NYC Mayor Mamdani Unveils Ticketed Watch Party for Knicks Finals Game 4 Outside Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK — Mayor Mamdani announced on Tuesday the city's approval for a ticketed watch party for Game 4 of the NBA Finals, set to take place outside Madison Square Garden. In a post on Twitter, he expressed his excitement, stating, "We’re back outside the Garden. We have approved a ticketed MSG watch party for Game 4. More details soon. As we prepare to watch together, let me be clear: this is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence. Be safe, take care, and celebrate responsibly. Knicks in 5."

While ticket information has yet to be released, they will be distributed by Madison Square Garden itself. Access to the watch party will be restricted to ticket holders, who will enter through a designated access point at the intersection of W. 33rd St. and Sixth Ave. Attendees leaving the event will not be permitted to return.

In addition to the main event outside MSG, there will be watch parties hosted at the Wollman Rink in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl. The security measures in place will mirror those planned for Monday’s Game 3, which was canceled due to the attendance of former President Trump. The NYPD will create a security perimeter around the Garden extending from W. 29th to W. 35th Sts., between Sixth and Eighth Aves.

Beginning at 4 p.m., only individuals with tickets to the game, train tickets, credentials, local residents, or those going to nearby restaurants and bars will gain entry into this security zone. For those trying to access Moynihan Train Hall and Penn Station, entrances on the west side of Eighth Ave. at W. 31st and W. 33rd Sts. will be available.

Last month, the NYPD called off the watch parties during the Knicks' conference semifinals against the Cavaliers due to what they described as "huge, very rough crowds." However, after reassessing the situation, City Hall and the NYPD decided to permit the watch parties for the Finals, making their decision based on each game. During the Game 2 watch party, around 7,000 fans gathered outside the Garden, though the celebrations were marred by an incident involving a female officer and multiple arrests.

With the Knicks leading the series 2-1 despite losing Game 3, the anticipation for Game 4 continues to build, alongside concerns about safety and crowd control.