MSG is calling a foul.
Officials at the World’s Most Famous Arena slammed “party poopers” Mayor Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch for keeping security restrictions around the Knicks’ arena – as it was revealed Game 4’s outdoor watch party will be downsized.
“The last several victories the Knicks have had have been celebrated by thousands and thousands outside MSG. The joy and happiness were palpable everywhere. Apparently Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Tisch, despite what they say, don’t want to see these celebrations happen,” MSG said in a scathing statement to The Post.
“We have been told that the NYPD will once again implement the same ‘frozen zone’ restrictions for Game 4, which were supposedly to thwart any threats related to the President’s attendance.
“We now know these restrictions were never about the President – it was just a convenient excuse to restrict how and when Knicks fans celebrate.”
The NYPD shut down a five-block stretch of Midtown to pedestrian and vehicular traffic for Monday night’s Game 3, citing President Trump’s attendance at the first Knicks home NBA Finals game in 27 years
The restrictions also required each person entering the so-called frozen zone to walk through metal detectors.
The NYPD confirmed Tuesday that City Hall had approved an outdoor MSG watch party for Wednesday night’s game after Monday’s was relocated to Bryant Park.
But unlike past watch parties outside the Mecca, Wednesday’s event will require tickets and “everyone attending will be screened,” an NYPD spokesperson said.
Past viewing parties outside the Garden have drawn up to 6,000 fans — but a source familiar with the situation said that less than 1,000 tickets will be available.
The department also said the same area around the Garden will be closed off from West 29th Street to 35th Street between Sixth and Eighth Avenue.
Mamdani, who attended Game 3 with a crew of New York lawmakers, confirmed Wednesday night’s “ticketed” celebration in a post to X.
“As we prepare to watch together, let me be clear: this is a historic, joyful moment for our city. We will not allow it to be disrupted by violence,” he wrote.
“Be safe, take care, and celebrate responsibly. Knicks in 5,” the mayor concluded.
MSG argued the same security measures are going to damage small businesses around the arena, which rely on a flood of fans to boost business.
Angela Reilly, owner of Molly Wee Pub on Eighth Avenue and West 30th Street, fumed about the security lockdown zone on Monday.
“Of course it’s bad for us. Especially a home game, we would be chockablocked,” said Reilly, 72.
“Last week, we were packed, and they were away. This week, we are home. People were looking through the windows to see the TV. We are not allowing that,” she explained as only three dozen customers were inside.
But around the corner at American Whiskey at least 500 Knicks fans managed to show up Monday night.
“The turnout has been nothing short of amazing,” owner Kevin Hooshangi told The Post. “At times, none of this seems real. The energy tonight and Wednesday is off the charts.”
Garden officials called both Mamdani and Tisch “New York City’s biggest party poopers” as they urged them to reverse course.
“The complete closing of areas around MSG is going to affect not only the celebration but also all the small businesses that rely on Garden fans for their livelihood,” MSG said.
“These celebrations are part of the heart and soul of New Yorkers. The actions of the Mayor and Police Commissioner, supposedly in support of the Knicks and their fans, are difficult to understand. We urge them to lift these restrictions and embrace the love of the team.”
The watch parties have brought out thousands of Knicks fans, but have also led to spots of destruction and violence, leading to dozens of arrests during New York’s playoff run.
Monday night was especially rowdy as 21 people were cuffed when the Bryant Park event descended into chaos.
