President Donald Trump’s visit to the NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on Monday night has transformed the venue into a fortress, with the Secret Service, TSA, and NYPD working together to ensure the president’s safety.

Enhanced Security Measures

The first NBA Finals game at MSG since 1999 has seen a massive security presence, with everyone from media to fans being told to arrive early due to the thorough security protocols in place. The Secret Service and TSA are being thorough with their checks upon entry, and a walk through a standard metal detector is also required.

Fans can expect longer wait times as security and law enforcement personnel perform their duties to the highest standard. A security fence has been put up around the arena, and NYPD has announced that vehicles and pedestrian traffic will be closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue at 4 p.m.

The NYPD is already out in force in the area, ready to enforce the protocols. Watch parties in the area have been canceled due to security concerns for Trump’s visit. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the decision was made in coordination with the Secret Service, citing the need for lockdowns in areas where the president is present.

MSG has pushed back on the NYPD’s stance, saying that the permit was denied by local city officials rather than Trump’s presence. Trump has attended numerous sporting events since beginning his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans and the Daytona 500.

Fans attending the game can expect long queues and thorough checks before watching the New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs. The game is set to start at 8:30 p.m. ET, and fans are advised to arrive early to avoid delays.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.