politics
City Denies Madison Square Garden Permits for Knicks Watch Party
New York City officials rejected Madison Square Garden's request to host an outdoor viewing party for Monday's NBA playoff game. Police cited recent disorder at prior events as the reason for the denial.
May 22, 6:46 PM·1m read1 source
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Madison Square Garden was denied permits to hold its usual outdoor watch party for Monday's Eastern Conference Finals Game 4, according to sources familiar with the decision. The city's Street Activity Permit Office made the determination after the NYPD declined to provide support.
A police department spokesperson stated that Games 1 and 2 produced progressively more problematic behavior, including six arrests at the most recent event. The department said it would not support additional watch parties outside the arena unless conditions improve.
The NYPD reported that crowds of up to 6,000 people gathered outside the arena during recent games. Officers observed individuals jumping police barriers, drinking in the streets, and blocking traffic. Video footage circulated online showing pushing, shouting, and physical altercations among spectators. Police described the scenes as increasingly disorderly.
The police spokesperson said the department would continue to review requests for events at alternate sites, including Summer Stage in Central Park. Saturday's Game 3 watch party remains scheduled and will direct proceeds to charity. Madison Square Garden declined to comment on the permit denial.
The city has separately announced plans for free viewing parties during the soccer World Cup in June and July at locations including Rockefeller Center and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
