The Knicks are in the NBA Finals, New York is absolutely losing its mind, and fans looking for a place to scream at every Jalen Brunson bucket tonight officially have a new game plan.
Though the outdoor watch party outside Madison Square Garden was canceled, New York did what New York always does when plans change: it found another way. Bryant Park is stepping in to keep the city’s Knicks fever alive, transforming its iconic Midtown lawn into a massive Game 3 watch party just hours before tipoff.
The Knicks are in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 and chasing their first championship since 1973. Tonight’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs also marks the team’s first Finals game at home in more than a quarter century–a moment fans across the city have been waiting decades to see.
As for the Bryant Park watch party, expect thousands of fans, plenty of orange-and-blue energy, and the kind of electric atmosphere that only happens when an entire city is locked into the same game. Here’s everything Knicks fans need to know.
Bryant Park Watch Party
For fans looking to cheer, stress, celebrate, second-guess every coaching decision, and high-five complete strangers after a clutch basket, Bryant Park is the place to be tonight.
The watch party is free and open to the public, with capacity for up to 5,000 fans. One important thing to know before heading over: registration is required.
Details on how to reserve tickets are expected to be released online at 12 pm. Organizers are encouraging fans to register as soon as spots become available.
Announcing the new watch party location, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said:
These watch parties have become a celebration of New York City itself. From every borough and every neighborhood, this city has come together to cheer on the Knicks and share in a moment that belongs to all of us. That’s why we’re adding Bryant Park as an additional watch party location, so even more fans can be part of this incredible Knicks Finals run.
Given the Knicks’ historic Finals appearance and the last-minute venue change, demand is expected to be high.
Why Was the MSG Watch Party Canceled?
The watch party planned outside Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals was canceled due to heightened security surrounding President Donald Trump’s attendance at the game.
Fans with tickets to the game itself should also expect additional security measures, including airport-style screening procedures, earlier arrival recommendations, and restrictions on bags entering the venue.
According to the NYPD, outdoor watch parties are expected to resume outside Madison Square Garden for Game 4 on Wednesday, June 10.
Other Knicks Watch Parties Around NYC
Can’t make it to Bryant Park? Fans will still have plenty of options across the city.
Additional watch parties are planned in Central Park and at Brooklyn Bowl, while bars throughout the five boroughs are expected to be packed with fans following every possession, every three-pointer, and every heart-stopping fourth quarter moment.
Whether you’re lucky enough to be inside Madison Square Garden or watching from a lawn chair in Bryant Park, one thing is certain: New York will be locked in for Game 3 tonight.
