Knicks to host NBA Finals Game 1 watch parties outdoors after NYPD lifts ban

The city had previously denied permits for fans to gather outside Madison Square Garden following a series of arrests. David Dee Delgado / Getty ImagesJune 3, 2026 11:42 am EDT Updated New York Knicks fans can, once again, gather outside Madison Square Garden to watch their team push for an NBA title. The New York Police Department has lifted its ban on outdoor watch parties around the Knicks’ home arena, freeing the team to secure a permit for fans to gather at Plaza 33 ahead of Wednesday’s Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.The news comes after the NYPD revoked its support for outdoor watch parties outside of MSG after six fans were arrested following the Knicks’ May 21 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals. A police department spokesperson told the New York Post that an estimated 6,000 fans had crowded the streets, while some boisterous fans blocked traffic, threw glass bottles and scaled subway entrances.

Prior to Game 2 of the East finals, the Knicks had been broadcasting many of their playoff games on large outdoor screens outside the arena. In a news conference on May 26, the day after the Knicks finished off the Cavaliers to advance to the NBA Finals, New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani promised there would be “watch parties across the city” that would make it “easier” and “safe” for fans to gather, though he did not specify if the ones outside Madison Square Garden would return. The Knicks hosted an indoor watch party at Radio City Music Hall during Game 4 against the Cavaliers, though fans celebrated in the streets following New York’s victory.The Knicks are also hosting an in-arena watch party inside Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, which touts select alumni appearances and benefits the Garden of Dreams Foundation. An alternate free watch party is taking place at SummerStage in Central Park, which has a capacity of 5,000.The status for watch parties outside Madison Square Garden for the rest of the NBA Finals remains unclear.Jun 3, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms