N.B.A. Finals Watch Parties Set for Knicks Game 5

The New York Knicks will host a watch party for Game 5 of the N.B.A. finals on Saturday evening, welcoming 3,000 fans outside Madison Square Garden. This decision comes after missing a previous game due to disagreements over security protocols with the city and the Police Department.

The Knicks, having won three games in the series against the San Antonio Spurs, could secure their first championship in over 50 years this Saturday. Enthusiasm surrounding the team’s success has led to some law enforcement challenges, resulting in several arrests and injuries to officers during fan clashes. Despite this, the overall celebrations have remained largely peaceful across the city.

During Games 3 and 4 at Madison Square Garden, the Police Department implemented a ‘frozen zone’ around the arena. This area required screenings for fans and pedestrians going to Penn Station and nearby businesses. The upcoming Game 5 watch party will also feature such a zone, though details on its timing and extent are not yet available. The game in San Antonio starts at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time.

How to Attend an Official Game 5 Watch Party

• Plaza33: Tickets are necessary for the watch party outside Madison Square Garden. Registration starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, and you must arrive by 8:30 p.m.
• Radio City Music Hall: Tickets cost $10, benefiting the team’s Garden of Dreams Foundation. Sales begin at 10 a.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m.
• Wollman Rink, Central Park: This free event requires registration, beginning at 10 a.m. Gates open at 7 p.m.

Additionally, over 100 LinkNYC kiosks will stream Game 5 throughout the city. Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated these kiosks will transform sidewalks into watch parties, creating communal celebrations in the streets.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates on this story.