President Donald Trump is set to attend the NBA Finals game between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended an NBA Finals game. The event has prompted the New York Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service to implement strict security measures, resulting in fans facing lengthy wait times and screenings to enter Madison Square Garden.

Security Measures

The security perimeter around the arena was established more than four hours before the game, with fans required to provide a ticket or pass to get past various checkpoints and pass through a Transportation Security Administration-style magnetometer. A watch party outside the arena was cancelled due to the president’s visit, and a no-bag policy was instituted for ticket-holders.

Despite the challenges, fans were determined to watch the game, with some gathering at a watch party a few blocks away from the arena. Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, a New York native, said, “We improvise. We’re New Yorkers. We’re going to find a way to watch a game, and that’s what we’re doing.”

Impact on Fans

The security measures have created major hassles for fans, with thousands missing the start of last year’s U.S. Open men’s singles final due to lengthy security lines. The difficulty of attending the game in-person has prompted fans to crowd bars, streets, and watch parties all over the city.

Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.