Add The New York Post on Google MSG is calling a foul.
Officials at the World’s Most Famous Arena slammed “party poopers” Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch for keeping security restrictions around the Knicks’ arena – as it was revealed Game 4’s outdoor watch party will be downsized.
“The last several victories the Knicks have had have been celebrated by thousands and thousands outside MSG. The joy and happiness were palpable everywhere. Apparently Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Tisch, despite what they say, don’t want to see these celebrations happen,” MSG said in a scathing statement to The Post.
“We have been told that the NYPD will once again implement the same ‘frozen zone’ restrictions for Game 4, which were supposedly to thwart any threats related to the President’s attendance.
“We now know these restrictions were never about the President – it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate.”
The NYPD shut down a five-block stretch of Midtown to pedestrian and vehicular traffic for Monday night’s Game 3, citing President Trump’s attendance at the first Knicks home NBA Finals game in 27 yearsThe restrictions also required each person entering the so-called frozen zone to walk through metal detectors.
The NYPD confirmed Tuesday that City Hall had approved an outdoor MSG watch party for Wednesday night’s game after Monday’s was relocated to Bryant Park.
But unlike past watch parties outside the Mecca, Wednesday’s event will require tickets and “everyone attending will be screened,” an NYPD spokesperson said.
Past viewing parties outside the Garden have drawn up to 6,000 fans — but a source familiar with situation said that less than 1,000 were tickets were expected to be made available.
The department also said the same area around the Garden will be closed off from West 29th Street to 35th Street between Sixth and Eighth Avenue.
Mamdani, who attended Game 3 with a crew of New York lawmakers, confirmed Wednesday night’s “ticketed” celebration in a post to X.
“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,” he wrote.
“Be safe, take care, and celebrate responsibly. Knicks in 5,” the mayor concluded.
MSG argued the same security measures are going to damage small businesses around the arena, which rely on a flood of fans to boost business.
Garden officials called both Mamdani and Tisch “New York City’s biggest party poopers” as they urged them to reverse course.
“The complete closing of areas around MSG is going to affect not only the celebration but also all the small businesses that rely on Garden fans for their livelihood,” MSG said.
“These celebrations are part of the heart and soul of New Yorkers. The actions of the Mayor and Police Commissioner, supposedly in support of the Knicks and their fans, are difficult to understand. We urge them to lift these restrictions and embrace the love of the team.”
The watch parties have brought out thousands of Knicks fans, but have also led to spots of destruction and violence, leading to dozens of arrests during New York’s playoff run.
