Knicks fans angry over disruption caused by Trump Game 3 attendance

Enhanced screening, street closures and early arrival requirements for Game 3 of the NBA Finals have prompted mixed reactions from Knicks supporters ahead of President Donald Trump’s planned appearance at Madison Square Garden.

The Knicks confirmed Saturday that enhanced, Secret Service-coordinated security measures, including airport-style screening and a strict no-bag policy, will be in place when Trump, a longtime Knicks fan, attends Monday’s game at the invitation of team owner James Dolan.

While some fans have criticized the expected disruption, others have dismissed those concerns and argued that the visit reflects the significance of the Knicks’ return to the NBA Finals.

If Trump attends as planned, he would become the first sitting U.S. president to attend a Finals game, according to the NBA. He has already attended a number of major sporting events during his second term, including the 2025 Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and Ryder Cup.

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani may also be planning on attending, according to various reports.

Newsweek contacted the White House and the Knicks press office outside of regular working hours on Sunday via email for comment.

Why Security Is Being Tightened

The heightened precautions reflect both the standard security procedure for a sitting president and specific concerns tied to Trump’s recent history—he has been the victim of multiple reported threats and attempted assassinations since the start of his second term as president.

According to the post shared by the Knicks on X, fans will be required to:

• Arrive at least two hours before tipoff
• Comply with a strict no-bag policy, with no on-site storage for prohibited items
• Pass through “TSA-style” screening procedures, similar to airport security
• Navigate street closures and restricted access zones around the arena

The team said the measures were being coordinated with the U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies.

Some Fans Worry About The Impact

The announcement of these measures prompted some backlash among Knicks fans. The X account @MSG_Rocking, a user with over 3,000 followers, wrote on X: “Trump forcing everyone else to arrive two hours early just so he can attend is going to suck all the energy out of the Garden and kill our home court advantage, and I’m not kidding.”

American sports journalist Stephen Smith, a Knicks fan, has spoken out against Trump’s planned attendance to the game as well. “I have a problem with any politician—any politician—that shows up, causes delays and interferes with these watch parties buzzing all over NYC. It’s not political. It’s about the @nyknicks and the vibe this city has going,” he wrote on X.

He added: “Anyone who messes with that needs to not show up. It’s not about politics.”

Others Say Criticism Is Overblown

However, others on X have defended the president’s attendance to the game and dismissed the criticism.

The X account @KnicksCentral, which has more than 10,000 followers, wrote: “If Trump is somehow ruining your fun of this Knicks run to a Title you are not a real Knick fan. I am no Trump guy, never voted for him and never will BUT idgaf that he will be at this game. This is what happens when you get in the big leagues…Presidents sometimes come to games.”

Another user, @morelikemensa, who has more than 2,000 followers on X, wrote: “Game 3 of the NBA Finals just became a major event in American history. This is what we mean when we say nobody moves the culture like the Knicks.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also welcomed the development, saying he was “thrilled” by the president’s participation and suggested the moment highlighted the ability of sports to bring people together.

Trump’s Previous Sport Event Appearances

Trump has made a number of appearances at major sporting events during his second term as president, which also sparked similar security measures.

Trump’s attendance at the 2025 U.S. Open men’s final in New York triggered heightened Secret Service screening. Thousands of fans were reportedly delayed entering Arthur Ashe Stadium, many seats remained empty at the start, and organizers postponed the match’s start time to allow more spectators to get through security.

Spectators of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black also encountered major congestion and airport-style security checks. Reports said many fans missed the opening tee shots despite arriving early, with some abandoning shuttle buses and walking to the course because of delays.

Game 3 marks the Knicks’ first NBA Finals home game since 1999, with the team holding a 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs. The game is on Monday, June 8, with tipoff at 8.30 p.m. local time.

This article contains reporting by The Associated Press.