Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Knicks Game 4 watch party returns outside MSG with ticketed entry, security zone
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 9, 2026
Modified Jun 9, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jun 9, 2026
Modified Jun 9, 2026
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
New York Knicks fans will once again be able to watch the game inside and outside Madison Square Garden despite objections from MSG Sports over the city's expanded security plan.
A ticketed watch party will take place at Plaza33, just west of Madison Square Garden, for Wednesday night's Game 4 matchup against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, according to the NYPD.
The Knicks are making their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. After opening the series with back-to-back victories, New York lost Game 3 to San Antonio 115-111 on Monday. The Knicks still lead the series 2-1.
There was no watch party outside MSG for Game 3 because of heightened security measures related to President Donald Trump's attendance. Instead, the city hosted a watch party in Bryant Park.
The expanded security plan comes after police arrested 21 people after Monday night's game, when thousands of Knicks fans filled Midtown streets after the loss.
Authorities said parts of the crowd became rowdy, with some fans fighting, climbing on structures and vehicles and clashing with officers. In one instance, police said a group attacked a 39-year-old Spurs fan after the game, allegedly punching and kicking him before stealing his jersey.
Fans must have a ticket to attend Wednesday's watch party, the NYPD said. Registration information is available through the Knicks' playoff watch party page.
Attendees will enter through a screening checkpoint on the west side of Sixth Avenue at West 33rd Street beginning at 4:30 p.m. Once inside, there will be no reentry, police said.
The NYPD is also establishing a security perimeter around Madison Square Garden, stretching from West 29th Street to West 35th Street between Sixth and Eighth avenues.
Starting at 4 p.m., Seventh Avenue within that zone will be closed to vehicle traffic and most pedestrian traffic. Eighth Avenue will remain open but could close if conditions require it.
An MSG Sports spokesperson criticized the security plan, saying it would unnecessarily limit celebrations by Knicks fans and hurt businesses that rely on game-day crowds around the arena.
Anyone entering the secure area will be screened. Access will be limited to people with game tickets, train tickets, business inside the perimeter, area residents, credentialed workers and others with authorized reasons to be there.
Businesses inside the perimeter, including bars and restaurants, will be allowed to operate under strict capacity limits. Backpacks, bags, alcohol and umbrellas will not be permitted inside the secure area, except for travelers heading to Penn Station with luggage needed for travel.
Additional watch parties are also planned at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl.
This story has been updated with new information from MSG Sports and the NYPD.
Tagged
manhattan
new york city
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Loss of Haitian caregivers leaves void NY nursing homes, patients will 'struggle to fill'
Trump's ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians has implications beyond the immigrant community.
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Aug 6, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
Mamdani’s childcare plan faces a hurdle: Home providers can’t earn a living
A longtime Bronx childcare owner explains how quickly her expenses stack up.
By
Karen Yi
News
Mamdani’s childcare plan faces a hurdle: Home providers can’t earn a living
A longtime Bronx childcare owner explains how quickly her expenses stack up.
By
Karen Yi
6-month-old baby found unresponsive in Brooklyn home dies, NYPD says
By
Giulia Heyward
Migrant kids, facing deportation, take on the US government alone in immigration court
By
Arya Sundaram
Brooklyn man charged with arson in destructive blaze at historic Bushwick church
By
Samantha Max
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .