Security cordon around MSG Saturday ahead of Knicks, World Cup, 5 Seconds of Summer concert
NYPD cordoned off areas outside the entrance to Penn Station on Saturday. Credit: Ed Quinn
The NYPD is again enforcing a secure perimeter around Madison Square Garden on Saturday as tens of thousands of people are expected in the area.
The beefed-up security comes as the Knicks could potentially clinch the NBA championship in San Antonio Saturday night and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosts its first game of this year's FIFA World Cup, between Brazil and Morocco. MSG will also be hosting a concert Saturday evening and an outdoor Knicks watch party for 3,000 fans.
As of 4 p.m., police will not allow people to enter the secure area unless they have a ticket to the 5 Seconds of Summer concert, a train ticket, plan to visit a business such as a restaurant or live in the area.
The secure perimeter runs from West 29th Street to West 35th Street between Sixth and Eighth avenues, the NYPD said.
A similar perimeter was established prior to Knicks hosting games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals earlier this week.
The NYPD will have four designated entry points and fans will need to go to the corresponding location depending on the event they are attending.
- Sixth Avenue at West 33rd Street is open for all.
- Sixth Avenue at West 32nd Street is the only entry point for World Cup screening.
- Eighth Avenue at West 33rd Street will not have watch party access.
- Eighth Avenue at West 30th Street will not have watch party access.
The NYPD will screen everyone entering the secure area. No backpacks, bags, alcohol, bottles or umbrellas are permitted.
At 8:30 p.m., anyone traveling through Penn Station is required to use Moynihan Station. Travelers are encouraged to use Grand Central Madison, where the Long Island Rail Road plans to run additional departing trains.
The World Cup at MetLife game kicks off at 6 p.m. and the Knicks play at 8:30 p.m.
World Cup fans returning to Penn Station after the game will not be allowed to stay in the secured area, police said.
MSG announced gates open at 6 p.m. for the concert, one hour earlier than previously announced. After the concert, those in attendance at MSG will be required to leave the secure area.
Joe Werkmeister joined Newsday in 2022 and covers Suffolk County government and politics. He is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and previously worked as the editor of two North Fork community newspapers.
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