See new MSG security wall for Trump, NBA Finals Game 3 in New York
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The NBA has warned fans that United States President Donald Trump's expected appearance at NBA Finals Game 3 would lead to extra security measures, and they're already visible around Madison Square Garden nearly 12 hours before the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs tip off on Monday, June 8.

A security wall around the perimeter of the "World's Most Famous Arena" in midtown Manhattan appears to now be in place, according to multiple videos and photos on social media that surfaced Monday morning. NYPD officials said during a news conference about 12 hours before the scheduled start time for Game 3 that the police's security perimeter will run from W 35th Street to W 30th Street between 6th Ave. and 8th Ave. around Madison Square Garden.

All fans will encounter TSA-style magnetometer screening before entering the arena, according to Matt McCool of the U.S. Secret Service, who encouraged those attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals to arrive at MSG at least two hours before Monday's 8:30 p.m. ET tip.

Security perimeter has been installed ahead of Game 3 of NBA Finals at MSG pic.twitter.com/ARC6vnYUq1

— TickPick (@TickPick) June 8, 2026

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"The Secret Service's focus is straightforward," McCool said, "to ensure everyone attending the game can enjoy the game and have a safe experience while we carry out our responsibility to protect the President of the United States. To enforce that mission, there will be enhanced law enforcement and security presence in and around Madison Square Garden."

Starting at 4 p.m. ET, according to the NYPD, only those with a ticket to the game or a train ticket, going to a store, or proper credentials for another authorized reason to be there will be allowed into the secure area. There are five designated screening areas in which to enter the security perimeter. Backpacks, bags and alcohol will not be permitted inside the perimeter, aside from travelers going to Penn Station.

Federal law enforcement will be visible throughout Madison Square Garden, with drones and anti-drone technology in use to protect and reassure fans at the game.

McCool emphasized that "we do not want you to miss tip off" on Monday while emphasizing an early arrival to the game.

"The message is simple," Tisch said. "Celebrate the Knicks, but avoid the MSG area tonight if you do not have tickets to the game or some other valid reason to be there."

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A planned watch party for Game 3 outside Madison Square Garden has been canceled, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed, though there are plans for the watch party to return for Game 4 on Wednesday. McCool emphasized there will be a "strict no-bag policy" inside Madison Square Garden on Monday.

Nearly 7,000 fans showed up at Madison Square Garden to watch New York's 105-104 victory in San Antonio during Game 2 and authorities said 26 people were detained, with 17 arrested and charged.

pic.twitter.com/koubqUbpIy

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 6, 2026

There was an attempted assassination of Trump on April 25 at the White House Correspondents Dinner, which abruptly ended after a gunman stormed a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton and opened fire at U.S. Secret Service agents. Trump also attended the U.S. Open tennis final in New York in September 2025 and the long security lines outside Arthur Ashe Stadium forced event organizers to push back the start of the match about 30 minutes.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: See new MSG security wall for Trump at NBA Finals Game 3 in Manhattan



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