Fans faced lines that were longer than two blocks at the entrance to Madison Square Garden, in Manhattan. A security scheme similar to that at airports was set up for the match between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, valid for game 3 of the NBA finals.
who could become the first sitting president of the United States to attend an NBA Finals game. The event led to a significant reinforcement of control measures around the arena.
Three hours before the start of the match, residents and tourists had to cross a maze of black metal fences installed near the gym. Pedestrian traffic was restricted in several parts of the region.
The Knicks returned to New York after . Riding on a 13-game winning streak in the playoffs, the team would play its first finals game at home in 27 years.
Trump expands security at Madison Square Garden
Trump’s planned presence prompted authorities to expand security protocols over the weekend. On Monday, the New York police reported that only people with an “authorized reason” could access the protected area around the arena.
The restriction covered the area between West 35th and 30th streets and Sixth and Eighth avenues, beginning four and a half hours before the game,
Anyone wishing to enter the security perimeter needed to undergo inspections and use only a few specific access points. The strict control changed the routine of the busy central Manhattan region.
Although some fans approved of the president’s visit, many complained about the inconvenience caused by the scheme. The long queues and changes in access to the arena generated criticism among those present.
Fans criticize impact of presidential visit
“I wish he wasn’t here. He’s not a real fan and he’s just making it worse,” said Errol Ismail, a Brooklyn resident and fitness business owner, after trying different entrances to access the gym.
“We waited our whole lives for this, and he turned everything into something about himself, like he does with anything else,” the fan added, showing frustration with the situation.
The Secret Service recommended that spectators arrive at least two hours in advance. Madison Square Garden, known as “the most famous arena in the world”, is located above Penn Station, the largest transportation hub in the United States.
The traditional party for fans held outside the arena during playoff games was canceled due to security concerns, New York police reported on Sunday.
Trump’s relationship with New York returns to the spotlight
Trump, who spent Monday afternoon at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, was expected to be a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan. His relationship with New York, however, remains complex.
Last year, during the US Open men’s tennis final, held in Flushing, Queens, the president received both applause and boos. At the time, many spectators missed the start of the match due to security controls.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also expected at the event. He told journalists that he bought a ticket directly from Madison Square Garden for almost US$1,000, equivalent to around R$5,180 at the current price.
Despite frequently exchanging criticisms about public policies, Mamdani and Trump have held meetings considered surprisingly friendly, according to reports cited before the match.
