NBA fans will be searched by Secret Service agents with a 'Ring of Steel' placed around Madison Square Garden ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, with Donald Trump set to attend

A large security wall has been erected around the entire perimeter of Madison Square Garden due to Donald Trump's presence, with Secret Service agents ready to search all fans attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals.

President Trump confirmed he would attend Monday's game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs and even hinted he could attend Game 4 on Wednesday. The Knicks haven't hosted an NBA Finals game since 1999, and haven't won the championship since 1973.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will also be attending the game, though he has no plans to watch alongside Trump. MSG has heightened security measures for Monday's game, with fans encouraged to arrive early to go through the security wall and be searched before entering the arena.

A massive security wall has been placed around the exterior of MSG, with fans already in line as early as 10 a.m. ET to ensure there are no complications before tip-off at 8:30 p.m. ET. The NYPD released a statement ahead of Monday's game, referencing the Secret Service and the heightened measures.

"Tonight is Game 3 of the NBA finals – an exciting time for New York City – and we want everyone to be able to enjoy the game safely," the statement read. "With tonight’s presidential visit, there will be extra security measures in and around MSG that the NYPD and Secret Service have planned together."

The Secret Service also released a statement on the security fencing, explaining the search procedure at MSG. "By entering this area, you are consenting to a search of your person and belongings," it read.

"Persons entering or remaining in this area without lawful authority are in violation of federal law and will be subject to arrest and prosecution." Trump's attendance has been met with backlash from fans, as it forced the watch party outside MSG to be canceled.

The NYPD reinstated the watch party for Game 1 of the NBA Finals after previously banning it due to crowd trouble. However, Mamdani has since announced that the watch party will take place at Bryant Park, located six streets north of MSG.

Mamdani also commended the security plans in place at MSG, stating, "The procedures that are being taken today are ones that honor that right, and they also look to ensure that we are providing safety and security for this evening.

"As we know, what comes with a presidential visit and secret services protocols necessitates a different set of preparation than we would otherwise be taking." Mamdani reportedly paid $1,000 for his standing-only ticket at MSG on Monday.

Trump, meanwhile, was invited by MSG owner Jim Dolan, and the U.S. President also faced backlash for his comments on ticket prices. Ahead of Game 1, tickets were selling for $8,000 and had dropped to roughly $5,000 on the day of the game.

When asked about the high prices, stopping the majority of fans from attempting to buy tickets, Trump said on Air Force One, "You can watch it on television. It’s sort of semi-free to watch it on television.

"That’s the way life goes. Now, if the team wasn’t a big success, you could go very easily. That’s just the way life is."