The New York Knicks are set to face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, June 12, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. The city is buzzing with excitement, but also preparing for the safety and security of its residents and visitors. After a thrilling Game 3 that saw the Spurs win 115-111, cutting the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1, fans are eager to gather and watch the game together.
In response to the large crowds and incidents that followed Game 3, the New York Police Department (NYPD) has announced comprehensive security measures for Game 4. These measures aim to balance the enthusiasm of Knicks fans with the need to maintain public safety and order.
The Return of Ticketed Watch Parties
After the cancellation of the watch party for Game 3 due to heightened security concerns, the city has approved a ticketed watch party for Game 4. This event will take place at Plaza33, just west of Madison Square Garden. Fans must have a ticket to attend and will be screened upon entry. The watch party will be accessible only through the screening checkpoint on the west side of Sixth Avenue at West 33rd Street, starting at 4:30 p.m.
In addition to the watch party at Plaza33, other viewing events are planned at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Brooklyn Bowl. These locations offer alternative spaces for fans to gather and enjoy the game together.
Security Measures Around Madison Square Garden
The NYPD will establish 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 this zone will be closed to vehicular and most pedestrian traffic. Eighth Avenue will remain open but could close if conditions necessitate it.
Access to the secure area will be limited to individuals with game tickets, train tickets, business inside the perimeter, area residents, credentialed workers, and others with authorized reasons to be there. Everyone entering the secure area will be screened. Screening locations will open at 4:30 p.m., and fans are advised to arrive early to allow enough time to get through the security points.
Businesses inside the perimeter, including bars and restaurants, will be allowed to operate under strict capacity limits. Certain items, such as 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.
Exiting Madison Square Garden and Transportation
Fans leaving Madison Square Garden after the game will be able to access public transit at Penn Station. Those exiting by foot or car will follow designated routes to ensure orderly dispersal. If exiting onto Eighth Avenue, fans will only be able to walk southbound on the east side of Eighth Avenue until they reach 28th Street. East and west egress from Eighth Avenue will only be possible starting at 28th Street.
For those exiting onto Seventh Avenue, fans can either walk southbound on the west side of Seventh Avenue until they reach 28th Street or walk eastbound on 32nd Street until they reach Sixth Avenue. Taxi and ride services will be accessible starting at West 28th Street and Eighth Avenue, West 28th Street and Seventh Avenue, or West 32nd Street and Sixth Avenue.
Access to transportation at Moynihan Train Hall and Penn Station, including Amtrak, LIRR, and the subway, will be available through the entrances to Moynihan Station on the west side of Eighth Avenue at 31st and 33rd Streets, which will be outside of the secure area. The NYPD does not anticipate any service changes or disruptions as a result of the security plan.
Game 4 between the Knicks and Spurs is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. Fans can watch the game on ABC 7, with the hope that the Knicks can extend their series lead and move one step closer to the championship.
