Trump Visit Leads to Cancellation of Knicks Finals Watch Party

NEW YORK (AP) — A planned outdoor watch party for New York Knicks fans outside Madison Square Garden was canceled ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals after law enforcement officials determined that enhanced security measures required for President Donald Trump's attendance could not accommodate the event. The New York Police Department said the decision was made in coordination with the U.S. Secret Service and applies only to Monday night's game between the Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.

The cancellation ends plans for thousands of fans to gather at Plaza33, the public space adjacent to Madison Square Garden, where previous watch parties drew large crowds during the Knicks' playoff run. Authorities said additional street closures, crowd-control measures and protective security operations surrounding the president's visit made it impractical to hold the event safely. Fans attending the game were advised to arrive at least two hours before tipoff because of expanded screening procedures and increased security checkpoints.

The Knicks return home holding a 2-0 lead over the Spurs in the franchise's first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. City officials said other team-sanctioned watch parties at venues including Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl would proceed as scheduled. The NYPD indicated that outdoor watch parties near Madison Square Garden are expected to resume for Game 4, while officials continue coordinating security operations for one of the highest-profile sporting events held in New York in recent years.

Sources: Information from The Associated Press, ESPN, The New York Times, ABC7 New York, Reuters and Fox 5 New York.