New York Knicks fans hoping to gather outside Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals will have to change their plans.

A planned watch party at Plaza33 in New York City was not approved, leaving thousands of fans without an official outdoor space to celebrate one of the team's biggest playoff moments in decades.

Knicks Watch Party Denied

The decision comes as the Knicks prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs with a 2-0 lead in the series. Instead of filling the streets with fans, the city has restricted the event area, citing security concerns tied to President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to Madison Square Garden.

According to the New York Police Department, the decision was made in coordination with the Secret Service due to the increased security footprint surrounding the presidential visit. A spokesperson said no watch parties will be allowed outside MSG for Game 3 only, but noted that gatherings are expected to return for Game 4, FoxNews reported.

"There will be no watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only. This was done fully in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit," the NYPD said.

Madison Square Garden officials offered a different explanation, saying the permit for the Plaza33 event was denied by the city's permitting office, not directly because of the president's attendance. MSG also stated that other outdoor viewing options may still be considered in coordination with city officials.

"The permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied by the City's permitting office in consultation with the NYPD," MSG said. "However, the White House will confirm that this is not about the President."

Knicks Fans Face Confusion Over Game 3

The situation has created confusion for fans who were expecting a large public gathering during one of the Knicks' most important playoff runs in years.

New York has not reached the NBA Finals since 1999, and excitement has surged across the city as the team builds momentum in the series.

According to NBC News, the New York Knicks have won 13 straight games heading into Monday night's matchup, including dominant playoff runs through the Eastern Conference. But while anticipation is high, the usual outdoor celebration space near MSG will remain closed for this game.

Security measures around Madison Square Garden have also been increased, including stricter screening procedures and restrictions on bags for fans attending inside the arena.

Fans have been advised to arrive early and prepare for additional checkpoints due to Secret Service protocols.

Some city officials and organizers pointed to overlapping security plans involving the president and other public figures as the reason for the restrictions, while others emphasized that permit rules simply were not met for the event.