The New York Knicks’ recent winning streak hit a snag, but the team isn’t the only one facing obstacles. Madison Square Garden finds itself in a bind, as the NYPD has put a halt to its popular outdoor watch parties. This decision comes ahead of Monday’s NBA playoff game, as authorities crack down on disruptive fan behavior that has spilled onto city sidewalks.
Sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that MSG’s application for permits to host the Eastern Conference Finals Game 4 watch party was outright denied by the city’s Street Activity Permit Office. The refusal echoes the NYPD’s frustration, as officers have made it clear they won’t support these events until fans demonstrate better self-control.
“During Games 1 and 2, we encountered increasing issues at the MSG watch parties, resulting in six arrests just last night,” an NYPD spokesperson stated, highlighting the department’s decision to withdraw support for future events outside the arena. However, they remain open to considering requests for gatherings at alternative venues, such as Summer Stage in Central Park.
Throughout the playoffs, Madison Square Garden has been a focal point for Knicks enthusiasts, with the arena screening games on enormous outdoor displays. Fans have been flocking to these events, paying approximately $10 to gain access to a designated party area, as they cheer on their beloved basketball team.
“But we will continue to review requests to support parties at alternate sites, like Summer Stage,” the spokesperson added, referring to Central Park’s outdoor amphitheater.
The Midtown arena has broadcast Knicks games on massive outdoor screens as the city’s home basketball team battled its way through the playoffs this month, with attendees paying a roughly $10 ticket to enter a cordoned off party area.
But behavior among the crowds gathered on the sidewalks nearby have grown increasingly debauched amid the spectacle.
Pushing, shouting and all-out brawls have cropped up, while frightening scenes of shoving crowds mobbing the sidewalks have circulated online.
As many as 6,000 people have congregated around the parties, with many seen jumping police barriers, drinking in the streets, blocking traffic and drinking in the streets.
Despite Monday’s cancellation, Saturday’s game 3 party — where proceeds will benefit charity — is still on.
The party problems come just weeks after Mayor Mamdani announced the city would have free viewing parties when the soccer World Cup comes to New Jersey across June and July.
Those parties will be held in open outdoor spaces like the Rockefeller Center, the National Tennis Center in Queens, Bronx Terminal Market and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Madison Square Park declined to comment on its permit problems.
