MSG Criticizes Mayor and Police Chief Over Security Restrictions

Officials at Madison Square Garden (MSG) have expressed frustration with Mayor Zoran Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, calling them “party bastards” for their ongoing security measures around the arena. This comes in response to the New York City Police Department’s decision to limit the size of outdoor viewing events for Game 4.

In a pointed statement, MSG remarked, “The last few Knicks wins brought joy to thousands outside MSG. Clearly, Mayor Mamdani and Police Chief Tisch don’t want to see that happiness, despite their claims otherwise.”

Reports indicate that the NYPD plans to implement “freeze zone” restrictions for Game 4, likely as a precaution related to the president’s attendance. MSG claims that these measures were merely an excuse to control how Knicks fans can celebrate.

Earlier this week, New York City police restricted a five-block area in Midtown during Game 3 because of President Trump’s presence at the Knicks’ first home NBA Finals game in nearly three decades. The imposed rules included metal detectors for everyone entering the frozen zone.

On Tuesday, the NYPD confirmed that City Hall has given the green light for an outdoor viewing party for Wednesday night’s game, following Monday’s game that was relocated to Bryant Park. However, unlike past events outside the arena, the upcoming gathering requires tickets, and participants will undergo testing, according to an NYPD spokesperson.

Additionally, the same region around MSG will again be closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Mamdani, who watched Game 3 alongside city lawmakers, acknowledged the changes regarding Wednesday’s celebration in a post on X. He emphasized the importance of a safe and positive environment during this historic moment.

“Let’s enjoy this as a joyful occasion and not let it be marred by violence,” he wrote, referencing the Knicks’ fifth victory.

MSG argued that the strict security measures threaten small businesses that rely on the influx of fans. They labeled Mamdani and Tisch as “the biggest party members in New York City,” urging them to reconsider their approach.

The arena officials stated, “The total restriction around MSG impacts not just the celebrations but all local businesses that thrive on Garden patrons.” They added that these festivities are integral to New York’s spirit and called for lifting the restrictions to support the team and its fans.

While thousands of fans celebrated during the playoffs, some gatherings led to violence and destruction, resulting in multiple arrests.