New York City is decked out in orange and blue as the New York Knicks return home for Game 3 of the NBA Finals. But the highly anticipated matchup is also bringing heightened security measures and major disruptions around Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n
Watch parties typically held outside the arena are canceled for the night as President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend the game.<\/p>\n
Instead, thousands of fans are being directed to city-run viewing events at Bryant Park, Wollman Rink and Brooklyn Bowl.<\/p>\n
The NYPD said it coordinated with the Secret Service to implement what officials described as proactive safety measures. <\/p>\n
Trump and Mayor Zohran Mamdani are both expected to watch the game inside the Garden.<\/p>\n
Ticket prices surged into the thousands of dollars, even for upper-level seats, drawing attention to how much the mayor paid and where he would be seated. <\/p>\n
Mamdani said he purchased his ticket directly from Madison Square Garden.<\/p>\n
\u201cI bought my tickets for nearly $1,000 from MSG,\u201d he said. \u201cI will be going to tonight\u2019s Game 3, and I\u2019ll be standing for the duration of the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
The mayor did not specify when he bought the tickets, but had previously told reporters he planned to attend.<\/p>\n
Streets between West 30th and West 35th streets, from Sixth to Eighth avenues, will be closed from 4 p.m. and throughout the duration of the game as part of a security perimeter established by the NYPD and Secret Service.<\/p>\n
Only individuals with game tickets, train tickets or valid business credentials were permitted inside the restricted zone. <\/p>\n
Everyone entering the area, including commuters and people visiting bars and restaurants, will go through TSA-style security screenings conducted by the NYPD.<\/p>\n