NYPD Lifts Knicks MSG Watch Party Ban for NBA Finals Ahead of Game 1 vs. Spurs

Ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, Knicks fans received some good news.

The NYPD announced on Wednesday that the ban on watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden has officially been lifted before the start of the NBA Finals series.

A spokesperson for the NYPD told Joe Marino, Katherine Donlevy and Alex Oliveira of the New York Post last month that watch parties outside of MSG would no longer be supported by police. Six people were arrested at the watch party for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Now, fans can return to Plaza 33 outside of MSG and Summer Stage in Central Park to catch the NBA Finals. In addition to the outdoor watch parties, the Knicks will be hosting a watch party inside MSG, with tickets available for $10. The ticket proceeds will benefit the Garden of Dreams Foundation, which brings "life-changing opportunities to young people in need year-round." A young member of the foundation will be performing the National Anthem at the watch party.

The Knicks are in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, when they lost to the Spurs in five games. New York will have a strong chance at revenge this year, as it is riding an 11-game playoff win streak into Wednesday's Game 1.

Fans will certainly be excited to gather together to watch the Knicks chase their first NBA championship since 1973, and the watch parties will provide even more positive vibes in New York during the Finals.