Trump to attend NBA Finals with increased security measures in place

President Donald Trump arrived at Madison Square Garden just before 8 p.m. on Monday, ahead of NBA Finals Game 3.

Before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, there are increased security measures with Donald Trump attending.

Donald Trump's appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals brings strict security measures that will require fans to navigate an extensive safety perimeter around Madison Square Garden and an expected lengthy wait to enter the building.

See the new, prominent security wall and policies around the perimeter of Madison Square Garden for Donald Trump's appearance at NBA Finals Game 3.

Donald Trump is set to be the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, bringing strict security measures that will require New York Knicks fans to navigate an extensive safety perimeter around Madison Square Garden and an expected lengthy wait to get inside the building. The security for Game 3 between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs and the scene around the arena more closely resembled New Year's Eve in Times Square, and for fans, it might seem more akin to a trip to the airport. Trump’s appearance led the New York Police Department and Secret Service to establish a multi-block security perimeter around the arena, cancel a watch party outside and institute a no-bag policy for ticket-holders.

The New York Knicks will enact new security procedures for fans at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals with United States President Donald Trump expected to attend the contest.

As President Trump prepares to watch the New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, officials are planning for a heightened security posture, sources said.