NEW YORK — Fans and media dealt with a heavy police presence ahead of Monday’s NBA Finals game between the Knicks and Spurs at Madison Square Garden.
President Donald Trump is attending the game, becoming the first sitting president to attend a Finals game. As a result, protective fencing was erected around parts of the arena and police were stationed everywhere, with a presence stretching a few blocks away from the arena to ensure safety.
Secret Service and TSA agents were on site and helped screen fans and media on their way into the arena. Media and Garden employees entered at the Tower B entrance they usually arrive through, but first had to pass through a protective gate that was part of the perimeter fencing installed for security purposes.
REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
The Knicks announced fans would not be allowed to bring bags into the arena and were encouraged arrive up to two hours before tipoff to avoid security delays. Ticket prices for Game 3, which were starting as high as $11,000 early Saturday, dropped significantly as security protocols for the president’s attendance have helped depress the NBA Finals resale market. As of Monday afternoon, low-end, get-in prices began at less than $5,000 per ticket.
