmosphere mirrored that of New Year’s Eve in Times Square.

With security similar to airport protocols expected, fans were advised to arrive two hours in advance. Entry required showing a ticket or pass at various checkpoints and passing through a TSA-style magnetometer. Large crowds gathered early, forming long lines outside even before the doors opened. Trump’s visit led to a cancellation of an outdoor watch party and enforced a no-bag policy for ticket holders.

The Knicks, in their first NBA Finals since 1999, attracted large crowds near the arena during their playoff run. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch explained that the presidential visit necessitated the suspension of outside watch parties for Game 3. She assured fans that these would resume for Game 4. Tisch noted that New Yorkers, familiar with presidential visits, expect such lockdowns.

This isn’t the first time Trump’s presence at sporting events has created challenges for fans. At last year’s U.S. Open men’s singles final, many missed the start due to long security checks, despite a delayed match start. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson remarked on Trump’s attendance: “Cool, I guess. We can still get out there and play.”

Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other officials are also set to attend. Given the steep ticket prices for the finals, many fans must opt for watching at bars and parties around the city. Mamdani secured a standing-room-only ticket for $1,000. Though security shifted the main watch party away from Madison Square Garden, Knicks guard Jose Alvarado expressed confidence in New Yorkers finding ways to watch the game.