President Donald Trump says he plans to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday at Madison Square Garden, a visit that would make him the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game in person.
Speaking on Thursday, Trump confirmed his intention to attend after receiving an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan.
“The answer is yes,” Trump said when asked about attending the championship matchup, adding, “He’s invited me. I’m going. It could be Monday.”
The highly anticipated Finals appearance comes as ticket prices continue to soar. According to secondary ticket marketplaces, even the least expensive seats are selling for nearly $4,000, while premium courtside locations near celebrity row have been listed for as much as $220,000.
Trump’s attendance is expected to trigger one of the most extensive security operations ever seen at an NBA game. Federal authorities, the United States Secret Service, and the New York Police Department have reportedly developed a comprehensive security plan for the event.
Fans attending the game may be required to arrive up to two hours before tip-off as additional security screening measures are implemented. Officials are expected to install dozens of magnetometers throughout the arena, similar to security arrangements used during Trump’s attendance at the U.S. Open.
The president is expected to sit in a private suite and may not remain for the entire game. His motorcade and security detail will include counter-sniper and counter-assault teams, while road closures, traffic restrictions, air support, and additional police deployments are planned around the venue.
Trump has frequently described himself as a Knicks supporter and has often praised the team publicly. The Knicks are making their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 and opened the series with a victory over the Spurs in Game 1.
The planned visit would add to a growing list of major sporting events Trump has attended during his second term, as he increasingly incorporates championship games and high-profile sporting contests into his public schedule.
Former President Barack Obama was the last sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA game, though no sitting president has previously attended an NBA Finals contest.