The Knicks watch party at Madison Square Garden is back for Game 4, but with much tighter security — a “frozen zone” that extends even beyond the one seen earlier this week for the president’s attendance.
Fans aren’t pleased. Neither is Knicks’ owner James Dolan.
The Madison Square Garden executive chairman and CEO released a searing statement late Tuesday, after the protocol for Plaza 33 was announced.
It calls Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch “New York City’s biggest party poopers,” and accuses the officials of trying to quash fans’ palpable “joy and happiness.”
“We now know these restrictions were never about the President – it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate,” Dolan said. “The complete closing of areas around MSG is going to affect not only the celebration but also all the small businesses that rely on Garden fans for their livelihood.”
“These celebrations are part of the heart and soul of New Yorkers,” the statement continued. “The actions of the mayor and police commissioner, supposedly in support of the Knicks and their fans, are difficult to understand. We urge them to lift these restrictions and embrace the love of the team.”
Neither Mamdani nor Tisch have commented on Dolan’s slam. Both talked about the watch party earlier.
Things got out of hand after a massive watch party at Bryant Park for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where a fight ultimately broke out and police had to use pepper spray on the crowd. Nearly two dozen were taken into custody, with eight charged and several officers hurt. NBC New York’s Andrew Siff reports.
Tisch said to expect “New Year’s Eve-level security.” Mamdani, who acknowledged fans got out of hand outside Bryant Park Monday, says the city won’t let this “historic, joyful moment” to be disrupted by violence.
The MSG group did not address Monday night’s official Knicks watch party at Bryant Park, which became violent as hordes of people stopped traffic on 42nd Street.
Five officers were hurt, according to police, and 21 people were taken into custody in the melee.
There are additional watch parties Wednesday at Wollman Rink in Central Park, as well as at Brooklyn Bowl.
What are the traffic rules for MSG tonight?
Only those with tickets will be allowed to attend, and everyone in attendance will have to go through security screening at the location, the NYPD said.
Those attending can only go through an access point on the west side of Sixth Avenue at West 33rd Street. Anyone who leaves the designated watch party area will not be allowed to re-enter, according to police.
The security perimeter will go from 29th Street to 35th Street between Sixth and Eighth avenues. Starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, that area will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Eighth Avenue will remain open to vehicles, but it could be closed off if police deem it necessary.
The NYPD advised fans to avoid the area, unless they are going to the game or have business in the area. The only people who will be allowed into the restricted zone after 4 p.m. will be those with a ticket to the game, a train ticket, are going to a restaurant or bar in the area, live in the area, are credentialed, or have another authorized reason to be there.
Those looking to access the secured area can enter at:
- The west side of Sixth Avenue at West 33rd Street. This is also where those with tickets to the watch party will enter.
- The west side of Sixth Avenue at West 32nd Street.
- The west side of Eighth Avenue at West 33rd Street.
- The northeast corner of Eighth Avenue and West 30th Street.
An important note on what is allowed: No backpacks, bags, umbrellas or alcohol will be allowed inside the secured area. The only exception will be for travelers using Penn Station to leave or enter the city, though their bags will still be screened, according to police.
The Knicks already announced a strict no-bag policy, and fans are urged to take as little as possible. The team also said there would be no storage at MSG for prohibited items brought to the arena. See the list.
Bars and restaurants inside the security perimeter will be able to operate with strict capacity limits. Anyone looking to go to one of the bars or restaurants will have to be screened as well.
News 4’s Charles Watson reports from Madison Square Garden
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
