Knicks fans will be apoplectic over NYPD shutting down watch parties outside MSG

NYPD is shutting down further Knicks watch parties outside Madison Square Garden during the playoffs. Games 1 and 2 brought increasingly problematic incidents at outside watch parties, including six arrests on Thursday night. Because of the recent drunk and disorderly behavior, police will not support additional watch parties at other sites around New York during the postseason. Permit requests for other locations will continue to be reviewed. Knicks playoff games have drawn thousands of fans to gather outside the arena on large TV screens, offering a free way to watch when fans cannot get inside. The Knicks lead the Eastern Conference Finals 3-0 over the Cleveland Cavaliers and need one more win. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday in Cleveland.

"“Games 1 and 2 have seen progressively more problematic issues at the watch parties outside MSG - six arrests (Thursday) night alone - so the NYPD will not support more watch parties outside the stadium,” the outlet wrote, which was first reported by the New York Post."

"“Permit requests for watch parties at other sites around New York will continue to be reviewed, the police spokesman said,” The Athletic reported."

"Knicks playoff games have drawn thousands of fans to watch outside the Garden, on large TV screens. Tickets to Knicks games during the postseason are selling for thousands of dollars online. The watch parties provided a way previously for fans to join in the fun, even though they couldn't make it inside the arena."

"New York is leading the Eastern Conference Finals 3-0, over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Knicks need just one more win to take the series. Fans will have to find another way to gather together for free to watch. Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals is on Monday, in Cleveland."

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