Watch Party Outside MSG Returns For Game 1 Of NBA Finals After Ban Is Reversed

NEW YORK CITY — Watch parties outside Madison Square Garden will return for Game 1 of the NBA Finals after a previous ban was reversed.

The watch party for Game 1 will be held at Plaza 33 at 8:30 p.m.

"The Mayor is thrilled that the Knicks will be hosting NBA Finals watch parties, including inside and outside Madison Square Garden and another in Central Park, for Game 1," a Mamdani spokesperson told Patch.

"Our administration is proud to support these efforts and give New Yorkers opportunities to come together and celebrate this historic Knicks run. As a Knicks fan and a New Yorker, the Mayor feels the energy and excitement this team has brought to the city. This is a special moment for all five boroughs, and we're thrilled these celebrations are moving forward. Let's go Knicks."

The city has said that permits for other Finals watch parties will be decided on a game-by-game basis.

The NYPD and the city yanked permits for outdoor watch parties during the Eastern Conference Finals after rowdy crowds led to six arrests on May 21.

Around 6,000 fans showed up outside Madison Square Garden that night.

According to police, fans were jumping on police barriers, blocking traffic near the arena, and climbing on top of subway entrances.

The Knicks are now four wins away from ending the franchise's 53-year championship drought. This will be the franchise's sixth NBA Finals appearance.

In addition, there will be a watch party at SummerStage in Central Park for Game 1. Knicks fan will need to register for the free event.